What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is a scientific discipline, which is concerned with improving the productivity, health, safety and comfort of people, as well as promoting effective interaction among people, technology and the environment in which both must operate.

Purpose

Ergonomic furniture should be designed to facilitate task performance, minimize fatigue and injury by fitting equipment to the body size, strength and range of motion of the user. Office furnishings, which are generally available, have adjustable components that enable the user to modify the workstation to accommodate different physical dimensions and the requirements of the job. Ergonomically designed furniture can reduce pain and injury, increase productivity, improve morale, and decrease complaints.

The purchase of equipment should be task specific to eliminate:
(a) Static or awkward posture
(b) Repetitive motion
(c) Poor access or inadequate clearance and excessive reach
(d) Display that are difficult to read and understand
(e) Controls that are confusing to operate or require too much force. Therefore, furniture that is selected should be suitable for the types of tasks performed and be adaptable to multi-purpose use. Office workstations must be designed carefully to meet the need of the staff and to accomplish the goals of the facility.

Design objectives should support humans to achieve the operational objectives for which they are responsible. There are three goals to consider in human-centered design.
- Enhance human abilities
- Overcome human limitations
- Foster user acceptance

To achieve these objectives, there are several key elements of ergonomics in the office to consider.
- Equipment - video display terminals
- Software design - system design and screen design for greater usability
- Workstation design - chairs, work surfaces and accessories
- Environment - space planning, use of colors, lighting, acoustics, air quality and thermal factors
- Training - preparing workers to deal with technology