to fit the work so that stress and problems reduce stress and health problems. Important aspects that are considered by ergonomists are in relation to worker capacity (both physiological and psychological), task demands (comprising nature and complexity, force required, duration, posture) and the work environment (noise, humidity, vibration, light, temperature). The science of ergonomics is set on the four pillars, namely anthropometry (body size and measurements), biomechanics (musculoskeletal activities and forces exerted), physiology and industrial psychology. Need for ergonomics: Use of ergonomics in the workplace is important for : Improving safety and health by – reducing number and severity of workplace injuries.
– reducing possibility of accidents due to human error. Improving job effectiveness by – increasing productivity – reducing errors – eliminating or reducing injuries Ergonomics: An effective productivity tool that addresses matters related to: workplace / workstation design task design / design of work methods equipment design facilities environment Improving job effectiveness by – increasing job satisfaction through comfortable working conditions. Benefits of Ergonomics Reduces risk of injury and accidents Increases productivity Reduces mistakes and need to do the work again Increases efficiency Decreases absenteeism due to ill health / accidents / stress Improves morale of workers. The importance of ergonomics can be illustrated with a simple example.
For a person who does office work, sitting on a chair that does not conform to ergonomic safety specifications can cause back pain . According to ergonomic principles, it is necessary that the chair height and stand be adjustable to the user’s height and body measurements. The number of chair legs must be suitable to its size to avoid falling. Any ergonomics intervention must be viewed in light of its effect on productivity, and the best ergonomics solutions will often improve productivity.
Simply put, reducing unnecessary or awkward postures and exertions almost necessarily reduces the time it takes to complete a given task, thus improving productivity. Creating a safe and productive work environment is critical for any work place. Employees represent an organisation’s most important asset. When a task is matched with the ability of the people who will perform it, they will make fewer errors and produce less waste.
Ergonomic design considerations have been shown to influence employee productivity and retention. We have discussed at length various employment-related aspects that are pertinent to livelihoods and productive professional careers. At this juncture, it is necessary to also direct attention to the exciting possibility of self-employment, personal enterprise and entrepreneurship. Self- employment and innovative entrepreneurial ventures can be challenging, stimulating and highly rewarding; hence they merit attention as an avenue for building satisfying careers.