What is Ergonomics and Who are Ergonomists?
Introduction
Awareness of ergonomics has increased greatly over the past two decades. Issues related to ergonomics are frequently discussed in the media and have been the focus of attention for government departments, workers' compensation boards, and private and public work places. Post-secondary educational institutions have been adding courses related to ergonomics to their curricula. All this attention and the recognition of the benefits to be gained from ergonomics has increased the demand for people who can provide ergonomics related services. Those who apply ergonomics theory and use ergonomics evaluation and design methods/principles are called ergonomists.
Unfortunately, many corporations don't have groups and/or individuals that may be qualified to provide such services or products. Many potential users of ergonomics become confused or overwhelmed when trying to understand and ensure that they properly performed an ergonomic assessment and made steps towards a re-design or control.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with interactions among humans and other elements of a system (e.g.the tools, equipment, products, tasks, organization, technology, and environment). The profession applies theory, principles, data, methods and analysis to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.
What Barantas Ergonomists Do
Our Ergonomists participate in the design of systems to optimize overall system performance. From an ergonomics point-of-view, a system is comprised of devices, tools, technologies, environments, and/or organizational structures with which people interact to accomplish defined objectives. Barnatas Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. Barantas uses a holistic approach and will ensure that physical, cognitive, social, organizational, environmental and other relevant factors are taken into account when making recommendations regarding the design or modification of a system. |
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