Ergonomics analyzes various issues that favor the adaptation between human beings and objects.
The term ergonomics comes from a Greek word and refers to the study of biological and technological data that allow adaptation between man and machines or objects.
The translation of the Greek concept is related to the rules that regulate human actions. Ergonomics, therefore, analyzes the interaction between the human being and other elements of a system with the aim of promoting human well-being and system performance .
Purpose of ergonomics
Ergonomics aims to make people and technology work in harmony. To this end, it is dedicated to the design of jobs, tools and utensils that, thanks to their characteristics, manage to satisfy human needs and overcome their limitations. This discipline , therefore, makes it possible to avoid or reduce human injuries and diseases linked to the use of technology and artificial environments.
But these two are not the only benefits that come with carrying out the development and application of the aforementioned ergonomics. In this sense, we could highlight that it also allows increasing efficiency and productivity or the good climate that exists within the organization. All of this without forgetting that it allows you to simplify the tasks assigned to the employee.
A chair designed with ergonomic criteria minimizes bad posture and reduces body discomfort.
Objects and devices with a specific design
An ergonomic object is one that offers user comfort, efficiency and a good level of productivity. For example: there are people who spend many hours a day sitting in front of a computer for work reasons. Ergonomics is responsible for designing specific chairs for this task and seeks to adapt certain elements (such as the keyboard) for greater user comfort. Without the application of ergonomic techniques on these objects, it is possible that the person suffers from back and joint pain, among others.
In the case of all those devices that are used by people with physical disability or mobility problems, ergonomics takes into account a whole series of elements to ensure that the aforementioned devices are as comfortable, efficient and effective for said individuals. Thus, for example, in wheelchairs such important details as the height of the seat as well as its inclination, the width or the distance between the footrest and the aforementioned seat are taken care of.
For its part, in the case of the design of work equipment and the tools that they have at their disposal, we could establish the fact that ergonomics, to achieve the best advantages for employees, is responsible for taking care of to the millimeter everything related to the comfort of the chairs, noise, the height of the work surface with respect to elbow height or the implementation of anti-fatigue mats for all those workers who perform their tasks standing up daily.
Importance of ergonomics
In the case of Spain, we would have to highlight that there is the Spanish Ergonomics Association that is responsible, among other things, for promoting the value of said activity for the well-being of all.
Ergonomics, at a general level, uses notions from engineering , physiology, biomechanics and psychology , among other sciences , to meet its objectives of efficiency and comfort.