Ergonomics and Your Workplace

Ergonomics, in a nutshell, is the study or practice concerned with how a people match or fit with their environment and the technological tools that they use, most especially for work or to function at work. It takes into consideration how tools, equipment and environment of work or the workplace should suit an individual’s capabilities and limitations. According to the International Ergonomics Association, ergonomics is divided into three broad classifications: physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics and organizational ergonomics. Physical ergonomics is about an individual’s anatomical, anthropometrical, physiological and biomechanical characteristics relate to physical activity. This involves systems as broad and seemingly simplistic as how an individual should be positioned, literally, in his or her desk in order to function properly. Cognitive ergonomics, on the other hand, is concerned with how mental processes like perception, memory, reasoning and motor response affect inter-personal interaction, as well as its reaction with other systems. This also involves factors such as human-computer interaction and decision-making. Organizational ergonomics could perhaps be the least broad of the three as it is concerned with how socio-technical systems, with their organizational structures, processes and policies, are optimized. This, on the other hand, involves issues such as communication, cooperation or teamwork, and quality management. In the work place, ergonomics, as imparted by a comprehensive ergonomics presentation, can be integrated with Lean practices, as well as Lean Six Sigma projects in order to effectively result to a more organized and a better functioning manufacturing floor, with highly motivated workers and happy customers. Ergonomics can be effectively introduced and explained to your employees through an ergonomics presentation. The typical presentation contains modules for ergonomics awareness, which includes definition and history, as well as case studies to further explain how the system can help improve overall production and performance. While it serves as the best and most convenient way to learn about and to implement ergonomics in the workplace, the ergonomics presentation should also be able to serve as an effective reference guide in process-improving practices. It can also be used as a periodical manual to help employees retain and sustain the practices that the system entails.