Ergonomics

 Ergonomics

What is Ergonomics....?

While ergonomics is frequently delegated to the realm of safety professionals, it can be a great focus for HR as well-reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and healthier employees are all benefits. Business consultant Bridget Miller has some ergonomics tips for employers. Ergonomics refers to the study of how people interact with their working environment and then adjusting that environment to improve efficiency—all while reducing the chance for injury and optimizing well-being and productivity. This assessment and adjustment takes into account the individual’s physical characteristics as well as the movements and actions needed to accomplish the job. In short, it means employers are adapting the job and the work environment to suit the worker, rather than making the worker adapt (Bruce, S. 2015).

Ergonomics can be understood as the science of creating or designing devices and equipment that are fit for the human body and enhances the activity performed. The term ergonomics came by the derivation of two Greek words ‘ergon’ which means work and ‘nomoi’ which means natural laws. Ergonomics also includes information on safety and health issues while working during the shifts and extended work days. It is the study of matching the product with its user and job with its worker. Ergonomists and the practitioners of ergonomics focus and work to design and evaluate the products, environment, jobs and tasks to make them more useful and compatible for the needs, limitations and abilities of the people. Ergonomists should have a much broader understanding of the complete discipline and its scope. Ergonomists often prefer working in specific economic domains. The economic domains aren’t mutually exclusive and evolve constantly over the years, when the new ones are created then the old ones take some new perspective.

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How does ergonomic link with HRM...?

During the last years, ergonomics became one of the reference domains in the managerial theory and practice. Ergonomics is a major component of the human resources management and also, it is an important factor of performances. Ergonomics is the link between efficiency, effectiveness, security and heath and in this context it is necessary to approach the ergonomics and its impact on the process of the organizational development and on the employees. The links between ergonomics and Human Resources Management are important not just from the methodological perspective; it is necessary to analyze its impact on the organization. So, in this context we could say that ergonomics contributes to the development of Human Resources Management in many ways. Therefore, ergonomics must become one of the major interests of the managers (Christian, M. 2010).

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HRM Asia Newsroom (2018) mentions that Good workplace ergonomics can also help with employee retention because happier and healthier employees translate into improved morale and employee welfare. In the long run, these can help the organization's culture flourish and reduce cost at the same time. In contrast, poor workplace ergonomics compromise employee safety, productivity and happiness which can affect the larger company culture and business bottom-line. Organizations may see a decline in potential output and earnings, especially when they may face increased insurance premiums and medical and administrative costs from injured employees.

What should an Employer consider in ergonomics...?

Some common areas that employers review and improve when undertaking an ergonomic assessment and improvement program:

• The design, layout, and function of workspaces. 
• Chair height should be checked and made suitable for the height of the individual. This takes into account the height from the floor to the knee, and also the height in relation to using the desk. Supports for feet may be needed if the desk cannot be moved.
• Computer monitors should be located an appropriate distance away from the edge of the desk and should be at the proper height to discourage neck strain. They should have the ability to tilt forward or back as needed. The screen should have brightness controls and should be adjusted appropriately. Glare filters should be used if necessary.
• Placement of tools. 
  
  
• Lighting. Lighting should be appropriate for the task to reduce eyestrain.
  
  
• Placement and of ease of use for other frequently used items. Controls and displays should be easy to reach and to read. Items that are accessed regularly should be placed in such a way so that it does not require straining or extreme stretching to retrieve them.
  
  
• Employee training. For example:
• Employees should be given tips and training on reducing the chance of injury in the workspace.
• Training should be provided on how to safely bend and lift items and how to access items that are difficult to reach.
• Training could also include information on repetitive motion and vibration injuries and how to avoid them.

References...

Bruce, S. (2015), what is ergonomics and why does it matter to employers?

Christian, M. (2010), Linking ergonomics with human resources management.

Salvendry, G.(2006), handbook of human factors and ergonomics.