▪ As per International Ergonomics Association, it is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of

interactions among humans and other elements of a system, & the profession that applies theory, principles, data, &
methods to design in order to optimize human well-being & overall system performance.
▪ Ergonomist - experts who make sure that things are designed to fit people comfortably and safely. They help to design
workplaces, products, and systems so that they are easy to use and don't cause problems like injuries or discomfort.

Etymology weaver’s bottom, writer’s cramp, telegrapher’s

wrist, and housemaid’s knee, outlining how these
✓ Comes from the Greek words “ergon” which means injuries relate to working environments and the
work and “nomos” which means laws. occupations of his patients.
✓ “laws of work” or “science of work” (4) 1857
▪ Wojciech Jastrzebowski, a polish scientist, inventor,
Definition
naturalist, and professor coined the word
✓ The study of human interactions with systems, tools, “ergonomics”
and environments, aiming to design workplaces (5) 1890s
that maximize efficiency and reduce discomfort or ▪ Frederick Winslow Taylor is credited in the
injury. development of scientific management.
✓ It is synonymous with Human Factors Engineering. (6) 1900s

▪ Lillian and Frank Gilbreth began running ‘Time and

History of Ergonomics
Motion Studies,’ which examined techniques to
reduce the number of motions required to perform
a given task successfully.
(7) 1921

▪ Russian Researchers, Vladimir Bekhterev & Vladimir

Nikolayevich Myasishchev, criticized Taylorism.
(8) World War II
▪ During WWII, interested expanded into complex
machines and weaponry and the increased demand
on operators’ cognition. The design of equipment
had to take into account human limitations and
(1) Ancient Civilization (Australopithecus Prometheus) take advantage of human capabilities.
▪ Basic ergonomics has existed since the first
ancestors of modern man began creating primitive Domains of Ergonomics
tools to make tasks easier.
(1) Physical Ergonomics – is concerned with human
▪ Archaeological evidence from ancient Egyptian
dynasties
anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and
biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical
(2) 5th Century B.C. activity.
▪ Hippocrates documented some of the earliest ▪ Workplace Ergonomics - The science of fitting
thoughts regarding workflow for improved workplace conditions and job demands to the
efficiency and efficacy. Specifically, he wrote capabilities of the working population.
about how a surgeon’s workplace should be
(2) Cognitive Ergonomics – is concerned with mental
designed and how the tools he uses should be
arranged.
processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and
motor response, as they affect interactions among
(3) 1700s humans and other elements of a system.
▪ Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini wrote a ▪ Relevant topics:
medical journal about complains from his patients
a. mental workload
titled, 'De Morbis Artificum,’ (Diseases of Workers).
The journal detailed a variety of injuries such as b. decision-making
 c. skilled performance (5) Economic and Sustainability Benefits: By preventing
injuries and optimizing work conditions, ergonomics
d. human-computer interaction
reduces healthcare costs and supports sustainable
e. human reliability practices in industries like manufacturing, linking worker
f. work stress well-being with environmental goals.

g. training as these may relate to human- Elements of Work System

system design
(3) Organizational Ergonomics – is concerned with the Work System – a system in which human participants and/or
optimization of sociotechnical systems, including their machines perform a business process using information,
organizational structures, policies, and processes. technology, and other resources to produce product or services
for internal or external customers.
Ergonomic Risk Factors
(1) Physical Elements: These are the tangible
(1) Repetition – Assembly Line work, Doing the same thing components such as tools, equipment, and the
over and over again. physical environment (e.g., lighting, temperature,
and workspace design).
(2) Awkward Postures – refer to positions of the body (limbs,
joints, back) that deviate signicantly from the neutral (2) Human Factors: This refers to the physiological and
position while job tasks are being done psychological characteristics of workers. In
ergonomics, it's important to match the design of
(3) Forceful exertions – Lifting heavy weights, Exerting too the workspace to the capabilities and limitations of
much force to operate something the workers, such as considering body size,
strength, and cognitive abilities.
(4) Contact Stress – results from occasional, repeated or
continuous contact between sensitive body tissue and a
(3) Organizational Factors: These involve the structure
hard or sharp object. of work tasks, such as job roles, workflow, and
scheduling. Well-organized systems can help reduce
(5) Static Postures (Static loading) – refer to physical
stress and fatigue, and promote better work-life
exertion in which the same posture or position is held
balance.
throughout the exertion.

(6) Temperature – Cold environments impair sensory and (4) Environmental Factors: This includes external
motor function, reduced manual dexterity and conditions such as noise, air quality, and
temperature, which can affect workers’ comfort
accentuates symptoms. Hot environments promote
and performance. Managing these environmental
fatigue, overwhelms the body’s ability to deal with heat. factors is crucial for creating an optimal work
(7) Vibration – Contributes to circulatory, skeletal, and system.
neurological impairment and fatigue.
All work systems contain a series of elements that influence
Social Significance the work system. The elements are interdependent and
operate together to create a whole system. These elements
(1) Improved Health and Safety: Ergonomics helps reduce include the worker, the task, the organization's structure, the
work-related injuries and illnesses, particularly organization's policies and guidelines and the organization's
musculoskeletal disorders. This leads to healthier workers leadership practices.
and fewer accidents in the workplace.
(2) Increased Productivity: By minimizing discomfort and
physical strain, ergonomically designed systems improve
worker efficiency, which boosts overall productivity in
organizations
(3) Inclusive Work Environments: Ergonomics promotes
inclusivity by designing workplaces and products that
accommodate people of varying abilities, including those
with disabilities
(4) Enhanced Quality of Life: Ergonomic practices extend
beyond work into daily life, improving comfort in using
everyday tools and environments, contributing to better
overall well-being