The word ergonomics is of Greek origin: ergon means human work and strength, while nomos means laws or rules. Ergonomics is therefore the science of the relationship between people and work. Its purpose is to adapt work processes and the working environment to people’s mental and physical capabilities, enabling effective work that can be performed without threatening health.
In EU Member States, the term ergonomics is commonly used, while in the United States the term human factors is also widely used. According to the International Ergonomics Association, ergonomics – human factors is the scientific discipline concerned with interactions between people and other elements of a system. It encompasses the theoretical and practical study of people’s interaction with environments, technologies and tools, the analysis of relevant data, and the design of working environments and technologies to support well-being at work and organisational effectiveness.
Ergonomics considers people and work as one system, taking physical, cognitive and organisational factors into account.
Working postures, physical workload, manual handling, repetitive movements, workplace layout and risks affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Attention, perception, memory, decision-making, information load, fatigue, stress and human interaction with technology.
Work processes, communication, teamwork, working-time arrangements, leadership, remote work and the interaction between people, technology and organisations.
Sustainable improvements are achieved when people, work tasks, technology, the working environment and the organisation are considered together.
Health + Safety + Work quality + Productivity
Helps reduce physical and cognitive overload, fatigue and risks affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Helps reduce the likelihood of errors, injuries and unsafe working techniques.
Supports better-designed processes, appropriate use of technology and the reduction of unnecessary workload.
Creates a working environment that takes account of people’s capabilities, needs and individual differences.
Ergonomic improvement begins with understanding the work situation and concludes with evaluating the results of implemented solutions.
Workplaces, workload, working techniques and processes.
Employees, managers and occupational health and safety professionals.
The working environment, equipment, working techniques and processes.
Review the effectiveness of implemented solutions and identify further priorities.
LES experts can help assess your working environment, identify priority improvements and select the most suitable form of cooperation.
