What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the study of work. Also called Human Factors, it is a practice that seeks to fit the work and the workplace to the worker, not the other way around.

Ergonomics professionals look at four areas or dimensions of work when they consult with companies seeking to improve worker safety and comfort: the worker, the workplace, the task, and the tool.

As world markets have become more competitive, jobs have become more specialized and automated. In the workplace this means greater pressure to produce, increasing the possibility of injury. Some injuries like cuts, bruises and fractures are sudden and obvious. But another type of injury is less apparent and happens slowly. Called Cumulative Trauma Disorder or CTD, this type of injury occurs slowly over time. It happens something like this.

As production pressures increase, greater precision and speed are required. A worker’s effort for an entire shift may be concentrated on a small group of muscles and tendons. When movement occurs, the muscles, tendons and ligaments rub together. If the action is fast enough, is forceful and if the motion is repeated for a long period of time, friction and heat build up in the joints. Microscopic damage, called microtrauma, occurs in the joints as a result. Microtrauma by itself is painless and will heal overnight. When microtrauma is allowed to build over time the healing process cannot keep pace with continued injury.

As a result, the tissues eventually become damaged and inflamed, causing pain and limiting function. Cumulative Trauma most commonly occurs in the joints of the hands, elbow and shoulders.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other CTDs can be minimized by the use of proper hand positioning, as well as good overall posture. The most common advice is to maintain a straight wrist. There is also evidence to show that a program of focused exercises for the hand and arm as well as regular work breaks can reduce CTD. In general, the prevention of CTDs and other injuries is the result of balancing the needs of the workers with the job requirements, the tools, and thew workplace.

While the science of ergonomics can be very complicated, the basics are simple. A job can be made safer and more comfortable by looking at how the worker fits into the overall picture formed by the workplace, what the worker does on the job, and the tools used by the worker.

Two major goals of ergonomics are a more effective workplace and improved work conditions. Employers look for efficiency and productivity from their workers. Workers look for a workplace that is safe and satisfying. Ergonomics attempts to balance the needs and requirements of both, and when realized can yield benefits such as improved productivity, fewer errors, greater safety and less stress.

To obtain a copy of the Basic Ergonomics for Hand Tool Users booklet please contact:
Cooper Tools, PO Box 30100, Raleigh, NC 27622