What Is An Ergonomist?

When many of us hear the term ergonomics we think of an exotic looking keyboard or an admonition to sit up straighter. In actuality, ergonomics is the study of how the individual interacts with their work environment. It derives from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (natural laws), meaning “the laws of work.” Other frequently heard phrases such as “fitting the task to the person” or “working smarter, not harder” also describe the practical applications of ergonomics.

WHAT IS AN ERGONOMIST?

Ergonomics practitioners can come from many backgrounds, from industrial engineering to industrial hygiene, to healthcare professionals such as physical therapy, as well as those with degrees in ergonomics or human factors. Many have certifications from independent organizations that require several years of training and experience, and a passing grade on an examination.

They bring their expertise and experience to analyze how a job is performed as well as the person performing it, looking for risk factors that may lead to injury and discomfort, in addition to streamlining jobs to eliminate tasks that don’t contribute to getting the job done.

ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS

Many people experience discomfort or even outright injury as a result of work related activities. Many more waste time and energy performing tasks that are unnecessary to do their job. Ergonomics practitioners spend time evaluating a person (in the office setting), or group of people (in the industrial setting), identifying the tasks performed to complete their goals.

The practitioner may take measurements such as time to perform tasks, the number or movements required, the amount and size of objects lifted and moved, and the angles of body parts to assess the stresses placed upon the body.

After evaluating the job or individual, the ergonomist then analyzes the job for the presence of certain physical stressers such as repetitive movements, awkward postures, forceful exertions, prolonged positions, pressure of hard objects, as well as environmental stresses such as temperature, air flow, and lighting. Controlling or eliminating these injury risk factors is the goal of any ergonomic intervention.

RISK FACTOR CONTROL

Once identified, an ergonomist devises strategies to reduce or eliminate risk factors identified during the evaluation process. The first strategy is to eliminate tasks performed that add to the physical or mental stresses but don’t affect how the job is performed.

Probably the best example is handwriting notes that eventually must be entered into a computer anyway, which adds the physical effort of writing as well as introducing potential errors from mistakes made when transcribing the written notes into digital form.

The next step is to design or modify the work space to place the worker in the least stressful position to perform their job, such as placing heavy objects on elevated surfaces to reduce bending, or recommending a larger chair for a taller person. Next the ergonomist may recommend specific tools that reduce physical stresses or automate tasks to get the job done more safely and efficiently. Lastly, recommendations regarding administrative control, such as stretch breaks or job rotation can further reduce risk factors.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Ergonomics and ergonomic practitioners can not only make work less stressful and more comfortable, they can also make it more efficient. This not only affects how the worker performs their job, but can also improve the bottom line in reduced absenteeism and turnover

By: Andrew L. Concors, PT, MBA, CIE

Andrew Concors is a licensed physical therapist and certified industrial  ergonomist based in Southern California. His company, CPT Consulting, provides ergonomic and injury prevention training and services to corporations, organizations, and individuals including ATT, the State of  California, and the City of La Mesa.  He received his physical therapy education and Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan and his Masters of Business Administration from Troy University as well as a Certificate in Safety and Ergonomics Specialist from UCSD- Extension. His ergonomics certification is through the Oxford Research Institute.