What is Ergonomics?
When we say our company is an Ergonomics Consulting company generally the first response, we get is either “What is Ergonomics?”, or “Oh, so you adjust desks and chairs right?”. While the latter response is correct, this is not all we do as Ergonomics encompasses more than just office desks and chairs.
Generally, Ergonomics can be defined as ‘The scientific study of the relationship between work, the worker and the workplace’. The goal is to design the work environments to improve the safety, health, comfort & performance of the worker and minimize risks of injury.
So, what does this mean for you or someone who gets an ergonomic assessment from us?
Well, we will fit the work or workspace to you (the worker) not make you (the worker) fit into the work or workspace. We can do this in a variety of ways which includes analyzing your work, workspace, and you (the worker) to make needed adjustments.
We assess the Primary Ergonomic Risk Factors to help us determine where the highest risk is and what needs to be addressed first, these are:
- Force – the amount that may need to be lifted/ pushed/ pulled/ carried
- Posture - the joint angles of your body completing different tasks
- Repetition – how frequently a task is completed
We conduct a risk assessment of these factors in many environments including office, industrial, and manufacturing to then help us determine adjustments and recommendations needed.
Our goal is to reduce the risks of pain and injury to improve comfort and efficiency. To do this we look first at how we can change the environment (Engineering Controls), then how we may be able to change the work, tools or tasks (Administrative Controls).
If you are looking for a risk assessment and recommendations for your workspace, contact us today!