Ergonomist

Ergonomists analyse the design of equipment, furniture, and systems in order to improve it toward safer, healthier, and more efficient ones. They strive to improve the interaction of people with equipment and the environment.

Ergonomists typically do the following:

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of worksites, including office spaces, manufacturing facilities, healthcare settings, and transportation environments, to identify ergonomic hazards and risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Evaluate workstation layout, equipment design, task demands, and employee work habits through observations, measurements, and ergonomic assessments.
• Analyze job tasks, workflows, and work processes to identify opportunities for ergonomic improvements and ergonomic risk reduction. Assess physical demands, repetitive motions, force exertions, posture requirements, and manual handling tasks that may contribute to ergonomic strain or injury.
• Design and recommend ergonomic solutions, modifications, and interventions to optimize workplace design, equipment selection, and task design. Implement ergonomic principles in the design of workstations, tools, furniture, and equipment to accommodate diverse body sizes, physical abilities, and work requirements.
• Design and layout workspaces to facilitate optimal ergonomic conditions, including proper seating arrangements, workstation heights, monitor placement, keyboard positioning, and reach zones. Ensure adequate space allocation, clearance, and accessibility to minimize ergonomic risk factors and promote comfortable working postures.
• Provide ergonomic training and education to employees, supervisors, and managers on topics such as ergonomic awareness, proper lifting techniques, workstation ergonomics, and injury prevention strategies. Offer workshops, seminars, and online resources to promote ergonomic best practices and foster a culture of safety and wellness in the workplace.
• Conduct ergonomic risk assessments and job hazard analyses (JHAs) to prioritize ergonomic interventions and control measures based on the severity of risks and potential for injury. Use validated assessment tools, ergonomic checklists, and risk assessment matrices to quantify ergonomic hazards and prioritize corrective actions.
• Specialize in office ergonomics to address ergonomic issues related to computer workstations, office furniture, and sedentary work environments. Recommend ergonomic office chairs, adjustable desks, monitor arms, keyboard trays, and accessories to promote neutral postures, reduce static loading, and prevent discomfort.
• Develop and implement manual handling and lifting programs to reduce the risk of back injuries and musculoskeletal strains associated with manual material handling tasks. Provide training on proper lifting techniques, body mechanics, load handling, and use of lifting aids to prevent overexertion injuries.
• Evaluate vehicle ergonomics and driver interface design in automotive, aviation, and transportation industries to optimize cockpit layout, control placement, seating comfort, and visibility. Recommend ergonomic adjustments, vehicle modifications, and driver training programs to minimize driver fatigue, discomfort, and distraction.
• Address ergonomic challenges in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, to improve patient care ergonomics and healthcare worker safety. Assess patient handling tasks, medical equipment design, and healthcare work environments to prevent musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare professionals.
• Develop, implement, and manage ergonomic programs and initiatives within organizations to promote employee health, safety, and well-being. Establish ergonomic policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent application of ergonomic principles across departments and facilities.
• Conduct research studies, ergonomic evaluations, and program evaluations to assess the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions and ergonomic initiatives in reducing workplace injuries and improving work performance. Collect and analyze ergonomic data, injury statistics, and employee feedback to inform evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

The following job titles also refer to ergonomist:

ergonomic scientist
ergonomic researcher
ergonomic research scientist
ergonomic research analyst
ergonomic science researcher
ergonomists
ergonomic analyst

Ergonomists may work in various settings, including corporate offices, manufacturing plants, research laboratories, healthcare facilities, government agencies, and consulting firms. They may spend time in both office environments and field settings, conducting onsite assessments, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and interacting with clients or stakeholders. The work schedule may vary depending on project deadlines, client needs, and travel requirements.

A bachelor’s degree in ergonomics, human factors engineering, industrial engineering, occupational health and safety, or a related field is typically required for entry-level positions as an ergonomist. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or professional certification in ergonomics or human factors. Practical experience gained through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in ergonomics, safety, or industrial engineering is valuable. Ergonomists may pursue certification as a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or other relevant credentials to demonstrate expertise in ergonomics practice and enhance career advancement opportunities. Continuous learning and staying updated on advancements in ergonomics research, technology, and best practices contribute to ongoing professional development as an ergonomist.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Ergonomist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to ergonomist.

industrial designer
design engineer
automotive engineer
automotive designer
industrial tool design engineer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of ergonomist.

• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
• Design principles: The elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.
• Human anatomy: The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
• Copyright legislation: Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.
• Ergonomics: The science of designing systems, processes and products that complement the strengths of people so that they can use them easily and safely.

These skills are necessary for the role of ergonomist.

• Follow a brief: Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
• Determine suitability of materials: While designing products, determine if materials are suitable and available for production.
• Identify customer’s needs: Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.
• Analyse ergonomics in different workplaces: Analyse how people interact with machinery, equipment, and work spaces from an ergonomic point of view.
• Draft design specifications: List the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.
• Conduct research on trends in design: Conduct research on present and future evolutions and trends in design, and associated target market features.
• Use cad software: Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
• Consult with design team: Discuss the project and design concepts with the design team, finalise proposals and present these to stakeholders.
• Draw design sketches: Create rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of ergonomist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Occupational physiology: The complex physiology of specific jobs and its relation to disorders and medical conditions and the way to optimize health, work ability, and productivity.
• Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
• Manufacturing processes: The steps required to transform a material into a product, including its development and full-scale manufacturing.
• Aesthetics: Set of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.
• Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
• 3D modelling: The process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D printing devices.
• Industrial design: The practice of designing products to be manufactured through techniques of mass production.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of ergonomist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Apply 3D imaging techniques: Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.
• Create a product’s virtual model: Create a mathematical or three-dimensional computer graphic model of the product by using a CAE system or a calculator.
• Use technical drawing software: Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
• Gather feedback from employees: Communicate in an open and positive manner in order to assess levels of satisfaction with employees, their outlook on the work environment, and in order to identify problems and devise solutions.
• Adapt to new design materials: Without neglecting more traditional techniques and materials, monitor materials innovation such as new resin, plastic, paints, metals, etc. Develop ability to use them and include them in design projects.
• Build a product’s physical model: Use hand or electrical tools to build a model of the product out of wood, clay, or other materials.
• Design prototypes: Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
• Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances: Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
• Teach ergonomics in work place: Teach employees how to use their bodies properly in relation to machinery and equipment without harming themselves.
• Write manuals: Write instructions about properly and safely using equipment, machinery, and systems.
• Assess ergonomics of the workplace: Assess ergonomics of the workplace in relation to human resources.
• Prepare production prototypes: Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.

2263 – Environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals

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References

1. Ergonomist – ESCO
2. Ergonomist | Explore careers – National Careers Service
3. Ergonomist job profile – Prospects.ac.uk
4. Featured image: Image by Arpit from Pixabay