Ergonomics
Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary science that deals systematically with the analysis, design, and optimisation of working conditions, products, and systems in order to adapt them to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs and abilities of people. The aim of ergonomics is to design workplaces, tools, machines, work processes, and human–machine interfaces in such a way that they promote human performance, enhance safety and comfort, and at the same time minimise the risk of work-related illness and injury. This is achieved through the application of sound ergonomic principles that take account of anthropometric as well as biomechanical, psychological, and social factors.
In practice, this means that workplaces are designed with consideration for individual differences in body size, strength, and mobility in order to reduce strain and promote health. However, ergonomics goes beyond purely physical adaptation and also encompasses cognitive ergonomics, which addresses the optimisation of information processing, decision-making, and mental workload, as well as organisational ergonomics, which focuses on the design of work processes, communication, and teamwork.
Ergonomic interventions are applied in numerous fields, including the design of office workstations, the development of user-friendly products, ensuring traffic safety, the optimisation of medical technology, and improving interaction with digital interfaces. By integrating ergonomic insights into product and workplace design, not only is efficiency increased, but also employee satisfaction, motivation, and long-term health are promoted. In this way, ergonomics makes a decisive contribution to the prevention of workplace accidents and occupational illnesses, as well as to the general enhancement of quality of life at work.
Mohokum, M., Ellegast, R. (2021). Ergonomie am Büroarbeitsplatz. In: Tiemann, M., Mohokum, M. (eds) Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung. Springer Reference Pflege – Therapie – Gesundheit . Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.