Sustainability Language

Social & labour

Ergonomics / human factors

The scientific discipline concerned with interactions among humans and system elements, applied to optimise wellbeing and system performance.

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Definition

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with understanding interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance (International Ergonomics Association definition).

References

Overview

What it means

Ergonomics takes a systems approach across physical (posture, load, repetitive work), cognitive (workload, decision-making, interface design) and organisational domains. Its premise is that humans are problem-solvers, not the problem: accidents and strain arise from system design, so design should fit the human rather than forcing adaptation.

How it is used

Applied in workplace design, musculoskeletal-disorder prevention, product and interface design, and safety management; referenced in occupational-health reporting.

Why it matters

Poor ergonomic design drives a large share of work-related ill health (notably musculoskeletal disorders); good design simultaneously improves health and productivity.

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