ABSTRACT
Ergonomics is the study of the interaction between workers and their work in the broadest sense, in that it encompasses the whole system surrounding the work process. It is, therefore, as concerned with the work organization, process and design of the workplace and work methods as it is with work equipment. The common defi nitions of ergonomics, the ‘man – machine interface’ or ‘fi tting the man to the machine rather than vice versa’ are far too narrow. It is concerned about the physical and mental capabilities of an individual as well as their understanding of the job under consideration. Ergonomics includes the limitations of the worker in terms of skill level, perception and other personal factors in the overall design of the job and the system supporting and surrounding it. It is the study of the relationship between the worker, the machine and the environment in which it operates and attempts to optimize the whole work system, including the job, to the capabilities of the worker so that maximum output is achieved for minimum effort and discomfort by the worker. Cars, buses and lorries are all ergonomically designed so that all the important controls, such as the steering wheel, brakes, gear stick and instrument panel are easily accessed by most drivers within a wide range of sizes. Ergonomics is sometimes described as human engineering and as working practices become more and more automated, the need for good ergonomic design becomes essential.
