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. The common definitions of ergonomics, the ‘person machine interface’ or ‘fitting the person to the machine rather than vice versa’ are far too narrow. It is concerned with 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. Ergonomic hazards are those hazards to health resulting from poor ergonomic design. The common ill-health effects of ergonomic hazards are musculoskeletal disorders, work-related upper limb disorders, including repetitive strain injury and deteriorating eyesight.
