Ergonomics: what it is and why it is important

2024/06/26

What is ergonomics? Ergonomics is the science that deals with the interaction between individuals and technologies, with the goal of improving worker satisfaction and system performance.

In fact, ergonomically designed systems increase safety for the operators, preventing them serious effects on health and performance. An ergonomically designed system also increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

Ergonomics is primarily a preventive science, as it is responsible for studying how to avoid the occurrence of deleterious effects on human health. That is why, as already explained, ergonomics is a discipline that has a large part to do with operator safety-a key aspect when it comes to machine design.

Because of ergonomics, workplaces can be designed at the outset as safe spaces in which the operator can move or stand without incurring poor posture or incorrect body movements. In general, biomechanical overload – an affection of the bones or muscles due to excessive manual handling of heavy loads – is one of the most dangerous factors in the work field. Specifically, a biomechanical overload can be caused by:

  • manual handling of loads;
  • lifting or lowering of loads;
  • towing or pushing activities;
  • load carrying activities;
  • assumption of incongruous postures;
  • performance of repetitive tasks;
  • use of intense force;
  • lack of recovery time;

Ergonomic design and prevention are handled by a number of standards, such as EN 1005.

At Advolo, we provide you with a team of experts who can help you in the ergonomic design and evaluation of use or work products in accordance with national and international standards. Please feel free to contact us for more information at the following email: commerciale@advolo.it

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