Modern Ergonomics Essay

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Running head: MODERN ERGONOMICS Modern Ergonomics Abstract Ergonomics is a discipline of Human Factors that study people in their working environment. Principles of engineering, psychology, anthropometry, and biomechanics should be considered when planning work areas and designing products. Ergonomically designed environments, increases production, and decrease accidents. An ergonomically designed system employs strengths and weaknesses of man and machine interaction to create the ideal work environment. Prior to the birth of ergonomics, little consideration was given to Human Factors in designing work environments. The Hawthorne test revealed that other factors could prove motivational to workers. The Cambridge Cockpit study that concluded the machine has to be matched to the characteristics of the man rather than the reverse. Modern ergonomics was established in 1949. This awareness of people’s requirements resulted in the discipline of ergonomics. Ergonomics has led to the development of many tools and devices designed to enhance productivity, safety, and comfort in the workplace. Today’s ergonomically designed devices are big business. Devices can range from the inexpensive to the economically impractical. MODERN ERGONOMICS According to Webster, “Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with the characteristics of people that need to be considered in designing and arranging things that they use in order that people and things will interact most effectively and safely – also called human engineering”(Webster, p 422). Ergonomics is a discipline of Human Factors that study people in their working environment. Principles of individual engineering, psychology, anthropometry, and biomechanics are considered when planning work areas and designing products. By designing ergonomically friendly environments, production increases and accidents decrease. An

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