Ergonomics is an interdisciplinary science that systematically addresses the analysis, design, and optimization of working conditions, products, and systems to align them with the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs and capabilities of humans. The primary goal of ergonomics is to design workspaces, tools, machines, workflows, and human-machine interfaces in a way that enhances human performance, increases safety and comfort, and simultaneously minimizes the risk of work-related illnesses and injuries. This is achieved by applying well-established ergonomic principles that take into account anthropometric, biomechanical, psychological, and social factors.
In practice, this means designing work environments that consider individual differences in body size, strength, and mobility to reduce strain and promote health. However, ergonomics extends beyond physical adjustments and includes cognitive ergonomics, which focuses on optimizing information processing, decision-making, and mental workload, as well as organizational ergonomics, which deals with the design of work processes, communication, and teamwork.
Ergonomic interventions are applied in various fields, including office workplace design, the development of user-friendly products, ensuring traffic safety, optimizing medical technology, and improving interactions with digital interfaces. By integrating ergonomic insights into product and workplace design, not only is efficiency improved, but also the satisfaction, motivation, and long-term health of employees are enhanced. Thus, ergonomics makes a crucial contribution to preventing workplace accidents and occupational diseases, as well as to the overall improvement of quality of life in the workplace.
Mohokum, M., Ellegast, R. (2021). Ergonomie am Büroarbeitsplatz. In: Tiemann, M., Mohokum, M. (eds) Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung. Springer Reference Pflege – Therapie – Gesundheit . Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
