Ergonomics - human factors (Cognitive)

Ergonomics - human factors (Cognitive)

Understanding Ergonomics

Definition and Purpose

  • Ergonomics, also known as human factors, is the science of designing products, systems or processes that take into account the interaction between them and the people who use them.
  • The goal is to improve safety, performance and comfort, while reducing stress and injury risk.

Cognitive Ergonomics

  • Cognitive ergonomics focuses on the mental processes involved in interaction, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor responses.
  • It plays a vital role in the design of tasks and systems to reduce cognitive overload, improve decision making and enhance overall performance.

Key Elements of Ergonomics

Physical Ergonomics

  • Physical ergonomics pertains to human physiological and anatomical characteristics as they relate to physical activity.
  • Areas of interest include working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, workstation design, safety and health.

Organizational Ergonomics

  • Organizational ergonomics involves the optimisation of sociotechnical systems, including their organisational structures, policies, and processes.
  • Key areas here include work design, scheduling, job satisfaction, work stress and human error.

Importance of Ergonomics

Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency

  • Ergonomics can lead to increased productivity and efficiency by designing tasks, work spaces, controls, displays, tools, lighting, and equipment to fit human physical and cognitive abilities.

Reducing Risk of Injury

  • Good ergonomic design can significantly contribute to injury prevention and the reduction of musculoskeletal disorders such as back injuries or repetitive strain injuries.

Improving Quality of Work Life

  • Ergonomics can improve the quality of work life, by reducing fatigue and discomfort. Happier, healthier workers are generally more productive.

Remember the three main areas of focus: Physical, Cognitive and Organizational Ergonomics and their importance in productivity, safety and the quality of work life.