Practical Perspectives

The term "ergonomics" might sound hard — and indeed it is a funny word — and it has a reputation for involving expensive products. Furthermore, it sounds like a new field of study, maybe one that is a bit too far-fetched for the hard realities of modern business life. But it’s not necessarily so.

For almost every aspect of ergonomics, we can address the issues on two levels: (1) as a subject for sophisticated science and (2) as a matter of common sense. Both are equally important, but the latter takes more priority in most workplaces.

On every issue, we can apply the scientific method. Researchers can conduct rigorous studies, measure human attributes and build mathematical models. There are topics such as "biomechanics" (studying the human body strictly as a mechanical system) and "anthropometry" (measurement of humans) that require special training and experience.

But it doesn’t always have to be that complicated. Much of ergonomics can be intuitive, and ordinary people can provide many ideas about improving the tools, equipment, and tasks, particularly if they receive training in basic principles.

There’s an ergonomist in every one of us. We all have certain inclinations to modify our surroundings to fit us.

The expense of applying ergonomics can fall within a wide range. Some things are expensive, although they usually pay for themselves in the long run. But many changes can be made with little or no cost.

There are times when new capital-intensive equipment may be required or new facilities built. Elaborate studies may be needed. A long process of design may be necessary. The resulting improvements may still have a positive financial return, but the changes may demand a large initial investment.

For example, improving the design of an airplane cockpit may not be cheap, either to determine what types of changes might be made, or to implement them. However, it does have a clear payback in helping pilots fly safely.

But improvements do not always need to be expensive. It is often surprising what can be done for low cost by using a little imagination. Some companies estimate that there are 20 low cost fixes for every one that takes some investment.

As an example of a quick fix, this computer monitor has been raised by placing it on top of a thick book. Awkward heights can often be made better by such simple measures.

Sometimes it seems like ergonomics is all brand new, because we may have heard the term for the first time in recent years, or because we see unconventional products available on the market.

Consequently, it is possible to get the impression that ergonomics is not quite ready for the here and now. Some people might even have the notion that it might be best to wait a while to see if ergonomics is just a passing fad.

But this isn’t quite right; in many ways, ergonomics is nothing new. In a certain sense, humans have been doing ergonomics for 40,000 years.

A good example is a great ergonomic device invented in the 19th Century — the long-handled scythe. Note the ergonomic features of the two-handed scythe compared to a one-handed sickle.

You can work upright, keeping the natural curves of the lower back; the grips move up and down to adjust for the farmer’s height; the grips can be angled to keep the wrists in their neutral postures; and the very shape of the scythe takes advantage of the larger muscles and mechanical structure of the upper torso.

And the bottom line is well known. The ergonomic device is clearly easier on the human and much more productive than the non-ergonomic device. (And the contraption that Mr. McCormick invented was even better.)