Ergonomist: Job description

Ergonomists are concerned with the safety and efficiency of equipment, systems and transportation. They use scientific information to ensure the health, comfort and protection of the people using them and due to the nature of the work can find themselves in a wide range of environments.

By scientifically studying the relationship between people, environments and equipment, ergonomists can use their findings to improve human interaction with processes and systems. Areas of work include product/equipment design, production systems, information and advanced technology and transport design.

Ergonomists may work in consultancy, research, development or teaching and may also be called human factors specialists.

Typical work activities

An ergonomist's work activities vary widely depending on the area of work, e.g. healthcare, health and safety, transport, the workplace, or the design of new products. However, the activities are always based on ensuring that a system or product meets the needs of the user and will usually include:

• investigating the physical and psychological capabilities and limitations of the human body;
• analysing how people use equipment and machinery;
• undertaking workplace risk assessments;
• assessing work environments and their effect on users;
• utilising assessment results to identify areas for improvement;
• designing practical solutions to implement these improvements;
• producing user manuals to ensure the best use of new systems or products;
• producing reports of findings and recommendations;
• writing proposals and compiling statistical data;
• using detailed knowledge of the human body to improve the design of products, such as cars, office furniture and leisure facilities;
• interviewing individuals and observing them in a particular type of environment, as part of the research process;
• liaising with staff at all levels of an organisation to undertake research;
• visiting a wide range of environments, such as offices, factories, hospitals and oil rigs, in order to assess health and safety standards or to investigate workplace accidents;
• providing advice, information and training to colleagues and clients;
• acting as an expert witness in cases of industrial injury;
• developing a clear understanding of how specific industries and their systems work in a short space of time;
• managing sections of projects;
• presenting to clients, conferences and professional societies;
• identifying opportunities for new work.