Ergonomics - Research Paper Example

The overall purpose of such an extensive level of integration with different subjects has to do with the fact that ergonomics is specifically interested in understanding “human factors” with regards to the function of equipment, the design thereof, and facilitating cognitive abilities in the user. Rather than allowing the name itself, ergonomics, to serve as a stumbling block with regards to an understanding for what the specific realm of analysis is intended upon expecting, it should be understood that ergonomics in and of itself is effectively defined as “human factors”.

As such, these human factors, engaged a level of importance with respect to the design, implementation, and use of material that facilitates the workflow or comfort of an individual. Such a broad level of focus invariably lends this particular field to incorporate a great many factors and engage with the previously denoted fields of study in a variety of different ways. However, even though the field of ergonomics is broad, the information that it engages with is utilized in something of singular manner; to make the experience of the human being more efficient, productive, and/or comfortable.

With respect to the way in which ergonomics affects workers, this can be seen with regards to a host of different issues. For instance, the most obvious integration of ergonomics is with regards the way in which certain functions are performed. Rather than merely maximizing efficiency and endangering the worker and/or the equipment in question, ergonomics as a means of utilizing information from relevant medical spheres, up to and including physical therapy as a means of understanding the movements of the human body and which of these are most likely to reduce the level of injury and maximize the health and safety for the individual worker (Larson & Wick 5097).

Moreover, the implementation of procedures and equipment that helps to foster a greater focus upon ergonomics directly impacts the workers as it is able to maximize the level of safety and productivity without having any negative consequences other than the costs of implementation. Evidence of this can of course be seen with regards to the way in which recent scholarship has proven that ergonomics has a direct level of impact with regards to the way in which an office employee maintains posture, avoids injury to the hands and wrists, and has the monitor and keyboard positioned in a favorable manner so that workflow can be maximized and the risk of any potential future harm to the health and safety of the worker can be minimized.

But however, even though the information that is thus far been provided is useful with regards to understanding the field of ergonomics and realizing what complement factors helped define it, a secondary issue that must be considered is with regards to the way that hazard recognition and measurement techniques are incorporated as a means of affecting a positive change. Ultimately, hazard recognition is the first piece of this puzzle (Erdinc & Yeow 953). Within any field of employment, there are particular hazards that the employee faces on a daily basis.

As such, realizing, denoting, and seeking to mitigate these, is a fundamental goal that any organization/firm/company that seeks to engage with ergonomics and improve the overall quality of life and efficiency of workflow for their employees must consider. But naturally, once these hazards have been recognized and