An ergonomist is a professional who studies, designs, and evaluates human work systems with the goal of optimizing the performance and safety of those systems.
What does an ergonomist do?
Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills
Ergonomists are also known as human factors specialists. Their role involves ensuring that equipment and products are as safe and easy to use as possible .Typical responsibilities include:
identifying problems by observing and interviewing individuals in particular environments
undertaking risk assessments within the workplace
assessing the effect of work environments on employees
ensuring that products/systems meet user needs
collecting, analysing and interpreting data/statistics
Can you get a degree in ergonomics?
A degree in Ergonomics prepares for the performance of activities in the following areas: design or redesign of products (physical / informational), services and / or production systems (optimization of working conditions) Safety and Health at Work.
What is ergonomic training?
Training is an important element in the ergonomic process. When training is effective workers will: Learn the principles of ergonomics and their applications. Learn about the proper use of equipment, tools, and machine controls. Use good work practices, including proper lifting techniques.
Qualifications and training required to Become An Ergonomist In South Africa
To become an ergonomist it is necessary to obtain a good degree a relevant subject such as design, biology, psychology, physiotherapy, sports science, medicine, physiology, occupational therapy, physics, operational research or mathematics.
A postgraduate qualification may be necessary for some posts. A range of ergonomics/human factors MSc degree courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF).
The CIEHF also offers different levels of membership, as well as continuing professional development (CPD) courses for employed ergonomists. Higher-level members who have submitted appropriate CPD within the last two years may apply for chartered status.
Personal requirements To Become An Ergonomist In South Africa
Tactful and diplomatic
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Good communication skills
Good interpersonal skills
Discretion and respect for confidentiality and privacy
Integrity and honesty.
Is ergonomics a good career?
Work in the field of human factors/ergonomics (or HF/E, also known as human engineering) is exciting, challenging, and rewarding. According to a recent survey, the level of job satisfaction among HF/E professionals was found to be higher than among those working in other professional and technical fields.
How long does it take to become an ergonomist In South Africa?
The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics and other similar organizations provide multiple certifications to improve your skills and understanding of your responsibilities, but most require you to have a minimum of three years of experience in the industry.
What degree do you need to be an ergonomics?
Ergonomics is an applied science, so people with degrees in healthcare, engineering, psychology and other non-degreed backgrounds can be certified.
Why do we need ergonomics?
Implementing ergonomic solutions can make employees more comfortable and increase productivity. Why is ergonomics important? Ergonomics is important because when you’re doing a job and your body is stressed by an awkward posture, extreme temperature, or repeated movement your musculoskeletal system is affected.
What is an ergonomics engineer responsibility?
Ergonomists, also known as human factors engineers, assist in the design of machines, tools, and other equipment to ensure that they can be used easily and correctly. Many ergonomists are employed full time by large manufacturing companies, such as automakers and computer firms.
Is human factors an engineering degree?
Human Factors Engineering is the study of the interaction of humans with technology. Human Factors Engineering is sometimes also referred to as “Engineering Psychology” or “Ergonomics.” This is a rapidly growing field with wide engineering and non-engineering applications.
What does a certified ergonomist do?
When you work with a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), you’re getting the benefit of his or her careful training in “the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance,”1 as the International Ergonomics Association .