What is ergonomics or human factors?

Ergonomists or human factors professionals focus on understanding the design of tasks, equipment, the environment and the way work is organised and its impact on people’s ability to work. The goal is to have a good ‘fit’ or match between people and what they do.

Ergonomists or  human factors professionals use tools and knowledge to assess:

 

The way work and tasks are organised
The way work and tasks are organised
The physical design of equipment and spaces
The physical design of equipment and spaces
The physical and mental demands on people performing tasks
The physical and mental demands on people performing tasks

Designing for people optimises efficiency, comfort and safety for individuals while also enhancing the performance of the whole work system. There are multiple factors to consider so it is helpful having an ergonomist providing clarity on the range of relevant issues and making recommendations for prioritised remedial actions.

Certified New Zealand Human Factors and Ergonomics professionals (CNZHFE) have met the requirements of the Professional Affairs Board of the NZ Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

This includes having a relevant university qualification, completion of post-graduate education in ergonomics, one-year of supervised training and two years full-time practice in the field of ergonomics and meeting a number of practice criteria that are re-assessed every three years.

An Associate New Zealand Human Factors and Ergonomics Professional (Assoc NZHFE) has completed the educational and supervised training components required for full certification.

All ergonomists on the certification scheme must abide by a Code of Conduct (which is based on the code from the International Ergonomics Association).

More information is also available on the NZ Human Factors and Ergonomics Society website.

People are valuable assets who bring skills, knowledge and experience. Your organisation has invested resources in recruiting, training, and supporting these people, so it is wise to look after and retain this talent.

Lost productivity from mistakes and stoppages cost time and impact profitability. Poorly organised work does not flow and things can go wrong. When people are off work due to injury, it affects more than just the injured person!

Implementing an ergonomics approach within workplaces benefits individuals and the entire work system.

Design your work so it 'works' for people

Get in touch with Alexander Ergonomics Consulting  for improving workplace comfort, safety and efficiency 
GET IN TOUCH