What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics, a concept that we regularly encounter these days, such as in our working environment. But not only there, it is also increasingly used as a selling point, such as in the car industry. Who is not familiar with the concepts of 'comfort' and 'convenience' that are used daily in car advertisements. But ergonomics is not only used as a selling point, it is also increasingly important during work. Think of a nurse who is not allowed to lift a patient out of bed, but who does so with a lift. Or someone who sits at his desk all day and alternates between sitting and standing. But what exactly does the term ergonomics mean? Where does the term come from? And besides, when will you have to deal with it as an organization?

As an employee and as an employer, we are increasingly confronted with the limitations of a standard working environment. The flexible workplaces that should be suitable for everyone, but often are not. Not being able to concentrate in the busy office garden or always work on that laptop with the keyboard and mouse attached. In short, it is becoming easier to work everywhere, but this is often at the expense of our attitude. And that can lead to complaints.

We often mistakenly think that ergonomics is something new, but the concept dates back to the last century. The history of ergonomics and the associated science originated from two waves in history. The first wave was during the industrial revolution and with it the rise of mass production. Innovation of a product was always applied to the average size of a person. What fits was not taken into account. The second wave arose after World War II. Many accidents occurred during this period due to operator errors between man and system. The system could do a lot, but the inexperience of humans with these new products (system) was the limiting factor. Continuously improving and adapting this interaction was crucial to achieve the ultimate collaboration between new products/systems and people.

Nowadays we talk about agile working, activity-related working and flexible working in the work environment, but any office is suitable for this. Or do we create something standard (like in the past) just to say that we work that way and do we not look at the individual needs and wishes? Listening to each other, expressing wishes and working with the right products, you create awareness and prevent standard situations for non-standard people.