Gary Davis runs through the challenges facing ergonomists and anyone using ergonomics within the design process
There is a real need to improve the teaching of ergonomics on associated courses, such as design and engineering. However, in recent years the tendency for ergonomists to be involved in design research and development has increased. This is due to a number of factors, most notably:
- The increase in standards and legislation demanding more consideration of user needs, abilities and limitations
- Rising consumer expectations and demands for better, safer and more efficient products
- An increasing amount of product liability litigation
- Many product sectors have become saturated in the developed world and manufacturers are seeking new competitive advantages over their competitors.
There remains a lack of awareness of the need to consider ergonomics at the earliest stages of a project. There is a commonly held view that ergonomics need only be considered during the final validation of a developed design. But here too, there is a positive shift towards ergonomics integration, particularly in major projects involving multidisciplinary teams.
When the need for ergonomics input is recognised, it is often unclear where competent expertise can be found and how best to scope or contract the work. Fortunately, The Ergonomics Society can provide advice on these matters, and it maintains a register of competent ergonomics consultancies. When applying ergonomics in the workplace, there are now well-developed regulations and guidelines for things like manual handling, shift work and working with visual display terminals. With proper training many of these issues can be addressed by non-ergonomists, such as facilities managers and health and safety managers. The challenge they face is being able to recognise situations that are beyond their level of competence and require specialist support.