Ergonomics is Good for Business

Abstract

Ergonomics refers to the complex relationship between workers and their work that permeates every aspect of the workplace. Originally defined in 1717 by Bernadino Ramazinni, an Italian physician credited as the founder of occupational medicine, it is only recently that ergonomics has attracted widespread attention. This article will illustrate that the increasing interest in ergonomics is warranted and that appropriate ergonomic management is a process that will have a significant, positive effect on a company′s profits through cost reduction, quality improvement, performance improvement and productivity enhancement. Derived from the Greek words ergo and nomos meaning “work” and “natural laws”, ergonomics literally means the laws of work.