Ergonomics: An Introduction

Ergonomics is that branch of science which seeks to turn human-machine antagonism into human machine synergy. Ergonomics is more than improving health and safety, illness and injury through redesign of the workplace. It is simultaneously concerned with business efficiency optimization, improving productivity and cost-effectiveness through optimizing the match between the systems (organizations, environments – physical, psychological and social) and the people for the mutual benefit of all. Ergonomists contribute to the design of tasks, jobs, products and environments in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. Ergonomics has three well-recognized domains – Physical Ergonomics, Cognitive Ergonomics and Organizational Ergonomics. Organizational Ergonomics covers optimization of socio-technical systems, organizational structures, policies and processes in communication, work design, team work, participatory design, co-operative work and management. The book focuses on the various dimensions of ergonomics, to provide the readers a bird s eye view of ergonomics in the form of well-written articles by experts in a synchronized format. The book will cater to the needs of practicing managers, management experts, employers, employees, health personnel, policy makers as well as ergonomists, environmental and OH specialists.