Ergonomist
The Work
Ergonomists, also known as human factor professionals, work with the
design of objects, systems and environments, with the aim of facilitating
health, well-being, comfort and efficiency. Ergonomics puts people
at the centre of the design process by using scientific information
from areas such as anatomy, physiology, psychology and design.
The issues ergonomists consider include:
Ergonomists analyse human activity in domestic, leisure or working settings, the demands it makes on the person, the effects of these demands, and its implications for individual capabilities and limitations, such as those of elderly or disabled people. This information is used to design objects, systems and environments which are suited to the needs of users and the tasks they perform, for example designing equipment and working arrangements to improve posture and reduce instances of conditions such as repetitive strain injury.
They work alongside a variety of other professionals, such as designers and engineers, health and safety practitioners and human resources specialists, and in a wide range of areas, such as product and equipment design, production systems, information technology and transport design. Many also carry out user trials to test new designs on target user groups and to provide feedback to the manufacturer or client.
Ergonomists may visit workplaces, such as a factories or offices, to carry out risk assessments, assess health and safety standards or investigate workplace accidents. They may act as expert witness in cases of industrial injury.
Ergonomists may also be involved in research, development and teaching.
Hours and Conditions
Many ergonomists work 9am to 5pm, but this could vary depending on the employer and the project, and could include extra hours.
The work often includes a combination of office-based work and travel to visit clients and sites. Much of the work is computer-based, involving the use of design software and computer-aided design (CAD) systems. Ergonomists also use a variety of equipment for making measurements and calculations.
Skills and Interests
To be an ergonomist you should:
Training
The ES can advise on recognised courses, including distance learning.
Course topics include anatomy, physiology, psychology, anthropometry
(the study of human body measurements and properties), statistics
and applied mathematics, environmental factors, design and research
methods. You would normally be assessed by a combination of work-based
projects and examinations.
The ES offers different grades of membership depending on your qualifications and experience. Students can join as Student Members, recent graduates can join as Graduate or Associate Members and those who are qualified and experienced can join as Registered Members. Full details are on the ES website.
Newly qualified ergonomists who are members of ES, can applying for Registered Membership of the Society while working on their Initial Professional Development. As registered members, they can use the initials MErgS and participate in the Society's Continuing Professional Development scheme.
Opportunities
Within the last twenty years, there has been a considerable increase
in the awareness of ergonomics and its potential impact on the workplace.
Many ergonomists are employed as consultants by private and public
organisations, providing specialised services such as workplace design
or health and safety. Some move on to freelance consultancy work,
but this would usually be after gaining experience over several years.
Qualified and experienced members of the ES may gain entry in the professional register maintained by the Society for use by employers.
Ergonomists may be employed to undertake research and development, product design and teaching in a variety of organisations, including hospitals, colleges and universities, manufacturing companies, government bodies, computer consultancies and research institutes. There may be opportunities for line and project management.
Other professionals, such as industrial designers, engineers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists also make use of ergonomic knowledge, methods and techniques.
Salary
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Recently qualified ergonomics graduates can expect to earn from £15,000 upwards.
Those with experience tend to earn from £30,000 upwards. However, because many ergonomists are consultants / self employed, salary levels can vary considerably.
Further Information
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Ergonomics Society
Tel: 01509 234904
www.ergonomics.org.uk
