Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of human interaction with a system and how the human body, movements, and cognitive abilities interact with the system. In injury causation investigation and analysis this can involve studying how a person should safely interact with an environment or system.

The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics in three categories:

1. Physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity.
2. Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.
3. Organizational ergonomics is concerned with the optimization of sociotechnical systems, including their organizational structures, policies, and processes.

Relevent topics of ergonomics include:

• Working postures and repetitive movements
• Work-related musculoskeletal disorders
• Workplace layout, safety and health
• Decision-making
• Human-computer interaction
• Human-system design