ergonomics

Definition

The science of the design of equipment, especially so as to reduce operator fatigue, discomfort and injury.

Etymology

From ergo- (prefix indicating work) + -nomics (suffix indicating the rules of a discipline), probably modelled after Polish ergonomia (“ergonomics”) (used by Polish scientist Wojciech Jastrzębowski (1799–1882) in an 1857 article), from Ancient Greek ἔργον (érgon, “work”) + νόμος (nómos, “custom; law, ordinance”). The English word is widely regarded as having been introduced by British psychologist K. F. Hywel Murrell at a meeting at the Admiralty in London in July 1949, which led to the establishment of the Ergonomics Research Society (now The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors) on 17 September 1949.

Example Sentences

• "Ergonomics is increasingly important in office-product design."
• "Ergonomics, deriving from the Greek word "ergon" work is now mainly considered to mean "the science of designing machines and environments that are most suited to the efficiency, comfort, safety and peace of mind of those working with them" (see Armbruster, 1983). […] Ergonomics goes beyond the prevention of health hazards, it aims to optimize the coexistence between people and technology within the working environment. […] In the broad sense of the word, ergonomics includes all the physical, social, and psychological aspects of work and workplace design."
• "Experts now contend that problems at work – low productivity, health hazards, accidents, high turn over – may well have their genesis in the work environment – the result of ignorance of ergonomics. The essence of ergonomics is to design or redesign the work and the work environment to fit people. It aims to ensure that work procedures, tools, equipment and environment are safe, efficient and comfortable by applying engineering, physiological, psychological and anatomical knowledge."