What are the key principles of ergonomics in industrial engineering?

1 Human factors

Human factors are the characteristics and capabilities of humans that affect their interaction with work systems and products. They include physical, mental, social, and emotional aspects. Human factors can influence the performance, safety, comfort, and satisfaction of workers and customers. Ergonomics in industrial engineering considers human factors in the design, evaluation, and improvement of work systems and products. For example, ergonomics can help you choose the appropriate size, shape, weight, color, and layout of tools, machines, controls, and displays that match the human body and senses.

3 Work design

Work design is the process of creating and modifying work systems and products to achieve the desired outcomes. It involves making decisions about the structure, organization, allocation, and coordination of work tasks, resources, and people. Work design can affect the quality, productivity, and profitability of the work system and the product. Ergonomics in industrial engineering applies work design to create work systems and products that are efficient, effective, and ergonomic. For example, work design can help you implement automation, standardization, simplification, and customization of work processes and products that enhance the human-machine interaction.

4 Work evaluation

Work evaluation is the process of measuring and assessing the performance, quality, and usability of work systems and products. It helps you determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the work system and the product. Work evaluation can help you monitor, control, and improve the work system and the product. Ergonomics in industrial engineering uses work evaluation to test and validate work systems and products that are reliable, safe, and user-friendly. For example, work evaluation can help you conduct experiments, simulations, observations, surveys, and interviews to collect feedback and data from the workers and customers.

5 Work improvement

Work improvement is the process of implementing changes and solutions to enhance the performance, quality, and usability of work systems and products. It involves applying the principles, methods, and tools of ergonomics in industrial engineering to solve problems, address issues, and meet challenges in the work system and the product. Work improvement can help you achieve the goals and objectives of the work system and the product. Ergonomics in industrial engineering supports work improvement by providing recommendations, guidelines, and best practices for work systems and products that are ergonomic, efficient, and effective. For example, work improvement can help you adopt continuous improvement, innovation, and learning strategies for work systems and products that adapt to the changing needs and expectations of the workers and customers.

6 Work sustainability

Work sustainability is the ability of work systems and products to maintain or enhance their performance, quality, and usability over time and across different conditions. It involves considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of work systems and products on the present and future generations. Work sustainability can help you create work systems and products that are responsible, ethical, and beneficial for the humans and the planet. Ergonomics in industrial engineering contributes to work sustainability by promoting work systems and products that are human-centered, resource-efficient, and value-creating. For example, work sustainability can help you design work systems and products that reduce waste, emissions, energy consumption, and costs, while increasing customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and social responsibility.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?