Description

Occupational ergonomics provides us with a scientific basis for designing the work environment to optimize the physical and mental interaction of workers with their work systems: machines, tools, co-workers, work methods, etc. This is a survey of the field, so we will cover a wide variety of topics: relevant principles of anatomy, physiology, and musculoskeletal function; design of the physical and psychosocial work environment to enhance worker health and safety, work scheduling to reduce fatigue, and mental workload (e.g., display of information) to reduce worker error. Wherever relevant we will incorporate basic approaches to hazard assessment, exposure limits or guidelines, and approaches to workplace design.