Ergonomist

Introduction

Ergonomists deal with the relationship between people and their working environments. They give advice on the types of equipment and environment that will enable staff to work safely, comfortably and efficiently. Some ergonomists help to design consumer products.

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Work Activities

Ergonomists use their knowledge of science and technology to improve people's working and living environments. They aim to help people live and work safely, comfortably and efficiently. They achieve this by making sure that equipment, machinery and environment are suited to the people who use them.

In car design, ergonomists believe that they can reduce road accidents by changing vehicle design to improve the safety of the driver and passengers. An ergonomist may study cars and car components that have been involved in an accident to see how they have withstood the impact of the crash. They also study the human body, to see how it responds to different crash situations. This helps ergonomists to design new safety features. They may also study accidents involving children's car restraints.

Ergonomists understand how humans behave and react in certain situations. They apply this knowledge to the design process. There is a strong link between ergonomics, good design and our health and safety. Ergonomics is therefore useful in a wide range of areas.

In business, commerce and industry, ergonomists improve working conditions and make them safe. For example, they help to design an aircraft's flight deck. They make sure the flight deck is suitable for the pilots' size, workload and general working requirements; they need to be able to reach all the instruments and read displays quickly and easily.

Ergonomists might also be involved in changing the design of a visual display unit (VDU) so that people who use it are less likely to develop visual fatigue problems. Other ergonomists study how people cope with working at either very hot or very cold temperatures.

Ergonomists also look at the equipment and machinery we use in the workplace, and suggest ways to improve it. They may redesign the layout of an office and help choose suitable furniture. When the office is set up, they may look at the way people use the equipment and suggest some changes, such as altering the height of a typist's chair.

Ergonomists may produce user manuals to make sure that there is the best use of new systems or products.

As well as working in commerce and industry, some ergonomists design products that people use in their everyday lives. For example, they may design equipment to help people with disabilities, or improve the ease of use of kitchen gadgets.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As an ergonomist, you will use knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, psychology, mathematics and statistics, design methods, work organisation and industrial sociology. You need good communication skills and an analytical approach to problem solving.

You need IT skills and good writing skills for reports.

You must be able to work as part of a team because ergonomists work closely with designers, engineers, architects and operational researchers.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Ergonomists earn in the range of £23,000 - £28,500 a year, rising to £34,500 - £41,500. Higher earners can make around £48,000 a year, and those who work as independent consultants can earn more.

Ergonomists usually work 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and some weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

Ergonomists who work in industry or the armed forces may work shifts.

Ergonomists work in both the private and public sectors. Employers range from large multinational organisations to small specialist consultancies. Some work in the educational sector.

Freelance work as self-employed consultants can be available for ergonomists once they have gained substantial experience in a specialism.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

They can lead to relevant degree courses, for example, ergonomics (or a subject such as psychology, operational research, biological or biomedical science, mathematics or sports science followed by postgraduate study).

Gaining a postgraduate qualification in ergonomics or a similar subject, such as occupational psychology, is useful.

• 10% of people in occupations such as ergonomist are self-employed.
• 4% work part-time.
• 20% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis
.

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