Ergonomics is a term derived from two Greek words, “ergon,” meaning work, and “nomoi,” which means natural laws. It is the science that studies the relationship between work and human abilities, limitations and characteristics. Ergonomist are responsible for studying human capacity and its relativity to work demands.

Ergonomists, recently have attempted to explain postures which minimize excessive static work and reduce the forces acting on the body. An individual can considerably reduce risk of injury if they could adhere to some ergonomic principles. However, there is a serious challenge to conservative ergonomic thinking. A person must be a great observer of his or her own joint and muscle functions in order to put these into practice.

Ergonomics Introduced To Indian Businesses

SMEs or small and medium enterprises are almost always the leading pillar of an economy in India. That is why minor accidents, ergonomics snags, out-of-date machinery, and the absence of awareness have generated a necessity for carrying out safety practices. The influence of chiropractors from around the world produced fully ergonomic solutions.

Gopal Ramnayaran, an entrepreneur in India researched in America some ergonomic garden furniture. Hence, he returned home so intrigued and saw the potential for such market in India. He finally began manufacturing the first aluminum-based furniture in the country since 1965. That’s how Gopal Ramnayaran found Featherlite, now a leading furniture company in India.  Feartherlite’s 50 year journey started from aluminum chairs to ergonomic furniture.

Employees who spend a great time every day in the office. They tend to lose the distinction between home and office space. They would prefer office space designs that keep in mind the ergonomics. Industries are continuously changing their operating environment in terms of organization and culture.  Proper ergonomics will be of great help for an employee to avoid health hazards at work.

Dr. T Rajagonal, Vice-President of Uniliver, have teams observing for employees silently. Uniliver spent a lot of time and effort into educating employees on the right posture to implement at their work stations, among other things, for their own benefit. The correct posture on the appropriate chair with a desk at the right height and perfect computer screen position. The temperature and the right kind and amount of light, these are all critical factors.

Ergonomics is still a developing discipline in India.  There is the need to increase holistic ergonomic thinking in every work place. Good ergonomics can help, that is why a trained occupational health specialist should do a series of ergonomic assessments at the workplace.