Environmental ergonomics at work: what it is and types

If you are interested in creating a healthy and productive workspace, environmental ergonomics is one of the most important keys to achieving it. In this text, I will explain what environmental ergonomics is, why it is so important, and I will tell you about the different types of environmental ergonomics.

What is environmental ergonomics?

In simple terms, environmental ergonomics is the study of how the physical and social environment affects people's well-being and productivity. This field of study focuses on how to design and organize spaces to make them safer, more comfortable, and more efficient. Environmental ergonomics aims to minimize work-associated stress, fatigue, and injuries, as well as maximize worker performance and satisfaction.

Regarding its importance, environmental ergonomics is crucial because it can have a significant impact on the health, safety and productivity of workers. For example, poor lighting, poor ventilation, or poor temperature in a work space can cause headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems, affecting workers' ability to do their jobs effectively. Also, if workers are uncomfortable or stressed, they are more likely to make mistakes and have accidents on the job.

Types of environmental ergonomics

There are different types of environmental ergonomics, I will present some of them below:

visual ergonomics

Focuses on designing the visual elements of a workspace, such as lighting and colors, to reduce eye strain and improve workers' ability to perform visual tasks.

thermal ergonomics

It focuses on the temperature and humidity of the work environment. A work environment that is too hot or too cold can cause fatigue and lower worker productivity.

acoustic ergonomics

It focuses on the design of a workspace to reduce noise and hearing stress. A noisy work environment can cause fatigue, headaches, and communication difficulties.

posture ergonomics

It focuses on the posture and movement of workers. Furniture design and workspace layout should allow for proper posture and minimize the risk of repetitive motion or permanent motion injuries over long hours.