WINTER 1998     Inside: • MOULD — A Growing Health Concern in Buildings • Using Geophysics for Site Characterization • Bow Valley Centre Demolition • Occupational Ergonomics • Interactive Multimedia Occupational Ergonomics     In recent years, the awareness of the term ergonomics has become more widespread and its application in the workplace has increased. Organizations and workers are now starting to realize the benefits of applying ergonomics, in terms of improved workplace health and safety conditions, increased productivity and effectiveness of workers, and enhance worker comfort. What is Ergonomics?     Ergonomics is both a science and a technology. As a science, it studies human characteristics and abilities, and as a technology, it applies this knowledge to improve the work system.     Ergonomics is not a new discipline. In fact, one can find improvements that date back to studies in the early part of this century. However, it wasn’t until the early 1940s when human scientists and engineers came together to formally develop ergonomics. Since its early applications in the military, it has branched out to benefit equipment and product designs, job and workplace designs, information systems, and more. Basic Concepts     Fundamental to ergonomics is the concept of human-centered design. In other words, products, systems or tasks that are intended for human use should be based on human characteristics and their abilities.     Minor departures from optimal designs can be tolerated by people but their adaptability has limits. Physical harm, strain, frustrations, and errors are some of consequences of trying to adapt to a poor design. In some cases, the adaptation may go unnoticed until over time, the problem has gradually turned into a serious problem.     The basic ergonomics model looks at the person-machine interface, both physically and cognitively. For example, does the size or shape of a tool impose awkward postures or demand unnecessary effort to use it? Can an operator clearly see, read and understand important information? Well-designed equipment increases the ability of an operator to use it safely and without excessive strain.     When evaluating the person-machine interface, often overlooked are the workers who are not the direct operators yet still interact with that piece of equipment (e.g. workers called upon to install, service, repair or clean that equipment). To truly correct ergonomic problems, we must evaluate task problems in the context of the work system.     Other components of the work system can include the workspace design and layout, the physical work environment and the organization of work. This broader view will help to identify the root causes of problems and the barriers to implementing solutions. For example, a mechanical lifting device has the potential to reduce physical strain on the body. However, the benefits can be lost if the device won’t maneuver around a tight corner, the device is not easily accessible, the operator has not been adequately trained in its use, and so forth. Common Applications     Jobs can be demanding for many workers, whether they are manually handling heavy loads or operating computers under suboptimal lighting and workstation layout conditions.     Commonly reported concerns include: back pain, upper limb pain, fatigue, and stress. These can have detrimental effects on both the worker and the organization.     Everyone in the organization can benefit from ergonomics knowledge. End-users can identify and correct elements of stressful work tasks more easily, whereas management and support personnel can influence and optimize worker-task relationships through the decisions they make in their jobs.