Human factors, also known as ergonomics, is an integral part of any design, be it a system or a single product. When applied effectively, this unique discipline can significantly reduce human error and prevent injuries, while increasing productivity and quality. However, since its inception during WWII, only a few associated professionals outside the human factors and ergonomics (HFE) community have been aware of the discipline’s breadth of application.
We constantly interact with products and systems with built-in HFE concepts, often without realizing it. For example, smartphones are designed to fit comfortably in the average user’s hand and offer touchscreen interfaces that minimize the need for precise physical effort. The position of buttons, display size and colour, and weight of these devices all account for how people interact with them for extended periods, with the aim of avoiding repetitive strain injuries and excessive hand fatigue, and reducing errors. Similarly, car seats and the various controls we regularly interact with account for HFE concepts. The seats are designed with adjustable positions, recline options, and lumbar support to ensure comfort for drivers and passengers of various sizes. The placement of controls like the steering wheel, dashboard, and pedals is optimized for easy access without overextending or straining. The design accounts for differences in body size and driving posture, as well as how people use controls to drive safely and efficiently.
The fact is, HFE is all around us, but awareness of the concepts outside the professional community remains low, despite being critical to human well-being and performance.
What is human factors and ergonomics?
Ergonomics, often defined as the science of designing the workplace (i.e., system) and its components to fit the workers’ or users’ needs, plays a crucial role in almost every setting. The acronym HFE reflects both human factors and ergonomics, which are used interchangeably as they have the same aims.
According to the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), “Human factors and ergonomics (HFE) is concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system. It is the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design and optimize human well-being and overall system performance. Practitioners contribute to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people.”
In any setting, HFE directly influences worker safety, productivity, and the quality of the product.
Where are we now?
Recent rapid changes in technologies (i.e., Industry 4.0, robotics and artificial intelligence) and workplaces, including the shift to hybrid work, emphasize the importance of a collective, proactive understanding of HFE to maintain human well-being and performance.
There are numerous regulations across the globe ensuring employees get support on workplace ergonomics issues when they need it.
However, most of the time, the approach is reactive rather than proactive. That means an HFE professional is called in when a problem has already occurred. But as a 2015 study published in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management established, including HFE in the early design phase reduces overall costs and improves operational safety and operator well-being. Hence, controlling the problem at the root level becomes challenging when attempted retroactively. This shows there is still much to do to enhance the understanding of HFE and its proactive application.
In Canada, the Association of Canadian Ergonomists – Association canadienne d’ergonomie (ACE) is dedicated to advancing HFE through a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach.
What are other countries doing?
The IEA is an international federation of HFE societies and networks. It encourages building networks where member societies work together to achieve mutual aims. ACE is an IEA member society.
Recently, at an IEA conference held on Jeju Island in South Korea, HFE professionals from all over the world met over five days to discuss progress in the field, share scientific excellence around HFE research, and learn from each other. The triennial congress showcased technological brilliance, and also presented several sessions to strategize the future development and direction of the field.
In a special panel called “Bringing ergonomics and human factors beyond the ergo-community,” the discussion explored strategies for extending the HFE concept beyond HFE professionals. National federated societies from countries including Canada, Australia, the U.K., the U.S., Sweden and Chile shared their strategies on this topic. All the member societies recognized a tangible gap between what we know about HFE and the practical application of this knowledge at the government, industrial, and operational levels.
Interesting ideas and strategies emerged from this session, and one key factor repeatedly emphasized was effective communication! Think diverse communication channels like podcasts, articles, public seminars, and videos directly addressing HFE and its use in business. Integrating HFE courses into the curriculum of associated disciplines (i.e., design, allied health) and offering consultations as subject matter experts in various fields like aviation, healthcare, remote work, AI and transportation, were also discussed. Another key strategy mentioned was active communication with policy makers, stakeholders, and business leaders. This may require training HFE professionals in public policy for effective communication with lawmakers and policymakers.
What’s next?
Spreading the concept of ergonomics beyond the dedicated HFE community requires strategic communication, effective outreach, and practical engagement with various audiences.
Multiprong education and advocacy strategies should be adopted through various channels like education, industry networks, expert knowledge exchanges, etc. Collaborating with member societies internationally and exchanging ideas, strategies, and best practices will be the key.
Teaming up with professional agencies from associated fields beyond the HFE community (e.g., engineering, design, architecture, quality, allied health) to host joint events like webinars, networking, symposiums, townhalls, etc. could be another effective channel for improving awareness, and encouraging collaboration, knowledge exchange, and inclusion in education and training in the associated domains. Understanding the lingo of these other professions is key to effectively communicating and promoting HFE concepts.
In a nutshell, to spread the concept of HFE beyond the dedicated community, we must frame it in terms relevant to the targeted audience. Whether that is businesses, healthcare providers, students, or the public, it is important to present HFE as a niche concern and a broad, accessible, and valuable concept that can improve everyday life, workplace efficiency and return on investment. Through inclusion and collaboration, we can build a sustainable future for the HFE profession and apply the full potential of the discipline, touching human lives, well-being, safety, and productivity.
Era Poddar is the director and principal ergonomics consultant of Ergoera Services Inc., based in Langley, B.C.