A History of Ergonomic Innovation
When we began writing about Ergonomics more than 45 years ago, we were simply attempting to bring more scientific perspective to a common sense issue. If you consider the capabilities and limitations of the worker in the design of the workplace, the worker will be more productive and that productivity contributes to profit.
At the time we had no idea that the topic of ergonomics would become so widely discussed, by so many people, in so many professions, with so many agendas. Despite all of the politics and hoopla, our view today is the same as it was 45 years ago. The practical application of ergonomic principles is core business proposition. Yes, it is about reducing worker fatigue and the risk of worker injury, which are very worthwhile objectives. However, the real desired benefit driving factory or warehouse investment is increased productivity and an improved bottom line. That's what investment in practical ergonomics produces and that is the point we have been making for decades.
