ERGONOMICS IN THE WORKPLACE - DESIGNING SYSTEMS AROUND PEOPLE.

WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with understanding the interactions between people and the other elements of a system, applying theory, data and design principles to optimise both human well-being and overall system performance. In practice, this means shaping tasks, tools, equipment and environments to suit the people who use them, rather than expecting people to adapt to poorly designed systems. The discipline draws on anthropometry, biomechanics, industrial and organisational psychology, usability and industrial hygiene, using human body measurements, movement data and behavioural research to inform workplace and building design.

THREE FOCUS AREAS

1. Physical ergonomics addresses the anatomy of human interaction with workstations, tools and equipment.
2. Cognitive ergonomics considers how employees process, interpret and respond to information, particularly relevant in high-risk, technology-intensive environments.
3. Organisational ergonomics looks at communication, work design, shift patterns and resource planning across teams. Treating these as one system, rather than three separate problems, is what distinguishes genuine ergonomic design from cosmetic comfort measures.

MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AND ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), also referred to as work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) or cumulative trauma disorders, result from the overuse of muscles, tendons and nerves. They most commonly affect the neck, back, shoulders, wrists and knees, presenting as stiffness, pain, swelling and reduced joint mobility. Contributing factors include repetitive motion, forceful exertion, awkward or sustained postures, contact stress, vibration, cold exposure and inadequate rest. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.71 billion people worldwide live with a musculoskeletal condition, with low back pain the single leading cause of disability in 160 countries — a clear indication that ergonomic risk is not a minor workplace consideration.

ERGONOMICS IN BUILDING DESIGN

Ergonomic principles underpin several parts of SANS 10400, the deemed-to-satisfy standard supporting South Africa's National Building Regulations. Part C (Dimensions) sets minimum room sizes, ceiling heights and circulation widths based on human movement and comfort. Parts D and M address safe circulation, stairways and emergency egress sized for natural human gait. Part S (Facilities for Persons with Disabilities) aligns access requirements with human capability and limitation. Part O (Lighting and Ventilation) protects visual comfort, air quality and concentration, while SANS 10103 governs the measurement and rating of environmental noise against human auditory tolerance. Together, these standards translate ergonomic science into measurable, enforceable design requirements for the built environment.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Employers' duties are anchored in section 8 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, which requires an employer to provide and maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risk to employee health. This general duty is given specific technical content by the Ergonomics Regulations, 2019, published under the OHS Act. The Regulations require employers to provide ergonomics training in consultation with their health and safety committee (regulation 3), to have a competent person conduct an ergonomic risk assessment at least every two years or when circumstances change (regulation 6), to place employees under medical surveillance where high ergonomic exposure is identified (regulation 8), and to retain related records (regulation 10). Non-compliance is an offence under the Act.

WHY IT MATTERS

Ergonomic risk assessment is not a compliance formality, it is how organisations reduce WMSD-related absenteeism, retain experienced staff and design workplaces that perform as intended. International research places the benefit-to-cost ratio of ergonomic interventions at between 2:1 and 10:1, with the indirect costs of poor ergonomics running well above direct medical and compensation costs.