The term ergonomics refer to study of work. It can also be perceived as the science of getting people to fit in jobs that they work in (Salvendy, 2012). There are many advantages that come with adapting workers to the jobs that they work in. Most ergonomics are installed in our work places to prevent musculoskeletal disorders that affect nerves, muscles and tendons.  In controlling thermal conditions, employees are advised to wear protective gloves and other materials that help with cold conditions while maintaining the ability to grasp items easily. For instance, people who work in refrigeration units such as cold rooms should wear Eskimo coats (Salvendy, 2012).  In engineering control, there are measures implemented to minimize hazards on the job. For instance, on should use a device to lift heavy objects. One should also limit the weight of a load to limit force exertion. Other controls include using conveyors as well as redesigning tools to enable neutral postures among others.

In administrative and work practice controls efficient processes should be established. For instance, heavy loads should be lifted by to people. Worker rotation and staff “floaters” to provide periodic breaks are also efficient ergonomics. Other ergonomics in work practices include using protection to reduce exposure to ergonomics-related risk factors (Salvendy, 2012). For instance, if I were working in a door manufacturing company and I were assigned to an edge banding machine; there are many risks that could be involved in operating this machine.  Different occupations have different risk factors, and in this occupation I would be exposed to risks would affect my neck, the eyes, and the shoulders. In operating this type of machine, I am most likely to be exposed to both free and forced vibrations that would most probably affect the whole body. In dealing with the vibrations, I would have to use padding to reduce direct contact with hard, sharp and other vibrating surfaces.

Reference

Salvendy, G. (2012). Handbook of human factors and ergonomics. John Wiley & Sons.