Ergonomist (Ergonoom)
Information on this skill...
An ergonomist is someone who specializes in ergonomics. Ergonomics is the scientific study of man in relation to his environment. The research area of an ergonomist relates to products, spaces and workplaces. The word ergonomics comes from the Greek words ergon and nomos, which stands for work and law. In short, ergonomics comes down to being able to work safely and healthily, which usually relates to workers and work. But ergonomics does not only have to relate to work-related studies because consumer goods also belong to the field of work of an ergonomist. Ergonomists therefore study man in relation to his environment in a scientific way, in which health, safety, comfort and user-friendliness play an important role. The substantive work of an ergonomist can differ per ergonomist, but in all cases it has to do with ergonomics. Ergonomics is again a broad concept that relates to products, spaces and workplaces. Because ergonomics is in most cases tailor-made, an ergonomist will analyze a lot in order to provide people or organizations with ergonomic points for improvement. Ergonomics is important for everyone because ergonomics can prevent possible health problems, such as due to a wrong working posture. Ergonomics also contributes significantly to improving work performance because people feel better when they can work in a pleasant and safe way. Ergonomics in short comes down to the prevention of health problems by applying measures in advance. Giving training and providing information also plays an important role as an ergonomist. Ergonomists often work for consultancy firms, design agencies or work for occupational health and safety services. In addition, ergonomists may work for research institutions and universities.
Ergonomics is a broad field that does not only relate to the right office chair or desk. Consider, for example, complex production halls, which are designed and arranged in such a way that employees can work in a safe and healthy way. If an ergonomist is involved in the design of a work environment at an early stage, he or she can provide design advice to prevent health problems. These recommendations do not only have to relate to ideal working conditions. They can also relate to the work itself. Consider, for example, the prevention of monotonous work, which makes someone feel uncomfortable and may report sick. In this case, the advice may be that employees should rotate to avoid health problems. An ergonomist cannot be compared to a labor analyst because this is a different profession. A labor analyst specializes in researching and analyzing business processes. This has nothing to do with ergonomics specifically. A labor analyst can work with an ergonomist.
WHAT IS ERGONOMICS
Another field within ergonomics is making things understandable. Making things understandable can relate to machines and devices. Due to the emergence of modern machines and devices that are complex in many cases, it is sometimes difficult for humans to understand them. It is the ergonomist who can prevent machines and devices from being so complex that people no longer really know what these machines are doing. Think of simplifying processes, drawing up clear manuals or designing a short course, so that new employees get to know the machines and devices. This part also has everything to do with health and safety.
CREATING A HEALTHY WORKPLACE
Creating a healthy workplace is therefore not only about a good sitting posture. There are many more factors that influence good working conditions. Think, for example, of creating sufficient daylight, planting or discussing walking distances. In addition, it is important that employees be given a role with regard to safety and health. Most large companies today have appointed special prevention officers, who check internally themselves and give advice on possible safety or health problems. A healthy workplace will in all cases contribute to absenteeism management.
VARIOUS TASKS AS AN ERGONOMIST:
- Analyzing body postures;
- Analyzing working postures;
- Analyzing about designs (products);
- Advising on possible tools;
- Providing information and training;
- Studying work environments;
- Studying general safety.
WHAT DOES AN ERGONOMIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME AN ERGONOMIST
There are no full-time ergonomics training opportunities in the Netherlands. However, there are various external trainers that are usually only accessible if you have at least a bachelor's degree. At the university level, the study of Human Factors and Engineering Psychology may be a possibility. For more information about possible training, see the Association for Ergonomics. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE AN ERGONOMIST CAN BE EMPLOYED
An ergonomist can work for various companies, institutions and universities. Think of consultancies, research agencies and health and safety services. If an ergonomist works for a consultancy firm, an ergonomist can in many cases be regarded as an entrepreneur or consultant. An ergonomist can also work for manufacturers, who develop products. In that case, an ergonomist can, for example, work together with an industrial designer. Most ergonomists work for occupational health and safety services or consultancies.
COMPETENCES ERGONOMIST
As an ergonomist, you are a scientific researcher and being able to analyze data plays an important role. Communication is also a competence that should not be underestimated. As an ergonomist, you generally deal with many different managers, directors and employees. Education can also be important if you are responsible for information work and giving training. Generally important words are independence, motivating, collaborating, consulting, planning, organizing, laws and regulations, monitoring, vigilance, controlling, analytical and persuasiveness. An ergonomist can also have to deal with fixed professional competencies.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS AN ERGONOMIST
The labour market perspective as an ergonomist is moderate. There is plenty of attention for health and safety within the business community, but always at a scientific level, which means that employment opportunities are limited. The career opportunities as an ergonomist should be seen in obtaining a managerial position or starting your own consultancy. If you have a university degree, obtaining a PhD can also be regarded as growing within your career.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY ERGONOMIST
There are no examples of the employment conditions because you can work for different types of employers with different collective agreements. If you work as an independent entrepreneur, you determine the employment conditions yourself. An employed ergonomist will usually earn a salary between 3000 and 4500 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and responsibilities. This profession occurs at both hbo level and wo level, so the salary can vary.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
Lesen Sie diese Informationen auf Ergonom auf Deutsch.
Lea esta información sobre Ergonomo en español.
Lees deze informatie over Ergonoom in het Nederlands.
Mijnzzp.nl