Ergonomist

If you spend a lot of time at a computer, you’re familiar with the wrist pain and eyestrain that many heavy computer users are afflicted with. Similarly, if you wield an ax all day, you know how the repetitive motion affects the muscles in your back and neck. As an Ergonomist, you work to identify and reduce these kinds of strains and pain.

There are a variety of ways that Ergonomists accomplish this goal. The first is by doing a lot of research.

What products are available? How does the spine look in the seated position versus the standing position? What is the most natural position for the head? Answering these questions helps the Ergonomist identify solutions for workers on production lines or other industries that require repetitive motions.

In addition to recommending wrist or lower lumbar supports, you might also find ways to change the process so repetition is reduced. On a production line, for example, you might advise management to have employees rotate through three stations instead of operating just one throughout their shift.

Ergonomists are commonly employed by manufacturing firms to figure out ways to alleviate fatigue and muscle pain in their employees. With the same goal in mind, you might also work for a furniture manufacturing company or a business that supplies office products. Wherever you work though, you’re commonly part of a team. In the design phase of an office chair or desk, for example, you share your input with the Engineers who are designing it.