One app for all your study abroad needs
Ergonomists, also known as Ergonomic Specialists, are human factor engineers who examine and analyse human behaviour in the workplace as it relates to the use of tools, machinery, and technology. They also create tools, facilities, and surroundings to improve the performance of human-machine systems, tools, and technology. Ergonomists make certain that the designs of systems, equipment, and facilities deliver the highest levels of efficiency, comfort, health, and safety for everybody who uses them. Read this blog to know more about how to become an Ergonomist in India: salary, roles and responsibilities, skills required and more.
Table of Contents
Ergonomist: Overview
An ergonomist is a professional who specialises in the field of ergonomics, which is the scientific study of how people interact with their work environment. The primary objective of an ergonomist is to optimise the design and organisation of work systems, products, and environments to enhance human performance, well-being, and safety. They apply their knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and engineering principles to ensure that tasks, tools, equipment and workspaces are designed in a way that minimises physical and cognitive strain on individuals.
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of an Ergonomist are given below:
- Conducting Ergonomic Assessments: Ergonomists are responsible for assessing work environments, including workstations, tools, equipment, and processes, to identify ergonomic risks and issues. They conduct observations, measurements, and data analysis to evaluate the physical and cognitive demands placed on individuals.
- Designing Ergonomic Solutions: Ergonomists design and develop ergonomic solutions that address identified issues. They may collaborate with engineers, designers, and other professionals to create ergonomic products, interfaces, and work environments that enhance safety, and efficiency.
- Participating in Injury Prevention and Management: Ergonomists play a vital role in preventing and managing work-related injuries and disorders. They collaborate with healthcare professionals, occupational health and safety teams and insurance providers to develop strategies for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
- Promoting Ergonomics Culture: Ergonomists advocate for the integration of ergonomic principles and practices within organisations.
Must Read: Top Mindtree Careers in India in 2023
Types of Ergonomists
There are many types of Ergonomists depending on the field of interest. The major ones are listed below:
- Occupational Ergonomist: Improves the ergonomics of work environments to enhance worker safety and productivity. They analyse job tasks, workstations and equipment to identify and mitigate ergonomic risk factors that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders or other occupational injuries.
- Cognitive Ergonomics: Concentrates on optimising the interaction between humans and complex systems, such as computer interfaces, control rooms and information displays.
- Human Factors Engineer: Focuses on designing products, systems and environments that are user-friendly. They consider human capabilities, limitations and preferences to ensure that designs are accessible and promote user satisfaction.
- Environmental Ergonomist: Studies the impact of physical environmental factors, such as lighting, noise, temperature and air quality on human performance and well-being.
- Macroergonomics: It takes a broader systems-level approach to ergonomics. They analyse the interactions between the organisation, work systems and individuals to improve overall system worker well-being and organisational effectiveness.
- Healthcare Ergonomist: Specialise in analysing and improving the ergonomics of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics and medical equipment. They ensure that patient care environments and processes are designed to optimise safety, efficiency and comfort.
Must Read: Top Tech Mahindra Careers for Freshers in India
How to Become an Ergonomist?
The steps to becoming an Ergonomist are given below. Check them out:
Relevant Educational Background: Earn a bachelor’s degree in a field related to ergonomics, human factors engineering, industrial engineering, psychology or occupational health and safety.
Practical Experience: Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of ergonomics. This can be done through internships, cooperative education programs or entry-level positions in companies.
Advanced Education (Optional): Pursuing a master’s degree or a PhD in ergonomics or a related field can enhance your knowledge, skills, and career prospects in the field.
Develop Technical Skills: Acquire technical skills relevant to ergonomics, such as proficiency in conducting ergonomic assessments, data analysis and using specialised software for their analysis.
Seek Professional Certifications: Consider obtaining professional certifications in ergonomics. These certifications, such as the Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or Certified Ergonomics Associate (CEA), can demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Build a Professional Network: Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops related to ergonomics to network with professionals in the field. Engage in discussions, share your knowledge and experiences, and learn from others.
Apply for Ergonomics Positions: Look for job openings in companies, research institutions, government agencies, or consulting firms that specialise in ergonomics or workplace safety. Tailor your application materials, including your resume and cover letter, to highlight your relevant education, experience, and skills in ergonomics.
Must Read: How to Become MIS Executive in India: Salary, Skills, Interview, Job Description
Certifications
| Organisation | Type | Certification or Certificate |
| 1. *Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) *International Ergonomics Association Endorsement based on ISO/IEC 17024 standard for certifying bodies. | National Board Certification | CPE – Certified Professional Ergonomist AEP –Associate Ergonomics Professional |
| 2. Oxford Research Institute (ORI) | National Board Certification | CIE – Certified Industrial ErgonomistCAE – Certified Associate Ergonomist |
| 3. Worksite International, Inc.** **Each certificate includes a licence to use the Worksite International System of Ergonomic Evaluations (WISEE) and membership in the WINetwork Membership Program. | Private Business Certificate | CEPL: Certified Ergonomics Process Leader COESp: Certified Office Ergonomics SpecialistCASp: Certified Chair Assessment SpecialistCRESp: Certified Remote Ergonomics Specialist |
| 4. Matheson’s Ergonomic Evaluation Certification Program | Private Business Certificate | CEES -Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialist |
| 5. The Back School | Private Business Certificate | CEAS I, II, III -Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, REAS-Remote |
| 6. OCCUPRO | Private Business Certificate | COEE-Certified Office Ergonomic Evaluator |
| 7. Humanscale | Private Business Certificate | COEE-Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator |
| 8. Worksaver | Private Business Certificate | CBES- Certified Behavior-Based Ergonomics Specialist |
| 9. American Posture Institute | Private Business Certificate | CE-Certified Ergonomist |
Top Colleges to Study Ergonomics
The top colleges to study ergonomics in India are listed below:
- Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata.
- National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai.
- Industrial Design Centre, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai.
- Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
Skills Required
There are certain skills that are required to become an ergonomist. Some of them are listed below:
- Knowledge of Human Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the human body’s structure and function helps in assessing ergonomic risks and designing interventions to enhance comfort and performance.
- Problem-Solving: A strong problem-solving mindset to identify ergonomic issues, evaluate alternative solutions, and implement effective interventions to improve workplace conditions.
- Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication, both written and verbal, to convey ergonomic concepts, findings, and recommendations to diverse audiences, including clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with ergonomic assessment tools, software, and equipment to conduct measurements, analyse data, and provide ergonomic solutions.
Must Read: Top 10 Cool Jobs in India
Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming an Ergonomist
Like every other role, there are certain advantages and disadvantages of becoming an ergonomist. Check them below:
Advantages
- Positive Impact: Ergonomists have the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals’ health, safety, and well-being by designing work environments that minimise physical strain, reduce injuries and enhance productivity.
- Varied Career Options: Ergonomics is a multidisciplinary field, offering diverse career options. Ergonomists can work in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, technology, transportation, and consulting firms, among others.
- Problem-Solving Challenges: Ergonomics often involves analysing complex work systems and identifying solutions to optimise human performance and well-being. This presents intellectual challenges and opportunities for problem-solving, making the work rewarding and stimulating.
- Collaboration and Interaction: Ergonomists often collaborate with professionals from different disciplines, including engineers, designers, healthcare practitioners, and management.
Disadvantages
- Limited Awareness: Ergonomics is still not widely understood or prioritised in some industries or organisations.
- Physical Demands: Ergonomists may need to conduct on-site assessments that require physical exertion, such as bending, lifting or reaching, which can be physically demanding and pose injury risks if not performed with proper techniques.
- High Attention to Detail: Ergonomists need to pay close attention to details and consider various factors while assessing work environments, which requires meticulousness and careful observation.
Average Salary Range (In India)
Entry-Level: ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 per annum.
Mid-Level: ₹6,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 per annum.
Senior-Level: ₹12,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 or more per annum.
Must Read: Top Bharti Airtel Careers for Freshers in India in 2023
Career Prospect/ Future Growth
- Government Regulations: Many countries have regulations and standards in place that require companies to ensure ergonomic considerations in the workplace. This creates a need for ergonomics professionals to help organisations comply and improve their working conditions.
- Occupational Health and Safety: Ergonomists are increasingly being sought after to help organisations prevent work-related injuries, reduce musculoskeletal disorders, and improve overall workplace safety.
- Consultancy and Research Opportunities: Ergonomists can explore opportunities in consultancy firms, research institutions, or as independent consultants. They can provide expert advice, conduct ergonomic assessments and contribute to research studies aimed at advancing the field of ergonomics.
- Global Demand: There is a growing demand for ergonomists who possess global perspectives and can address ergonomic challenges across diverse work environments.
FAQs
Ans. Ergonomics and human factors are closely related fields. Ergonomics primarily focuses on designing and arranging environments, products, and systems to optimise human performance, safety, and well-being. Human factors, on the other hand, encompass a broader range of factors that influence human interaction with technology, systems, and environments, including cognitive processes, social aspects, and organisational factors.
Ans. Yes, within the field of ergonomics, there are several sub-specializations that professionals can focus on, depending on their interests and career goals. Some common sub-specializations include cognitive ergonomics, which involves studying mental processes and human-computer interaction; industrial ergonomics, which focuses on optimising work processes and equipment design.
Ans. Yes, it is possible to pursue a career in ergonomics with a background in a different field. While a degree in ergonomics, human factors, or a related field is advantageous, individuals from diverse backgrounds such as industrial engineering, psychology, occupational health and safety and physiotherapy can also enter the field of ergonomics.
Ans. Ergonomists can find employment opportunities in various industries and sectors. Some common industries that employ ergonomists include manufacturing, healthcare, technology, transportation, aerospace, and consulting firms.
Ans. Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops: Participate in professional conferences, seminars, and workshops dedicated to ergonomics and related fields.
Join professional organisations: Become a member of professional organisations such as the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), International Ergonomics Association (IEA), or local ergonomics associations. These organisations offer access to resources and networking opportunities.
Read research papers and journals: Journals like Applied Ergonomics and Human Factors provide valuable insights into current research and advancements in the field.
Engage in continuous learning: Pursue additional training, certifications, or short courses to enhance your knowledge and skills.
This was all about how to become an Ergonomist in India. For more such informative blogs, stay tuned with Leverage Edu and discover various job opportunities in India. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to get regular updates regarding careers in India.