A History of Ergonomic Innovation

When we began writing about Ergonomics more than 30 years ago, we were simply attempting to bring more scientific perspective to a common sense issue. If you consider the capabilities and limitations of the worker in the design of the workplace, the worker will be more productive and that productivity contributes to profit.

At the time we had no idea that the topic of ergonomics would become so widely discussed, by so many people, in so many professions, with so many agendas. Despite all of the politics and hoopla, our view today is the same as it was 30 years ago. The practical application of ergonomic principles is core business proposition. Yes, it is about reducing worker fatigue and the risk of worker injury, which are very worthwhile objectives. However, the real desired benefit driving factory or warehouse investment is increased productivity and an improved bottom line. That's what investment in practical ergonomics produces and that is the point we have been making for decades.

Improvement in productivity from the use of ergonomic equipment is easier to achieve and more important than ever. Lean manufacturing requires minimizing material handling and any approach to the products described in this website can do just that. In an effort to demonstrate that ergonomic equipment will "pay for itself" we have developed a simple cost justification wheel. It shows how percentage gains in productivity can usually provide full payback of equipment costs in just a few months. If you would like a ROI wheel, just give us a call and we'll be happy to send you one.