Ergonomist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Ergonomists (4161.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers (E031) 
• 2011 NOC: Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers (4161) 
• 2016 NOC: Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers (4161) 

Ergonomics is about ensuring a good fit between people and the tools, equipment, and products they use where they play, travel, and work. It is a multi-disciplinary field that includes:

• Biological and life sciences such as biomechanics, kinesiology, and medicine
• Behavioural and social sciences such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology
• Technical sciences such as systems design, mathematical modelling, and operations research

Ergonomists ensure that the design of products, tasks, and work methods is compatible with human performance. They evaluate human and machine systems by observing, measuring, and grading how people interact with each other and their equipment and workspaces. They do this to maximize safety, efficiency, and well-being. To accomplish this they may:

• Develop experimental designs, collect data, and compare it with pre-set criteria to study system performance
• Analyze the demands placed on workers by studying physical, postural, physiological, cognitive, stress, job, and work attitude parameters
• Assess physical environments by using measuring instruments, subjective analysis, performance and response measurements, modelling, and simulations
• Rank the suitability of products and systems in relation to the motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities of users
• Design and put in place systems by doing audits and using creative techniques such as focus groups, participation-based design, and follow-up groups
• Teach workers about body mechanics and work practices
• Consult with other specialists about design and development problems to integrate data from a variety of scientific and professional points of view
• Advise organizations on human factors in personnel management and the design, evaluation, operation, and maintenance of products and systems

Ergonomists work in diverse settings including laboratories, industry, offices, and teaching environments. They work with a wide variety of people including workers, union officials, managers, other professionals, students, and the public.

They may work overtime, evenings, and weekends to meet project deadlines or to assess systems involving shift workers.

Ergonomists need:

• Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• An interest in how people interact with their environments

They should enjoy:

• Co-ordinating information
• Finding innovative approaches to problems
• Consulting with people
• Taking responsibility for projects
• Bringing a systematic approach to their research
• Working independently or with a team

Ergonomists work for:

• Government departments concerned with workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, transportation, communication, and defence
• Research councils and institutes
• Schools
• Computer and office furniture manufacturers
• Manufacturing and processing companies
• Heavy industrial and construction companies
• Large corporations such as utility and telecommunications companies
• Private consulting firms in areas such as health care and engineering

Self-employed ergonomists may contract their services to a variety of employers.

Advancement opportunities vary depending on the size and nature of the organization and the ergonomist’s qualifications.

Ergonomists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4161: Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
• Public Administration [pdf]
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction [pdf]
• Utilities [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment, especially in the industries listed above
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation

In Alberta, the E031: Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) website: ace-ergocanada.ca

Canadian College for the Certification of Professional Ergonomists (CCCPE) website: www.cccpe.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.