Ergonomist

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

• biological and life sciencessuch as biomechanics, kinesiology and medicine
• behavioural and social sciencessuch 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 characteristics and maximizes safety, efficiency and well-being. To accomplish this objective, they may:

• evaluate human and machine systems by observing, measuring and evaluating how people interact with each other, things such as equipment and work spaces, and environments
• develop experimental designs, use data collection instruments and procedures, and make comparisons with criterion measures to study system performance
• collect information by investigating environments and working activities to determine and optimize existing processes and practices
• analyze the demands placed on workers by assessing physical, postural, physiological, cognitive, stress, job and work attitude parameters
• assess physical environments by using measuring instruments, subjective assessments, performance and response measurements, modelling and simulations
• assess the suitability of products and systems in relation to the motor, sensory and cognitive capabilities of operators and users
• design and implement systems by conducting audits and employing creative techniques such as focus groups, participatory design and follow-up groups
• teach workers about body mechanics and work practices
• consult with other specialists concerning design and development problems to gather and integrate data from a variety of scientific and professional points of view
• advise organizations regarding human factors in personnel management and the specification, design, evaluation, operation and maintenance of products and systems.

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

Overtime, evening and weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines or to assess systems involving shift workers.

Ergonomists need the following characteristics:

• an interest in and curiosity about how people interact with their environments
• creativity
• the ability to work independently or with a team.

They should enjoy co-ordinating information, developing innovative approaches to problems, consulting with people, taking responsibility for projects, and taking a systematic approach to conducting research.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Ergonomists work for:

• government departments concerned with workers' compensation, occupational health and safety, transportation, communication and defence
• research councils and institutes
• universities and other educational schools
• computer and office furniture manufacturers
• manufacturing or processing companies
• heavy industrial and construction companies
• large corporations such as utility or telecommunications companies
• private consulting firms (for example, 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 in this occupation will be 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 (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 3,900 Albertans are employed in the Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 59 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As ergonomists form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for ergonomists. 

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

Association of Canadian Ergonomists website: www.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, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.