Final answer:
Ergonomic consultants analyze work environments to improve safety, efficiency, and comfort, while adhering to regulatory standards and practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
To function as an ergonomic consultant, one must understand the principles of human factor psychology or ergonomics, which is concerned with the relationship between humans, tools, and work systems. Ergonomic consultants play a crucial role in designing workspaces and tools that promote safety, efficiency, and comfort.
This involves analyzing work environments and equipment designs, then making recommendations to improve the human-machine interface. For example, consultants might evaluate workstations, furniture, and the layout of equipment to prevent repetitive stress injuries or to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Consultants must also stay informed about regulations and best design principles that might affect their work. After the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, new instrumentation and operator training requirements were instituted, which would fall under the purview of an ergonomic consultant's expertise.
Additionally, being knowledgeable about standards developed by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is essential for providing informed and accurate recommendations.
Moreover, working in ergonomics may involve assisting designers, networking within the industry, and proactively suggesting improvements when appropriate. For those within the industry, leveraging expertise to support innovation and efficiency in the workplace is key. This includes staying up-to-date with technology and regulations to offer the most relevant solutions.
Economists also factor into this field due to their ability to design policies that can support worker mobility and job-hunting. For workers whose skills are out of demand, ergonomic consultants might collaborate with economists to aid in workers' retraining, supporting both individual well-being and broader economic health.