It is often thought that ergonomics is an innovative theory. The fact is, however, that the concept of ergonomics has been around for a very long time. The word ‘ergonomics’ may be fairly new, but the ideas behind ergonomics and the concepts that surround it are far from new. Here are some interesting facts about the history of ergonomics.

1. The Industrial Revolution brought about many new inventions that had the sole purpose of helping man accomplish things in a quicker, more efficient manner. Not only did work get done quicker, but the finished product was often more uniform also. This type of theory is behind much of the ergonomic concepts today.

2. As early as the 1700’s, there were documentaries written that compared various occupations and the injuries associated between the two. Bernardino Ramazinni, an Italian physician, who lived from 1633 to 1714, was named the father of occupational medicine. He was able to see the clear connection between a person’s occupation and his or her health.

3. The word ergonomics was created in 1857 by Wojciech Jastrzebowski. The Polish biologist wrote a philosophical narrative about the science of nature and included the word and concepts. By researching the study of work, he became interested in the basic concepts of ergonomics.

4. The word ergonomics comes from two Greek words. “Ergon” means work and “nomos” means natural law. Therefore, it literally means “how to work according to nature,” which is the opposite of doing that which is not naturally best for our bodies.

5. With the popularity of scientific management in the early 1900’s, large industries became aware of greater productivity when workers were placed in certain positions. However, much of the basic concepts of ergonomics were not understood. Yet, men were beginning to see some connection between a man’s health and the work he did each day.

6. Frederick W. Taylor, who lived from 1856 to 1915, was an American mechanical engineer who tried to improve industrial competence. He is regarded as the founder of scientific management and was one of the initial management consultants. He was very interested in ergonomics and found unique ways to increase the production of workers. For example, at a steel company, he began to match shovels with the type of material that it was used for; rather it was ashes, coal or ore. Along with this, he increased workers wages and thus, saw productive levels increase.

7. Taylor’s theory was found most interesting by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, pioneers of industrial engineering. The Gilbreth’s, however, had a different way of looking at ergonomics. They believed in reducing motions required for certain tasks, which took man to the core concept of ergonomics for the first time.

8. During World War II, in 1943, an Army officer, Alphonse Chapanis, began to work on the cockpits of airplanes. He realized that when the instrument panel was simplified, pilots made fewer errors and had more success in their flying experiences. This is not unlike ergonomic office where people are better able to perform each day at their desks when things are place in the right positions for their bodies to function correctly.

9. After World War ii, ergonomics began to be considered in regards to worker safety, in addition to the increased productivity. As more research has been done on ergonomics, more health professionals have begun to notice the effects of its concepts. Before long, it was realized that someone’s profession can be a health hazard if correct ergonomics are not applied. Therefore, managers began using more ergonomic products such as conference tables, desks and an ergonomic chair to see how worker health and productivity would be affected.

10. There are many ideas about how ergonomics will progress in the future. Because many job today do not require much physical activity, many businesses are looking for ways to promote better health for their office staff. This may include standing desks and treadmills within the offices to keep workers moving, which in turn keeps muscles more limber and less likely to become strained.