First introduced in 1949, it comes from the Greek word "ergon" which meant work and "nomics" from "economics." An ergonomist is a noun. For example, "An ergonomist evaluated all of our work stations." Ergonomic is an adjective. For example, "He decided that we had the proper ergonomic configuration for our work desks." Ergonomically is an adverb. For example, "We will have our work stations ergonomically designed for us."
Webster's defines ergonomics as, "the scientific study of equipment design, as in office furniture or transportation seating, for the purpose of improving efficiency, comfort, or safety."
Webster's defines ergonomics as using the science of ergonomics to design the characteristics of an object.
The Science Dictionary states that ergonomics is primarily concerned with the proper arrangement of people and things to ensure that they interact in a safe and efficient manner. It is also referred to as human engineering, biotechnology or human factors.
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) defines ergonomics as, "the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population." They claim that proper ergonomics will prevent musculoskeletal problems, increase productivity, decrease time loss due to sickness and injury, as well as create a happier workforce. They point to jobs that have prolonged, repetitive use of the hands (such as keyboarding), heavy lifting (such as delivery jobs), or jobs requiring holding odd positions for long periods (such as mechanics or plumbers) as all being in need of a proper ergonomic fit.