Ergonomics and the Physiotherapist

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of ergonomics and shows this discipline and physiotherapy lying at the opposite ends of spectrum of care. It outlines the influence of ergonomics on the design of work-stations, tools, environment, selection and training in order to obtain optimum conditions for workers. Management and workers both require enlightenment on the benefits of applying human engineering factors in situations where people are employed. This article indicates the developing role of the physiotherapist as educator of management and workers in the benefits of utilising human factors engineering factors at all levels of working organisations. It outlines some ergonomic rules to help physiotherapists with a simple analysis of work situations. It urges physiotherapists to speak with the authority of knowledge in order to give credence to advice given to both workers and management. A need for pre- and post-registration courses in occupational health with ergonomic content for physiotherapists is indicated. This paper gives an overview of ergonomics and shows this discipline and physiotherapy lying at the opposite ends of spectrum of care. It outlines the influence of ergonomics on the design of work-stations, tools, environment, selection and training in order to obtain optimum conditions for workers. Management and workers both require enlightenment on the benefits of applying human engineering factors in situations where people are employed. This article indicates the developing role of the physiotherapist as educator of management and workers in the benefits of utilising human factors engineering factors at all levels of working organisations. It outlines some ergonomic rules to help physiotherapists with a simple analysis of work situations. It urges physiotherapists to speak with the authority of knowledge in order to give credence to advice given to both workers and management. A need for pre- and post-registration courses in occupational health with ergonomic content for physiotherapists is indicated. Biography: Michael Foster qualified from the West London School of Physiotherapy and worked at Bedford General, St Albans City and Napsbury Hospitals and Garston Manor Rehabilitation Centre. He was a student teacher and teacher at the Prince of Wales' Hospital School of Physiotherapy before emigrating to New Zealand where he was a tutor at Auckland Technical Institute. He has a private practice in Auckland and is a consultant ergonomist. He has MSc(Erg) from Loughborough University of Technology and is governing director of a consulting human factors company. He is a professional member of the NZ Ergonomics Society and an ordinary member of the UK Ergonomics Society. His interests are in education, workstation design, organisations and systems, and standards and legislation for consumer products.