Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

The Work

Ergonomists use their knowledge of science and technology to improve people's working and living environments. They aim to help people live and work safely, comfortably and efficiently. They achieve this by making sure that equipment, machinery and environment are suited to the people who use and interact with them.  
 
For example, in car design, ergonomists contribute to a reduction in the number and severity of road accidents, by changing vehicle design to improve the safety of the driver and passengers. An ergonomist may study cars and car components that have been involved in an accident to see how they have withstood the impact of the crash. They also study the human body, to see how it responds to different crash situations. This helps ergonomists to design new safety features. They may also study accidents involving children's car restraints.  
 
Ergonomists understand how humans behave and react in certain situations. They apply this knowledge to the design process. There is a strong link between ergonomics, good design and our health and safety. Ergonomics is therefore useful in a wide range of areas.  
 
In business, commerce and industry, ergonomists improve working conditions and make them safe. For example, they may help to design an aircraft's flight deck. They make sure the flight deck is suitable for the pilots' sise, workload and general working requirements; they need to be able to reach all the instruments quickly and easily.  
 
Ergonomists might also be involved in changing the design of a computer workstation, so that people who use them are less likely to develop postural and visual fatigue problems. Other ergonomists study how people cope with working in either very hot or very cold temperatures.  
 
Ergonomists also look at the equipment and machinery we use in the workplace, and suggest ways to improve it. They may redesign the layout of an office and help choose suitable furniture. When the office is set up, they may look at the way people use the equipment and suggest some changes, such as altering the height of a typist's chair. In this way, ergonomists help people to avoid problems such as back injuries and injuries through over-use.  
 
As well as working in commerce and industry, some ergonomists design products that people use in their everyday lives. For example, they may design

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimise usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
• Develop or implement human performance research, investigation, or analysis protocols.
• Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
• Prepare reports or presentations summarising results or conclusions of human factors engineering or ergonomics activities, such as testing, investigation, or validation.
• Inspect work sites to identify physical hasards.
• Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
• Provide technical support to clients through activities, such as rearranging workplace fixtures to reduce physical hasards or discomfort or modifying task sequences to reduce cycle time.
• Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as requirements, needs, fatigue, ergonomics, or interfaces.
• Perform functional, task, or anthropometric analysis, using tools, such as checklists, surveys, videotaping, or force measurement.
• Integrate human factors requirements into operational hardware.

Further Information

• Ergonomist - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Ergonomist - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Ergonomics is a niche design profession and entry is competitive. Many ergonomists specialise in this field after gaining experience in other areas such as work-study, psychology, engineering, building or architecture. Ergonomics is often an option within degree courses such as psychology, biology or sports science. Candidates are advised to check with the individual prospectuses. Sample pathway degrees and postgraduate courses are available through out the country.

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Engineering, Manufacturing, Management in centres around Ireland courses around Ireland at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Psychology, Engineering, Furniture Design, Architectural Design & Technology, Pre-University Science with Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Occupational Health & Safety, Occupational Therapy at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Engineering, Polymer Processing Technologist, Carpenter / Joiner, Lean Sigma Manager Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Psychology, Engineering, Furniture Design, Architectural Design & Technology, Pre-University Science with Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Occupational Health & Safety, Occupational Therapy, Interior Design, Biotechnology, Applied Biosciences & Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology - Research NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Management, Art & Design - Interdisciplinary Design Practice, Biotechnology, Biotechnology - Research NFQ level 9

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €80k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Morgan McKinley/ Osborne/ Clark

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.

Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.

New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.

• Irish Ergonomics Society

  • An Chearta, Runard, Clonlara, Co. Clare.
  • (061) 234 249
  • [email protected]
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