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The history of ergonomics can be traced back to the Ancient Greece culture. There is evidence to demonstrate the use of ergonomics during the 5th century Hellenic Civilization. During that time it was used in their workplaces, jobs and tools. Egyptian dynasties also are considered to make household equipments and tools which included ergonomic principles. The development of the word has Greek origins as it is made from the following words "nomos" and "ergon". These words mean natural laws and work respectively.
Mr. Frederick Winslow Taylor should be mentioned when talking about the history of ergonomics. He was one among the pioneers of the so called scientific management technique. He utilised the concept of ergonomics in enhancing the work of coal workers. He tried reducing the weight and size of their coal shovels and was able to have a fast shovelling rate. This incident took place in the nineteenth century. During that time the ergonomics was used for bringing about maximum results at the lowest cost. Also, people were able to accomplish it. Later, other people also started incorporating these types of methods by reducing the work process and the process continues to bring about positive impacts in the work environment and therefore, in the overall life. Since the beginning, ergonomics was found to have increased applications as the life processed.
The Second World War paved way for the progress of complex and new machinery besides the weaponry. Also, the worker’s concentration and awareness on the task was found to influence the quality of work. There arose a need to enhance the worker’s knowledge and work efficiency. The concept was used in aircrafts also and resulted in reducing the errors considerably. Before that, the aircrafts were found to be in appropriate in several ways. It was necessary to find out some solution. The world war is considered as one of the main factor in the development of ergonomics.
Since the war, there have been several developments in the field of ergonomics and would be an important time in the history of the developmental stages of this popularly used scientific discipline. If you compare the history of ergonomics development and the present situation, you would realise how much the field has improved. The fact that it is widely used in several fields itself demonstrates its improvement.
Contrary to the older days, this science has increased application and presently is being used to improve technological concepts and as a result we all experience ergonomics in our daily life. The concept has helped in improving the work quality with the inclusion of properly designed office accessories.
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