DIACHRONIC APPROACH TO OCCUPATIONAL ERGONOMICS: HISTORICAL EVOLUTION, CURRENT TRENDS AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32999/ksu2307-8030/2025-54-6Keywords:
work ergonomics, diachronic approach, historical evolution, anthropometry, digitalizationAbstract
The article explores ergonomics of work as an interdisciplinary applied science that investigates human interaction with the working environment to enhance efficiency, safety, and comfort during task execution. Adopting a diachronic perspective, the study traces the evolution of ergonomics from early empirical attempts to adapt workplaces in ancient civilizations–such as Hippocrates’ recommendations in the 5th century BCE for organizing a surgeon’s workspace–to contemporary technological advancements, including risk assessment software and biometric sensors. The term "ergonomics" was coined by Wojciech Jastrzębowski in 1857, marking a pivotal moment in its systematization, while the 20th century, particularly post-World War II, saw ergonomics emerge as an independent discipline driven by industrial and military demands, leading to the establishment of specialized societies in the UK (1949) and the USA (1957). Modern trends in ergonomics reflect its adaptation to the challenges of digitalization, automation, and the global shift toward remote work. The rise of remote work, spurred by the pandemic, has underscored the need to adapt ergonomic principles to home environments, where improper equipment placement can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) by 25–30%. In industrial and automated systems, the focus has shifted toward human-machine interaction (HMI), with studies by Christopher D. Wickens showing that optimized interface design reduces cognitive load by 20%, and Peter A. Hancock demonstrating that improved display design cuts operator reaction time by 15%. Technologies like Ergoweb EnterpriseSM and 3DSSPP software enable real-time ergonomic risk assessment, reducing analysis time by 30% and facilitating early detection of strain. Economically, ergonomics proves highly beneficial. Research by Waldemar Karwowski indicates that ergonomic interventions in call centers reduce absenteeism by 12% and boost productivity by 10%. Overall savings can reach 20–30% of labor costs by decreasing compensation payouts, injuries, and turnover, while in industrial sectors, ergonomic machine design further cuts operational costs. The article integrates historical context with modern trends, offering a comprehensive analysis of ergonomics’ practical significance. The study proposes practical recommendations, including the personalization of workplaces based on anthropometric and psychological traits, the adoption of technologies like biometric sensors for real-time monitoring, regular training on ergonomic principles for staff and management, and the development of universal standards combining physical and cognitive aspects across industries. Future research directions include adapting historical principles to emerging technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence, as well as developing economic models to assess the long-term impact of ergonomic interventions, considering both direct and indirect benefits, such as improved employee satisfaction. Thus, ergonomics of work remains a dynamic field, bridging centuries-old insights with modern innovations to balance health, productivity, and economic viability.
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