Ergónomo

An Ergónomo is a professional who studies the relationship between the work environment and the human body to design more efficient and worker-friendly workplaces. Ergónomos may work with architects, engineers, and interior designers to create new or update existing workspaces. They may also work with businesses to develop and implement ergonomics programs that improve worker safety and health. A common misconception is that Ergónomos are limited to creating arrangements of workstations, when in reality they do much more than that. Ergónomos will conduct thorough research, study how equipment and furniture is used, and analyze risk factors to make a series of recommendations. These recommendations can relate to work postures, the tools used for work, flow of work, and even equipment maintenance. The goal of an Ergonomo is to increase worker productivity, reduce healthcare costs, improve employee morale, and prevent or reduce workplace injuries.

Skills and Knowledge

Ergónomos typically have a bachelor's or master's degree in ergonomics, engineering, or a related field. Common degrees include kinesiology, occupational therapy, or even industrial design. They may be certified by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) or the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). These certifications are not strictly required, but can improve chances of career advancement. Ergónomos use a variety of skills to complete their work, including:

• Human factors
• Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Industrial design
• Workplace design
• Safety
• Health
• Communication
• Project management

Career Growth

Ergónomos may advance to management positions, such as ergonomics manager or director. They may also specialize in a particular area of ergonomics, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or transportation. These specializations often require additional training and certification.

Transferable Skills

The skills and knowledge that Ergónomos develop can be transferred to a variety of other careers, including:

• Safety management
• Industrial engineering
• Human factors research
• Product design
• Healthcare

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day work of an Ergónomo may include:

• Conducting workplace assessments
• Developing and implementing ergonomics programs
• Training workers on ergonomic principles
• Conducting research on ergonomics issues
• Writing reports and making recommendations
• Working with other professionals, such as architects, engineers, and interior designers

Challenges

Ergónomos face a number of challenges in their work, including:

• Resistance to change from workers and management
• Limited budgets
• Competing priorities
• Lack of understanding of ergonomics

Projects

Ergónomos may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Designing new or updating existing workspaces
• Developing and implementing ergonomics programs
• Conducting research on ergonomics issues
• Writing reports and making recommendations

Personal Growth

Working as an Ergónomo can provide opportunities for personal growth in the following areas:

• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Project management
• Leadership

Personality Traits and Interests

Ergónomos tend to be:

• Analytical
• Detail-oriented
• Problem-solvers
• Communicators
• Team players

Self-Guided Projects

Students may complete the following projects to better prepare themselves for a career as an Ergónomo:

• Conduct an ergonomics assessment of your own workspace or another workplace
• Develop an ergonomics program for a specific workplace
• Conduct research on a specific ergonomics issue
• Write a report on your findings

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn the skills and knowledge needed to become an Ergónomo. Online courses offer many benefits for teaching the important topics of an Ergónomo, such as:

• Convenience and flexibility. Online courses can be taken at your own pace and on your own schedule.
• Variety of course options. There are a variety of online courses available, so you can find one that fits your specific needs.
• Affordability. Online courses are often more affordable than traditional college courses.
• Skill development. Online courses can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a career as an Ergónomo.

Online courses can help you prepare for a career as an Ergónomo in a number of ways. They can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the field. They can also help you develop the specialized skills and knowledge needed to work in a specific area of ergonomics. In addition, online courses can help you stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to make a change, online courses can be a valuable resource. They can help you learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field and can give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.

However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to follow a path to this career. You will also need to gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or on-the-job training.