Ergonomics might seem like a modern idea - the fact that our bodies and tools need to be properly aligned to prevent injury or ill health. But in fact, ergonomics as a concept has a long and rich history. At Flexispot, we like to make sure that our ergonomic furniture is at the very highest standard, which is why we keep up to date with all the latest ergonomic trends and discoveries. It’s also fascinating to see how far ergonomics has come since its inception in 400 BC.
Here’s a timeline we put together that we thought might interest you.
400 BC
Archeologists have discovered drawings and paintings of the Ancient Greek civilization using chairs with, what looks like, back contouring. The famous philosopher Hippocrates (460 BC to 375 BC) also documented his ideas on the ‘flow’ of the workplace. In particular, he talked about how a surgeon’s room should be laid out and how the tools should be arranged.
1700s
Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini (1633 – 1714) wrote an article titled 'De Morbis Artificum,’ which translates as, ‘Diseases of Workers.’ He described a selection of specific injuries and illnesses, such as weaver’s bottom,telegrapher’s wrist and writer’s cramp, describing how these injuries related to occupations and working environments.
1890s
Frederick Winslow Taylor set out on a mission to improve efficiency in the workplace. He used methods of measuring workflow and units of work and time. In one of his most interesting research projects, he observed the process of shovelling coal. After much observation he decided the best load to shovel was a weight of 21.5 pounds and then encouraged different sized shovels to be made to hold 21.5 pounds of specific materials. As the weight and size of the shovels reduced, they ended up being able to hold triple the amount of coal. This increased productivity and also minimised work-related injuries.
1900s
Lillian and Frank Gilbreth began examining something called ‘Time and Motion Studies’. These studies examined the number of motions required to perform a given task. So for example, one of the studies looked at bricklayers. Once they understood the time and motion of bricklaying, they were able to increase the bricklayer productivity from 120 bricks to 350 bricks laid per hour by introducing differing workstation heights.
1914 – 1918
During WWI, ergonomic designs were implemented into aircrafts by way of the displays, controls and chairs. Environmental factors that affected the pilots were also considered.
1939-1945
During WW2, ergonomic designs made their way into weaponry and machines. Not only were the physical aspects of the human body considered (for example, the shape of the hand when using a machine gun) but cognitive issues like alertness, noise and fatigue were considered.
1949
Physiologists and psychologists at The Admiralty in the United Kingdom came up with the phrase ‘ergonomics’, which comes from the Greek word ergon (meaning work / function) and namos (meaning law). The same group of professionals then formed the Ergonomics Research Society (ERS), the first such professional body in the world. Now, it is known as the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors.
1970s
Two important books by Henry Dreyfuss, Measure of Man, and Niels Diffrient, Humanscale, were published. The publications outlined complex discoveries in ergonomics and were aimed at designers. These books helped designers to create ergonomic environments for the workplace.
1980s
Computers became more mainstream within populations and ergonomic science shifted once again to try and ascertain the human factors within this. The distance one sits from the computer, the glare of the screen and the posture of your body while you type was all studied during this time period.
Now
Now, with technology at its most advanced, ergonomics has come on leaps and bounds. In almost any reputable office, ergonomics are considered as essential components in the employment of an individual. With more people working from home and using digital technologies, companies also have to think about how they can apply ergonomics to remote workers.
FlexiSpot
Flexispot is a company that utilises the immense history and scientific discovery within ergonomics to bring you advanced ergonomic solutions. We offer chairs, desks, gaming furniture, accessories and organisers, all featuring the key discoveries brought to us by ergonomic experts. Each piece of furniture is designed with health and human factors in mind.
