Fabio Strambi represents the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies at ErgoMach.
Ergonomics is a human-centred discipline that focuses on the person(s) in the working situation(s), the interface between human beings and working systems, and the efficiency of the man-machine couple.
When a person becomes an operator of machinery or a working system, production systems and human beings are confronted at their interface. Specific challenges have to be solved at the junction of these two elements to prevent human well-being and capacity (etc.) from being altered and to maintain the performance of the production system. That is why ergonomics standards are proposed.
Today, there is evidence of a lack of communication between ergonomists and the rather pragmatically oriented group of machine designers/manufacturers. This often results in machinery being designed without benefitting from ergonomic principles.
This lack of communication also affects standards – the most important machinery design tool. Standards on ergonomic aspects in machinery design exist, but designers find them difficult to understand and apply correctly. To improve communication in all directions among the stakeholders involved in Ergonomics and Machinery design, it is planned that this website will offer a common platform for ergonomists, manufacturers, users, authorities, and standardization experts in the future.