Ergonomics (or human factors) is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environment for human use (definition adopted by the International Ergonomics Association in 2007). Ergonomics is commonly thought of as how companies design tasks and work areas to maximize the efficiency and quality of their employees’ work. However, ergonomics comes into everything which involves people. Work systems, sports and leisure, health and safety should all embody ergonomics principles if well designed.(International Ergonomics Association in 2007) It is the applied science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. The field is also called biotechnology, human engineering, and human factors engineering.

Ergonomic research is primarily performed by ergonomists who study human capabilities in relationship to their work demands. Information derived from ergonomists contributes to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people (IEA, 2000

Ergonomic devices are used to eliminate sources of physical stress and injury associated with operating machinery. The word ergonomic means human engineering, or the design of safe and comfortable machines for human use. There are several types of ergonomic devices. Examples include ergonomic table lifts, ergonomic hammers, ergonomic keyboards, ergonomic illuminated keyboards, and an ergonomic foot mouse. An ergonomic table lift is used to raise and position work pieces for ergonomic access. An ergonomic hammer enables the wrist to be positioned at a comfortable angle for maximum leverage. An ergonomic keyboard simply shifts the location of tension from the wrists and forearms up to the neck and shoulders. An ergonomic illuminated keyboard uses backlighting under low light conditions to give greater visibility, thus doing away with task lighting that adds an extra glare. An ergonomic foot mouse is a pointing machine consisting of two pads. An ergonomic foot mouse is foot operated and is most commonly used in industrial and factory automation, medical, military or aerospace and telecommunication. Other ergonomic devices are commonly available.

Ergonomic devices function in a variety of ways. Ergonomic devices work in accordance with a discipline that involves arranging an environment and its components to fit a person in it. Ergonomic disorders such as pain in the shoulders, neck, wrists, and lower back can be avoided with the use of ergonomic devices. Ergonomic devices such as computer ergonomic devices include an ergonomic mouse, keyboard, monitors. Ergonomic furniture includes ergonomic tables and chairs. There are also music and engineering ergonomic devices. Ergonomic table lifts may also be used for material or load positioning or lifting. An ergonomic lift table is a work platform used to raise and lower material and work pieces for loading and work positioning. Lift capacity, vertical lift travel, platform width, and length are some of the specifications that are considered with ergonomic table lifts. Ergonomic hammers with a force transducer in its head are paired with an accelerometer on the component being tested to compare impact and response. An ergonomic keyboard eliminates the three most damaging positions of body postures such as extension, deviation, and pronation. A typical type of ergonomic illuminated keyboard has a transparent or semi-transparent top and keys with black lettering. An electroluminescent pad is placed beneath the top. Thus when the light is not enabled, the keyboard is used normally and looks like a standard keyboard. When it is switched on, the entire top of the keyboard glows. Ergonomic devices can be used to eliminate ergonomic hazards in specific work situations.

Ergonomic devices have various applications. An ergonomic keyboard is used for multimedia presentations in darkened boardrooms or lecture halls. An ergonomic table lift is widely used in construction, automotive and garage service, electrical and power service, wire and cable industries, and painting. Ergonomic hammers are used in structural and modal analysis to determine component or system response to impacts of varying amplitude and duration. Ergonomic devices are modeled to be user friendly and stress free. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has established several guidelines for ergonomic devices