FELA Lawyers

Redesigning Work Environments - Ergonomics in Action

Ergonomics is a term referring to the adaptation of objects and the environment for efficient and comfortable human use. The term itself is derived from a combination of the Greek words ergon, meaning “work,” and nomos, meaning the “natural law.” In other words, ergonomics can often be understood as the application of scientific principles to create tools and environments which accommodate the human mind and body.

Most likely, you are familiar with ergonomic principles, even if you have never heard the term “ergonomics.” For example, if you have ever driven a modern car, you have probably noticed that the steering wheel and gearshift knob are often molded to fit comfortably in your grip. This is one facet of ergonomics – designing a tool (the car) to be more suitable for human use. Other examples of this type of ergonomics, known as “physical ergonomics,” include office chairs which provide contoured back support, keyboards with wrist support built in, and headphones which are fitted to the shape of your ear. All these devices have been designed with human compatibility in mind.

There are also other kinds of ergonomics, such as “cognitive ergonomics,” which is concerned with the way the human mind works, and “organization ergonomics,” which studies the structure of social organizations.

So how does this apply to you as a railroad worker? Since the 1980s, railroad companies have been studying ergonomics as a way to minimize costly injury lawsuits from their employees or former employees. Smart companies understand that, in most cases, changing or adapting work environments using ergonomic principles is far more affordable than facing a slew of lawsuits from injured employees. The other side of the coin is that, since railroad companies have shown an awareness of the benefits of ergonomics, they no longer have a very strong excuse for failing to utilize their knowledge.

There are many ways in which ergonomics can be useful to an industry so often plagued by repetitive motion injuries. For example, one research project undertaken in the industry involved studying the efficiency of hand brakes. The study would attempt to identify the most efficient design for a hand brake in terms of force exerted by the worker, and minimize the stress imposed upon workers by hand brake operation.

Railroad companies have a duty to ensure the safety of their employees. If you are a railroad worker who has been injured due to the negligence of your employer, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). For more information and a free initial consultation, call 866-950-9000 for a FELA lawyer from Williams Kherkher.