When we talk about Safety – especially about machine safety devices or PPE – the term ergonomics often comes up. We use it to describe the features an object must have in order to adapt to the human body and to the way people actually use it. And when, unfortunately, a workplace accident occurs despite the use of these devices and of this PPE, we are usually quick to blame the person who “didn’t use it properly”.
What I would like to highlight is that, very often, the instructions that come with these devices – which should clarify how to use or apply them, and explain to workers which behaviours are needed to make the best use of them – are either difficult to understand or even hard to find inside leaflets or booklets supplied by the manufacturer.
We should not forget that the term ergonomics should also be applied to communication – especially communication about workplace safety – whose aim is to convey information that helps workers identify the main risks related to their tasks and, consequently, adopt the correct behaviours to minimise possible accidents (including, for example, the correct use of PPE).
Communication should therefore be designed and implemented with its recipients in mind, namely:
- 1. using terminology that is familiar to workers and not excessively technical;
- 2. taking into account the limited time available to read instructions;
- 3. making it as easy as possible to find the relevant instructions within manuals and explanatory documents.