Welcome to the Ergonomics Society of South Africa
The Ergonomics Society of South Africa (ESSA) is a federated member of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA).
ESSA is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of ergonomics (human factors) in South Africa and promoting the health, safety, wellbeing, and productivity benefits of good ergonomic design.
ESSA also supports the growth of ergonomics across Africa, with a particular interest in the challenges and opportunities facing Industrially Developing Countries (IDCs).
Welcome to the Ergonomics Society of South Africa
The Ergonomics Society of South Africa (ESSA) is a federated member of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)
As a society, ESSA, aims to promote an awareness of ergonomics in South Africa and both the health and safety and productivity benefits that can be derived from the implementation of sound ergonomics principles
Ergonomics (or Human Factors) in Industrially Developing Countries (IDCs) is a major focus for ESSA as we work at growing the discipline in Africa.
Welcome to the Ergonomics Society of South Africa
The Ergonomics Society of South Africa (ESSA) is a federated member of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA).
As a society, ESSA, aims to promote an awareness of ergonomics in South Africa and both the health and safety and productivity benefits that can be derived from the implementation of sound ergonomics principles
What is Human Factors or Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of work. Derived from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (laws).
The terms ‘ergonomics’ and ‘human factors’ can be used interchangeably, although ‘ergonomics’ is often used in relation to the physical aspects of the enviroment, such as workstations and control panels, while ‘human factors’ is often used in relation to wider systems in which people work.
“Ergonomics (or Human Factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance".
International Ergonomics (IEA) Association Definition
Role of Factors / Ergonomics Specialists
Ergonomists (or Human Factors Specialists) contribute 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. Taken from http://iea.cc/
Practicing Ergonomists (or Human Factors Specialists) are likely to come from a number of diverse areas, but all will be concerned with the assessment of people in their working environments.
Professional Certification
Professional Certification through the Professional Affairs Board (PAB) recognises ergonomics practitioners who meet established standards of competence and ethical practice. It gives industry confidence in certified professionals while offering members a clear pathway for growth and recognition.