What does ergonomics seek to achieve in the workplace?

Ergonomics focuses on designing workspaces and tasks to fit the needs, capabilities, and limitations of workers. By adapting the work area to fit the worker, ergonomics aims to enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency, potentially leading to improved worker performance and reduced risk of injury.

When a work environment is tailored to accommodate individual physical requirements, it helps prevent strain or discomfort that could arise from repetitive motions or improper posture. This adjustment can lead to better job satisfaction and increased productivity, as workers are able to perform their tasks more effectively without unnecessary fatigue or discomfort.

Other options, while they may have positive outcomes in a workplace, do not define the core purpose of ergonomics. For example, increasing overall production can be a secondary benefit of implementing ergonomic principles, but it is not the primary focus. Similarly, while reducing breaks might seem beneficial from a productivity standpoint, an ergonomic approach actually encourages breaks to prevent fatigue and promote overall health. Improving company policies is also important but is not directly related to the physical aspects of workplace design that ergonomics addresses. Thus, adapting the work area to fit the worker is the most accurate representation of what ergonomics seeks to achieve.