Human factors and ergonomics are two interrelated terms in the engineering field. Whereas many applications have failed to bring out the difference between the two terms, the application of the terms can justify their similarity (Drury, 2015). However, when analyzed in terms of psychological and physiological factors that affect human beings' performance at work, the two terms are different. Human factors refer to the psychological factors that affect the performance of a human being on a given task. Ergonomics, on the other hand, refers to the physical and human factors that affect humans' efficiency in performing tasks or interacting with machines.
Therefore, ergonomics focuses on the ability of humans to interact with machines and enhance their performance when carrying out tasks. For instance, a machine design that requires the operator to board the machine during operation should have a provision comfortable sit or stand during the operation. Thus, when the designer chooses to provide for a comfortable seat, as opposed to a panel to stand, the operator can focus on the job longer without fatigue. Furthermore, the control panel should be well placed to enhance the operation of the various functions (Álvarez-Casado et al., 2011). The human factors focus on the ability of humans to interact with machines to perform tasks (Morita & Cafazzo, 2016). The task should evoke fewer psychological factors such as stress and fatigue.
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In conclusion, ergonomics refers to the physical and psychological factors that affect the performance of humans when interacting with machines. Ergonomics focuses on the task or machine's ability to enhance human performance limiting the evocation of human psychological factors. Human factors, on the other hand, focuses on minimizing the limitation of performing a task due to humans’ psychological factors. Therefore, the two terms are fundamental from the design stage of machinery and tools to the execution stage of tasks.
References
Álvarez-Casado, E., Zhang, B., Sandoval, S., & Pedro, M. (2011). Using ergonomic digital human modeling in evaluation of workplace design and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders aboard small fishing vessels. Human Factors And Ergonomics In Manufacturing & Service Industries , 26 (4), 463-472. https://doi.org/10.1002/hfm.20321
Drury, C. (2015). Human factors/ergonomics implications of big data analytics: Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors annual lecture. Ergonomics , 58 (5), 659-673. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2015.1025106
Morita, P., & Cafazzo, J. (2016). Challenges and Paradoxes of Human Factors in Health Technology Design. JMIR Human Factors , 3 (1), e11. https://doi.org/10.2196/humanfactors.4653
