How do they match: Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists

  • Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists

  • Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests.
  • Design or evaluate human work systems, using human factors engineering and ergonomic principles to optimize usability, cost, quality, safety, or performance.
  • Inspect work sites to identify physical hazards.
  • Perform statistical analyses, such as social network pattern analysis, network modeling, discrete event simulation, agent-based modeling, statistical natural language processing, computational sociology, mathematical optimization, or systems dynamics.
  • Recommend workplace changes to improve health and safety, using knowledge of potentially harmful factors, such as heavy loads or repetitive motions.
  • Review health, safety, accident, or worker compensation records to evaluate safety program effectiveness or to identify jobs with high incidence of injury.

  • Advise others on health and safety issues.
  • Investigate safety of work environment.
  • Research human performance or health factors related to engineering or design activities.