Ergonomics is a branch of science using knowledge about the psychophysical capabilities of a user to design and correct objects, machines, devices and to organize a work-place in order to ensure productivity, comfort, safety and satisfaction at work.
A pioneer of ergonomics was a Pole, Prof. Wojciech Bogumił Jastrzębowski (1799 – 1882). In his work entitled "Rys ergonomii czyli nauki o pracy, opartej na prawach poczerpniętych z Nauki Przyrody", published in 1857 he used the term ergonomics for the first time. He defined it in the following way:
"The term Ergonomics, derived from the Greek word ergon – work and nomos – right, rule, defines the Science of Work or of using skills and capabilities given to man by the Creator".
Ergonomics is applied in industry, office work and everyday life. Present trends in ergonomics cover almost every field of human activity:
- Manufacturing methods and technology,
- Quality of products,
- Office work (especially work-places with a computer),
- Interior design at home,
- Means of transport and communication,
- Living conditions of elderly and disabled people
- Sport and leisure.
Prepared on the basis of: Górska E. “Projektowanie, diagnoza, eksperymenty.” OWPW, Warszawa 2002. Jastrzębowski W.B. „Rys historyczny czyli nauka o pracy, opartej na prawach poczerpniętych z Nauki Przyrody”. CIOP, Warszawa 1997. | 
