We ergonomists can make a difference in sustainability** focused efforts by doing what we already know how to do. Day in and day out we apply our ergonomics tools and creativity to a wide range of challenges, and make a difference. We can help any effort or operation be more effective and more efficient. This is what we do.
Imagine we consciously turned our attention to helping sustainability related operations and initiatives be stronger and more effective? Would we be able to make a difference? Would we as a profession and each of us as individuals be able to know that we are “part of the solution” ?
A few weeks ago I noticed an ergonomics nightmare on my block. A woman was lifting a 5 gallon bucket of kitchen waste up over her head to dump it into a bin in the bed of a pickup truck. I spoke briefly with her and then later reached out to the company owner to offer my help, at no cost, to help them address their ergonomics risks and keep their people safe. In our conversation I discovered that all the small local compost collection companies have similar issues and that they have good relationships that include best practice sharing. I hope to help them all reduce their risk and thus contribute to sustainability in this very small part of the big picture. I imagine that there are many sustainability focused operations that could benefit from a bit of ergonomics attention.
I recently retired from my job in the corporate world with a plan to turn my attention and professional experience toward making a difference in sustainability. As such, I can afford to donate some of my time to making a difference. My goal is to leave behind a world that is in better, (or less bad,) condition for my children and future generations than would be left to them if I did not choose to direct my efforts toward sustainability. Alone, I can do only a little; together we can do more. Therefore, I am reaching out to my professional community with this invitation to join me, in whatever way works for you. We will engage in a collaborative exploration of ways that we can engage our ergonomics muscles to support sustainability, and make a difference.
The time is now for ergonomists to take action. Professional organizations are including a focus on sustainability in communications and conference planning. The IEA (International Ergonomics Association) has a “Sustainable Development” Technical Group. The AES (Applied Ergonomics Society) is publishing sustainability content in their newsletter. The HFES (Human Factors and Ergonomics Society) is establishing a task force to explore creating a Sustainable Development Technical Group. These 3 are examples of likely a wider trend.
Together we can explore the intersection of ergonomics and sustainability. I look forward to conversation and collaboration with others who recognize the importance of this territory. Please join me in conversation and action.
A sign-up form is on the web Ergovation.com webpage for individuals who are interested, curious or passionate. Those signing up will be informed of future developments and invited to join the conversation. Collaboration will be critical. I look forward to collaboration with other passionate individuals.
Dan Gottesman, CPE Ergovation.com
** EPA: “To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” <https://www.epa.gov/sustainability/learn-about-sustainability >