This European Standard helps the designer in applying ergonomics principles to the design of machinery, focusing especially on the interaction between the design of machinery and work tasks.
This is essential since the quality of design and safety of machinery depends on the prospective operators being able to perform their tasks with the machinery in a safe and competent manner. Applying ergonomics principles to the design of machinery and work tasks aims at minimizing the discomfort, fatigue and other impairing effects faced by the operator and thus contributes to the optimal functioning of the work system (EN 292-2:1991, Annex A.1, 1.1.2 (d)) and reduces the risks of negative health effects. Therefore, good design follows ergonomics principles, starts with the specification of system functions and anticipates how the prospective operator will interact with the machinery and other work equipment.
In the design of machinery and work tasks, the physical aspects of the operator's activities are not the only design parameters to be dealt with. Operator activities also include the perception and processing of information, determination of strategies, decision making and communication.