Ergonomics and Human Factors provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, concepts, and practical applications of ergonomics in improving human health, safety, comfort, and work efficiency. The book introduces the fundamentals of ergonomics, human physiology, anthropometry, biomechanics, physical workload, fatigue management, and workplace design. It explains the relationship between workers, tools, and the work environment, emphasizing the importance of adapting tasks and workplaces to human capabilities and limitations.

Special attention is given to ergonomic assessment methods, environmental parameters such as heat and cold stress, work simplification techniques, body mechanics, and occupational health concerns including musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue-related issues. The volume also discusses various ergonomic evaluation tools used in industrial, agricultural, and occupational settings for enhancing productivity and reducing workplace hazards.

Designed for students, researchers, occupational health professionals, engineers, extension workers, and practitioners, this book serves as a valuable resource for understanding ergonomic principles and promoting safer, healthier, and more efficient working environments.

Dr. Renuka S Salunke is a distinguished academician, researcher, and extension specialist serving as Professor in the Department of Resource Management and Consumer Science, College of Community Science, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. With more than three decades of dedicated service since joining Government service as a Group ‘A’ officer in 1996, she has made significant contributions in teaching, research, rural development, and institutional leadership. She earned her B.H.Sc., M.H.Sc. (Distinction) in Family Resource Management, and Ph.D. (Distinction) from UAS Dharwad, along with a PG Diploma in Entrepreneurship Development from IGNOU. Over her illustrious career, she has held several academic and research positions including Research Associate, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor & Head, and Professor & Senior Scientist under AICRP-HSc. Dr. Salunke has guided 07 M.H.Sc. and 05 Ph.D. students and developed five academic manuals. Her research focuses on energy conservation, sustainable livelihood systems, resource management, and improving the quality of life of rural and SC/ST families. She currently serves as Principal Investigator of a various ad hoc projects. She has developed several user-friendly technologies such as the Saral Kurpi, Fertilizer Trolley, SIRI Surakshit Cooker, and Mechanized Groundnut Decorticator to reduce drudgery and improve rural livelihoods. An accomplished scholar, she has published 65 research papers, 5 book chapters, 2 books, and delivered 82 radio talks, besides organizing numerous training programmes and participating in national and international conferences, including academic exposure at Cornell University. Her excellence has been recognized through prestigious honours such as the ICAR Fellowship, National Choudhary Devi Lal Team Award, Excellence in Teaching Award (2021), and Global Outstanding Achievement Award (2024). A committed Rotarian since 2011, Dr. Salunke has served as Club Secretary, President, and Assistant Governor, receiving accolades including Best Rotarian, Best President, and Best Assistant Governor. As a Major Donor Level-1 contributor, she has actively supported Rotary initiatives in polio eradication, education, disease prevention, and community welfare.

Dr. Swati Vannur is an emerging academician and researcher in the field of Family Resource Management and Community Science, currently serving as Programme Officer (PO-I) under the DST Project, Government of India, at the Department of Resource Management and Consumer Science, College of Community Science, University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad. She completed her Ph.D. in 2022 with distinction from UAS Dharwad, focusing on “Ergonomic Assessment of Fuel Wood Carrying to Mitigate Drudgery among Rural Women.” Her research interests include ergonomics, occupational health, women empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, environmental health, and rural development. Dr. Vannur has authored and co-authored 14 research papers, book chapters, popular articles, and a book titled The Hand Book of Interior Design and Decoration, Circular Journey of Plastics and Fundamentals of Ergonomics. She has actively participated in international conferences and training programmes, including academic presentations in Kathmandu, Nepal. She has organized several entrepreneurship and skill development programmes for rural communities and women beneficiaries. Her academic excellence and research contributions have earned her prestigious recognitions including the Best Ph.D. Research Thesis Award, Global Young Achiever Award–2024, Gold Medal Award, and Best Research Scholar Award. Through her teaching, research, and extension activities, Dr. Vannur continues to contribute meaningfully toward improving the quality of life and occupational well-being of rural women and farming communities.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Ergonomics

Chapter 2. Human Factors and Anthropometry

Chapter 3. Physiological Workload and Physical Fitness

Chapter 4. Fatigue

Chapter 5. Work, Worker and Work Place

Chapter 6. Work Simplification

Chapter 7. Biomechanics - Bones, Muscles and Joints

Chapter 8. Impact of Environmental Parameters

Chapter 9. Ergonomic Assessment Tools