• life/biological sciences such as biomechanics, kinesiology and medicine,
• behavioral/social sciences such as psychology, sociology and anthropology, and
• technical sciences such as systems design, mathematical modeling and operations research.

Ergonomists ensure that the design of products, tasks and work methods is compatible with human characteristics and maximizes safety, efficiency and well-being. To accomplish this objective, they may

• evaluate human/machine systems by observing and evaluating how people interact with equipment, work spaces and environments,
• develop experimental designs, data collection instruments and procedures, and criterion measures to study system performance,
• collect information by investigating environments and working activities to determine and modify existing processes and practices,
• analyze the demands placed on workers by assessing physical, postural, physiological, mental, stress, job and work attitude parameters,
• assess physical environments by using measuring instruments, subjective assessments, performance and response measurements, modelling and simulations,
• assess the suitability of products and systems in relation to the motor, sensorial and mental capabilities of operators and users,
• design and implement systems by conducting audits and employing creative techniques such as focus groups, participatory design and follow-up groups,
• teach workers about body mechanics and work practices,
• consult with other specialists concerning design and development problems to gather and integrate data from a variety of scientific and professional points of view, and
• advise organizations on the human factors to be considered in the specification, design, evaluation, operation and maintenance of products and systems.

Overtime, evening and weekend work may be required to meet project deadlines or to assess systems involving shift workers.

• an interest in and curiosity about how people interact with their environments,
• creativity, and
• the ability to work independently or with a team.

Ergonomists should enjoy coordinating information, developing innovative approaches to problems, consulting with people, taking responsibility for projects, and taking a methodical approach to conducting research.

In Alberta, the following universities offer master's degree programs related to ergonomics.

• The University of Alberta in Edmonton offers a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (M.Sc.P.T.) degree program with a specialization in ergonomics.
• The University of Calgary offers a Master in Environmental Design (M.E. Des.) degree program with specializations in environmental science, industrial design, and planning; and a M.Sc. degree program in psychology with a specialization in ergonomics.

In general, the entrance requirement for these programs is an acceptable average in the final two years of a related four-year bachelor degree program (e.g. in occupational therapy, kinesiology, engineering, physical therapy or psychology) with course work in the biological and applied sciences and psychology.

Suitable four-year bachelor's degree programs are offered by post-secondary institutions throughout the province. The entrance requirements for bachelor's degree programs vary from one program to another and from one institution to another but, in general, specify a minimum acceptable average (60%, 65% or 70%) in English 30 and four other approved Grade 12 subjects (e.g. Math 30, a 30-level language other than English and/or 30-level science courses).

• possess appropriate academic qualifications in the form of a bachelor's or higher degree approved by the Association, or equivalent qualifications and experience,
• have shown evidence of major expertise in either behavioral, biological or engineering sciences, together with supplementary expertise in one of the other two,
• have had three years of experience practicing, teaching or conducting research in ergonomics or human factors, and
• be nominated by two full or fellow members of the Association.

• government departments concerned with workers compensation, occupational health and safety, transportation and defense,
• research councils and institutes,
• universities and other educational institutions,
• computer and office furniture manufacturers,
• manufacturing companies,
• large corporations such as utility or telecommunications companies, and
• private consulting firms.

Some ergonomists are self-employed, contracting their services to a variety of employers.

Advancement opportunities vary depending on the size and nature of the organization and the ergonomist's qualifications.

Ergonomists are part of the larger "Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers" occupational group. In Alberta, employment in this group is dispersed across the following industry sectors:

• Business Services,
• Government Services,
• Crude Oil and Natural Gas,
• Petrochemicals and Chemicals,
• Forestry and Forest Products,
• Pipelines, Storage and Warehousing,
• Electrical and Electronic Products,
• Personal, Household and Other Services,
• Education, and
• Air/Water Transport and Public Transit.

Employment prospects for this occupational group will be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including

• the number of people in the occupation,
• the occupational growth rate, and
• trends and events in related industry sectors (see above).

1999 employment statistics and projections for Alberta indicate that

• there is a moderate number of people (1,000 to 2,000) employed in the "Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers" occupational group, and
• this occupational group is expected to grow at an above average rate (3.3% to 3.9% a year) compared to other occupations in the province through 2005. (The average overall growth rate for all occupations is expected to be higher for Alberta than for Canada as a whole.)

The occupational growth rate projection does not include positions that will become available when employees leave. Since ergonomists form only a part of the larger occupational group on which this forecast is based, only a portion of the new positions created will be for ergonomists.

According to the 1999 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, most Albertans in the "Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants, and Program Officers " occupational group earned from $32,600 to $57,300 per year.

Association of Canadian Ergonomists, 6519B Mississauga Road, MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, L5N 1A6.
Phone: (905) 567-7193 or 1-888-432-2223
Fax: (905) 567-7191
E-mail address: info@ace-ergocanada.ca
Website address: www.ace-ergocanada.ca


Information from: http://www.alberta-learning.ab.ca/occinfo/system/public/occpro.cgi?
tc=00000153