What does the term "ergonomics" refer to in the workplace?

The term "ergonomics" refers to the study of people's efficiency in their working environment, with a specific focus on minimizing strain or injury. This field aims to design tasks, workspaces, tools, and equipment in a way that fits the abilities and limitations of workers. By addressing factors such as body posture, repetitive motions, and the physical layout of work environments, ergonomics helps to enhance worker comfort and productivity, while significantly reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries.

The other options provided do not capture the full scope of ergonomics. For instance, the analysis of employee performance is more aligned with performance management and may not involve the physical aspects of their environment. Similarly, studying risks associated with machinery pertains to safety and hazard assessment rather than ergonomics itself, which focuses on the interaction between workers and their environment. While the arrangement of office furniture is a component of ergonomics, it is much narrower in scope and doesn’t encompass the broader study of efficiency and worker well-being across various job types and settings.