The Science of Ergonomics
The Science of Health and Safety involves and incorporates numerous aspects of work as well as how work is undertaken. Ergonomics for instance is the science of work, equipment and workplaces to fit the worker. Done correctly, ergonomic design can prevent RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) which can progresively develop over time leading to long term disability.
Health and Safety professionals cover a variety of industries and play an important role in creating a safe and hazard free environment for all workers whether they are working on construction sites, manufacturing facilities or office environments.
Consideration then for Occupational Health and Safety which is a cross discipliniary function with the objective of creating and maintaining a safe environment for all workers but also has consideration for the possible safety risks to members of the public or nearby communities.
Science Jobs have grown up around this profession in areas incorporating diverse roles and professions such as Ergonomists, Drug Safety Officers, Hygenists, Public Health Engineers, Toxicologists, Radiological Protection Officers, Design Safety Engineers, Risk Assessors, Loss Prevention Engineers up to and including Disaster Management professionals- which Ireland appears to be in very short supply of -given how well (or rather not) that the recent floods, snow and ice weather events have been dealt with.
Perhaps there’s an opening in government for anyone who would like to take on the role given our own ministers abundant inability and lack of concern (due to holiday commitments) who also have no clear or obvious understanding of the importance of preparing for bad weather by simply making sure we have plenty of grit;-I hear its dirt cheap these days!
Surprisingly enough we get the same weather the same time every year and yet our ministers are constantly surprised each year by ice or rain in January. For those ministers who havent witnessed it that time of year (or season as they refer to it scientifically) is called Winter!
Ending on a positive note however, as with most science jobs in Ireland today, there has certainly been a significant increase in Health and Safety related jobs with a continuing demand that is indicative of growth in general for the Irish economy which has been painfully slow in coming after recent catastrophic employment losses. Long may it continue.
