Well its really simple. The five principles of ergonomics are safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity and performance and aesthetics. Safety requires that the environment should be of a quality which prevents threats to property and workforce. Accidents can be reduced through better design of controls. If, for example, power outlets can be dangerous if they are not properly protected. Using covers to hide outlets from accidental incidents e.g spilled coffee is safety ergonomics in action.

The working place should be comfortable. Adequate lighting, office chair designs, even ergonomic keyboards which reduce stain on the wrists are all example of good workplace management. Ergonomic principles even extend to a shift patterns. Shifts should have enough time between them to enable the worker to recover fully. This means workers are rested, alert, and less likely to have an accident or fall ill due to overburden.

Facilities should be easy to use. Verbal as well as written instructions should be displayed where they are easier to see. Demonstrations on how to use an equipment both increases productivity and mitigates risks.

Of course doing all these ensures that the productivity and comfort level of the people working is greatly increased which in turn will pay for the expenses incurred on providing these facilities in the first place.

You can see the importance of ergonomics as governments are now forwarding regulations that ask employers to provide certain environment to the people working in their companies. The Canadian government set up an ergonomics working group to discuss the regulation of ergonomics.