Expert Advocates Human-Centred Design at Workplaces
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
Prof. Salami Ismaila, a distinguished scholar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering (Ergonomics) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has advocated for human-centred design at workstations, even as he underscored the critical importance of ergonomics in enhancing human well-being and productivity, as well as improving human life.
Delivering the University’s 92nd Inaugural Lecture at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building today, June 19, 2024, titled “Ergonomics: A Paradigm Shift from FPJ to FJP towards Adopting Human-Centered Engineering,” Prof. Ismaila emphasised the necessity of incorporating ergonomics principles into workplace and tool design, such as regular breaks and stretching exercises, to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal issues and improve overall quality of life.
Highlighting the shift from “Fitting People to Jobs” (FPJ) to “Fitting Jobs to People” (FJP), he argued for designs that prioritise human capabilities and limitations.
Prof. Ismaila, a former Dean of COLENG affirmed that workstations should support neutral postures, adding that employers should provide adjustable furniture to meet the diverse ergonomic needs of employees.
Stressing the integration of ergonomics into existing occupational health and safety policies, Prof. Ismaila discouraged prolonged sitting in meetings without breaks.
Besides, he suggested incorporating basic ergonomics principles into educational curricula to promote good habits from an early age, while calling for collaboration between government, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to implement measures that optimise workplace designs, equipment, and processes.
He suggested further that educational institutions should enforce guidelines to ensure students carry only necessary books, thereby reducing physical strain.
According to him, he advised educators to follow school timetables strictly and ensure students carry only necessary books to reduce their daily load.
Advocating for the widespread adoption of ergonomic principles across various sectors, Prof. Ismaila highlighted the vital role of ergonomics in creating human-centred environments that enhance both well-being and productivity.
His words “I have, thereby, showed that the applications of ergonomics make life pleasant, comfortable exciting and cost-effective. I also showed that it is important for heads of industries to adopt ergonomics principles to reduce the attendant costs associated with business-as-usual principles as good ergonomics is good economics.”
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who chaired the event, expressed his appreciation for the Lecture’s success, lauding Prof. Ismaila as a dedicated and practical-oriented scholar who has significantly contributed to the University’s growth and research efforts aimed at improving Nigeria’s development.
