A unique programme will be introduced by PRAGUNA, a Sri Lankan leading Supply and Value chain knowledge provider for their clients - around 200 in various industries for training in Ergonomics or Human Factors for Productivity improvement at the workplace.

Picture shows Mr. Dhammika Jayasuriya Managing Director PRAGUNA exchanging complimentaries with Prof.John Abeysekera. Mr.T.B.B. Sumith - Dir. Operations , PRAGUNA is also present

This attempts to ' Fit the job to man' rather than ' Fit the man to the job' Ergonomics means the study or measurement of work which includes sports, leisure activities, domestic work, education and training, health and social services. Ergonomics is concerned with the design of the systems in human, machine and environment components.

Human component is to optimize the interaction between the body and its physical demands which are governed by the Effectors ( hands , feet , voice etc) , five Senses ( sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell ) and Supportive ( brain) processes. Machine components are controlled processes ( digging with a spade) Displays ( direct - roads, indirect - dials ) and controls ( steering wheel, pedal) . Environment component is governed by work space ( dimension of machine) physical ( noise , vibration ) and work organization ( human - machine interaction ) Practice of Ergonomics requires the knowledge about anatomy, physiology and psychology.

When the industry realized the advantages of the principals of Ergonomics used by the military, Industrial Ergonomics came to be widely practiced in developed countries thus improving productivity levels. Productivity and development are key issues in the struggle for self - sufficiency in IDC - Industrially Developing Countries - such as Sri Lanka. The Salient features of Ergonomics are improving health, well being and comfort to help increase productivity.