Ergonomics at work: understanding the role of the ergonomist to better prevent musculoskeletal disorders

Work Ergonomics: Understanding the Role of the Ergonomist to Better Prevent MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders)

Work Ergonomics: Understanding the Role of the Ergonomist to Better Prevent MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders)

Ergonomics is often associated with the comfort of a chair or the height of a screen. In reality, its scope goes far beyond that. It focuses on how work is organized, repeated, and how it demands the body and concentration. Its objective remains constant: adapt work to humans, not the other way around.

In a context where musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of recognized occupational diseases in France, ergonomics plays a strategic role in risk prevention.

A concrete example: in its factories, Ford deployed 75 exoskeletons and observed a 83% reduction in injuries related to repetitive motions and 52% fewer medical visits. These results highlight that ergonomic solutions, when integrated methodically, represent a major lever for health and performance in the workplace (Source: EY Megatrends 2025).

Ergonomics in Everyday Life: A Practical Approach to Real Work

Ergonomics analyzes work as it is actually practiced, not just as it is described in a procedure. It observes gestures, postures, efforts, time constraints, and interactions with the environment.

An employee may have a workstation that is compliant on paper and still be exposed to high constraints:

  • Repeated handling,
  • Arms held up for several hours a day,
  • Frequent back bending,
  • Intense pace

These constraints generate progressive fatigue. This fatigue accumulates, alters the precision of movement, increases the risk of error, and promotes the onset of chronic pain.

Ergonomic prevention therefore aims to identify these risky situations in order to reduce physical and mental load. It acts on work organization, tools, equipment, and also on recovery times.

Laundry workshop

The profession of an ergonomist: an expert in workplace prevention

The ergonomist acts as a field professional. Their role involves analyzing workstations, talking with employees, observing movements, and understanding the specific constraints of each activity.

Their intervention is based on recognized methods: prolonged observations, interviews, biomechanical analyses, measurements of effort or joint range of motion. They do not just identify a problem; they seek solutions that are applicable in the real context of the company.

The ergonomist often works in collaboration with prevention services, safety managers, human resources, and managers. They can work in a wide range of sectors: industry, logistics, construction, agriculture, services, healthcare.

Their objective remains constant: reduce exposure to risk factors, preserve employees' health, and maintain team performance over time.

87%

87%

occupational diseases are due to an MSD

22%

22%

Back pain accounts for 1 in 5 workplace accidents

Key figures: why ergonomics remains a major issue

The available data highlights the importance of this approach. Musculoskeletal disorders account for nearly 9 out of 10 recognized occupational diseases in France (source: Ameli).
They primarily affect the back, shoulders, elbows, and wrists.

These conditions lead to work stoppages, aptitude restrictions, sometimes reassignments, or early exits from employment. For the company, the impact is measured in absenteeism, disorganization, and loss of skills, as well as financial cost.

Ergonomic prevention can sustainably reduce these risks, provided it is part of a comprehensive and progressive approach.

The Hapo LEA application as a tool for detecting risky postures

Objectively identifying constraining postures is an essential step in the prevention of MSDs. The Hapo LEA application addresses this challenge by offering a postural analysis tool based on artificial intelligence, originally developed for the research needs of Hapo.

From a simple video, Hapo LEA detects body positions, measures the angles of the trunk, neck, and upper limbs, and then calculates biomechanical scores according to the RULA method, a reference in ergonomics. The analysis quickly identifies risky postures and situations requiring corrective action.

The application serves as a diagnostic aid tool useful for ergonomists and prevention actors. It allows for the objectification of field observations, prioritization of ergonomic actions, and supports a proactive prevention approach in the workplace.

Check if your position involves risky postures with Hapo LEA

The exoskeleton as a complementary ergonomic solution

In certain situations, modifying the organization or completely removing the constraint remains complex. This is particularly the case for handling positions, working with arms raised, or maintaining prolonged awkward postures.

The ergonomist may then recommend the use of an exoskeleton. This physical assistance equipment aims to relieve certain areas of the body, particularly the back, shoulders, or neck, depending on the model and usage.

An exoskeleton does not replace training or a reflection on work organization. It is integrated as a complementary tool, intended to reduce muscle effort and fatigue on targeted tasks.

Field studies show a reduction in muscle strain and better endurance in equipped positions, provided that the device is adapted, accepted, and correctly used.

Which exoskeleton is made for your activity? Take your online assessment.
Expert Hapo during an exoskeleton trial

The expertise of Hapo at the service of ergonomists and companies

Hapo designs non-motorized exoskeletons intended for real professional use. Their approach is based on a fine understanding of job constraints and collaboration with prevention stakeholders, including ergonomists.

The Hapo solutions are integrated into a comprehensive ergonomic approach. They are lightweight, non-motorized, designed to accompany natural movement without constraining it. This philosophy facilitates user acceptance and limits undesirable effects.

Ergonomists find in Hapo exoskeletons a coherent tool with their recommendations: targeted assistance, adaptability to workstations, respect for professional gestures.

Support for the integration of exoskeletons

At Hapo, we support thousands of professionals in industries such as construction, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and craftsmanship to make their exoskeleton acquisition a success:

  • The equipment is well-suited to the realities of their profession
  • It is comfortable and reduces pain
  • It is well accepted and used by workers

To achieve this, we rely on the AFNOR NF X35-800 standard, which provides a clear and proven methodology.

Appropriating the ergonomic discourse in the company

Understanding ergonomics allows for better internal communication. Employees can express their constraints with precise words. Managers have concrete arguments to initiate a prevention approach. Management relies on measurable facts to invest sustainably in workplace health.

Ergonomics is not just a regulatory constraint. It is a lever for human and organizational performance. The exoskeleton, when integrated with method and expertise, becomes a natural extension.

It is with this logic that Hapo supports companies and prevention professionals, by putting technology at the service of the body, work, and longevity.

Contact one of our experts

Our teams are at your disposal to assess your needs and organize real-life tests to allow your employees to experience the benefits of exoskeletons in their work environment.

Contact an expert

Contact one of our experts

Our teams are at your disposal to assess your needs and organize real-life tests to allow your employees to experience the benefits of Hapo exoskeletons in their work environment.

Contact an expert