What is the primary focus of ergonomic practices in manufacturing?

The primary focus of ergonomic practices in manufacturing is to enhance worker comfort and safety. Ergonomics involves designing work environments and tasks so that they fit the worker, minimizing the risk of injury and promoting efficiency. By considering factors such as body posture, repetitive movements, and the arrangement of tools and equipment, ergonomic interventions aim to create a safe working environment that reduces physical strain and discomfort. This leads not only to better worker health but also to improved productivity, as comfortable and safe workers are generally more efficient and have lower rates of absenteeism.

While other choices mention important factors in manufacturing, they do not accurately capture the core intent of ergonomic practices. For instance, maximizing output at all costs could lead to worker fatigue and injuries, ultimately reducing productivity in the long-term. Reducing material waste is an essential aspect of manufacturing but does not directly correlate to ergonomics, which is more focused on human factors. Standardizing job functions may help streamline processes, but it does not inherently address the comfort and safety concerns that are central to ergonomics.