Introduction
As ergonomics continues to shape safer, more inclusive workplaces across Latin America, ethical responsibility becomes central to the profession. Recognizing this, the Unión Latinoamericana de Ergonomía (ULAERGO) has actively promoted a regional ethical framework that guides ergonomics practitioners in diverse settings—from factories and hospitals to informal workspaces and tech-driven environments. These ethical guidelines are inspired by global principles while rooted in Latin America’s socioeconomic and cultural realities.
This article presents a comprehensive look at ULAERGO’s Ethical Guidelines for Ergonomics Practitioners, highlighting key principles, real-world applications, challenges, and future directions.
📊 Overview Table: ULAERGO’s Key Ethical Principles in Ergonomics Practice
| Ethical Principle | Description | Application Area | Common Challenges | Practical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human-Centered Focus | Prioritize health, dignity, and safety of workers | Design, task assessment, workplace analysis | Employer pressure, budget cuts | Rejecting unsafe task designs |
| Integrity and Objectivity | Avoid bias or conflict of interest in evaluations | Corporate assessments, audits | Influences from client goals | Transparent risk reporting |
| Informed Consent | Ensure worker understanding and voluntary participation | Ergonomic studies, interviews, interventions | Literacy gaps, cultural context | Verbal explanations in local dialects |
| Confidentiality | Protect worker data and personal observations | Surveys, health records | Data storage and sharing risks | Anonymized data collection |
| Social Responsibility | Address inequalities and promote accessibility | Public sector, informal work, rural areas | Limited resources, policy gaps | Designing for disabled workers |
| Competence and Continuous Learning | Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills | Academic, consultancy, government practice | Access to training, fast tech changes | Attending ULAERGO/IEA workshops |
The Need for Ethical Guidelines in Ergonomics
Ergonomics is not just technical—it’s deeply human. Practitioners influence how people move, think, and work, which places immense ethical responsibility on their shoulders. Poorly executed ergonomics can result in injury, exploitation, or inequity. With Latin America’s diverse labor markets, these stakes are even higher—especially in:
- Informal sectors (street vendors, gig economy)
- Underserved rural industries
- Economically constrained workplaces
To address these realities, ULAERGO promotes ethical awareness and standardized practice across its member countries.
Key Ethical Principles Promoted by ULAERGO
1. Human-Centered Design and Worker Dignity
At the heart of ergonomics is the respect for human dignity. Practitioners must ensure their recommendations prioritize:
- Health and comfort over productivity
- Inclusivity across gender, age, and ability
This principle is especially critical when designing for vulnerable populations such as elderly workers or those in high-risk industries.
2. Integrity, Impartiality, and Objectivity
Ergonomists often work with private companies, and pressure can arise to manipulate assessments to align with profit goals. Ethical guidelines urge professionals to:
- Maintain transparency
- Present accurate data, even if it reveals risks
- Avoid favoritism or commercial bias
Real-world examples include refusing to approve an unsafe workstation redesign pushed by management for cost reasons.
3. Informed Consent and Voluntary Participation
Workers must be fully aware of why they are being observed or evaluated and give voluntary consent. ULAERGO emphasizes:
- Simple explanations in the local language
- Consent for video recordings or interviews
- Respect for cultural and educational differences
This principle ensures that ergonomics doesn’t become intrusive or coercive.
4. Data Confidentiality and Privacy
Personal health records, injury reports, and even video footage of postures must be handled with care. Practitioners must:
- Avoid sharing identifiable information
- Use secure storage systems
- Report findings without exposing individuals
Ethical breaches here can lead to job loss or social stigma, especially in small or close-knit teams.
5. Social Responsibility and Equity
ULAERGO places strong emphasis on the social justice dimension of ergonomics. This includes:
- Advocating for improved conditions in informal and marginalized sectors
- Ensuring accessibility for workers with disabilities
- Promoting gender-responsive designs
This principle makes ergonomics not just a workplace science, but a tool for equity and transformation.
6. Continuous Professional Development and Competence
The guidelines stress that ergonomics is an evolving field—technologies change, working conditions shift, and new risks emerge. Professionals are urged to:
- Stay informed through academic journals and conferences
- Participate in peer reviews
- Avoid practicing beyond their scope of expertise
ULAERGO supports this through regional workshops and joint training with the International Ergonomics Association (IEA).
Implementation Strategies and Challenges
ULAERGO’s strategies to spread ethical practice include:
- Publishing bilingual ethics manuals (Spanish and Portuguese)
- Organizing regional seminars with real-case discussions
- Partnering with universities to embed ethics into curriculum
- Certifying practitioners based on both technical and ethical standards
However, there are key challenges:
- Limited access to ethics training in rural institutions
- Employer resistance to ethically sound (but costly) recommendations
- Cultural variations that affect how consent and privacy are perceived
- Lack of legal enforcement in informal economies
Case Example: Ethical Dilemma in a Garment Factory (Colombia)
An ergonomist was asked to conduct a rapid assessment to increase sewing productivity. Workers showed signs of musculoskeletal strain, but management wanted minimal recommendations. Applying ULAERGO’s principles, the ergonomist:
- Refused to overlook visible injury indicators
- Conducted worker interviews with consent
- Provided an anonymized report with recommendations focused on long-term sustainability rather than short-term output
This case highlighted how ethical ergonomics protects both worker health and professional integrity.
Three Best One-Line FAQs
Q: Why are ethical guidelines important in ergonomics?
A: Because ergonomists directly influence worker health and must avoid harm, bias, or exploitation.
Q: What is ULAERGO’s top ethical priority for practitioners?
A: Centering the health, dignity, and participation of the worker in every decision.
Q: Can an ergonomist refuse a client’s request on ethical grounds?
A: Absolutely—ULAERGO encourages rejecting projects that compromise safety or ethical integrity.
Conclusion
ULAERGO’s ethical guidelines are more than codes—they are a moral compass for an evolving profession. As ergonomics grows in scope and impact, especially in Latin America’s complex work environments, adhering to these principles ensures that practice remains humane, just, and responsible. For students, consultants, or institutional ergonomists, ethical decision-making is no longer optional—it’s the foundation of legitimate, sustainable practice.