Why Do We Give Ergonomic Training ?

That’s a great question—and one that often arises when we talk about the core principles of ergonomics.

You’re right: According to globally accepted definitions (IEA, OSHA, ISO 6385, NIOSH), ergonomics is primarily about designing work systems that fit the human—not the other way around. It’s about adjusting the task, tools, environment, and processes to accommodate human capabilities and limitations.

However, here’s where your question meets real-world application:

1.⁠ ⁠Ergonomics Works on a Hierarchy of Controls:

At the top of the hierarchy is engineering controls—modifying the job, equipment, or environment. This is the most effective way to reduce risk.

But in practice, we can’t always completely redesign every system or environment. Budget, legacy infrastructure, job diversity, or evolving tasks often leave gaps. That’s where administrative controls, like ergonomic training, come in.

Training does not replace proper design, but complements it—especially when full redesign isn’t immediately possible. 

2.⁠ ⁠Workers Must Be Aligned with Their Environment:

Even with a well-designed system, training helps workers understand how to interact with tools and environments safely.

For example:

• A perfectly adjustable chair still needs to be used correctly. 
• A height-adjustable workstation won’t help if users don’t know the ideal posture or when to adjust it. 

So, training ensures people are aligned with their environment—empowered to use tools and adopt behaviors that reduce risk. 

3.⁠ ⁠The Human Body Still Needs Care—Use It or Not:

Even in an ideal ergonomic setup, the human body accumulates stress, especially in static postures or repetitive tasks. That’s why:

• Stretch breaks, 
• Micro-movements, 
• Postural awareness, 
• And recovery exercises … 

are essential for musculoskeletal health. This isn’t about making the person “fit the job,” but helping the body maintain well-being in interaction with any job.

It’s about unwinding the muscular and neural load, promoting circulation, and preventing fatigue or strain—even in well-designed systems.

 In Conclusion:

Ergonomic training isn’t about shifting the burden to the worker. It’s a layer of protection and education within a broader ergonomic system—one that respects both the science of design and the reality of human biology.

So, you’re not missing anything—you’re seeing the full picture. Ergonomics is both design and behavior, both systems and self-care.