The Instituto de Biomecánica (IBV), as an expert in the field of occupational ergonomics, has wide experience in the identification of verification and selection criteria for tools that can be used by manufacturers in the design thereof, and by consumers when making a purchase decision. The latest work carried out in this regard, developed in collaboration with the CEMA Foundation (Labor Foundation for Cement and the Environment), has consisted of the preparation of a guide to simplify both the ergonomic assessment of the hand tools that are most used in the sector (jackhammers, water jets, mallets and bars) and the improvement of the workplaces associated with them.

The increasing aging of population in Western societies has a major impact on companies. The challenges that arise have to do with the assessment and adaptation of work positions, managing the abilities and talents of the older population, or the very organization of the labor activity itself.

From ergonomics, different proposals can be put forward to help facilitate age management in companies. Although the main objective is health and wellbeing, an ergonomic approach must also focus on making use of abilities and improving efficiency.