Human perception of ergonomic demand and safety across physical tasks

This study examines how professional background and personal protective equipment (PPE) use affect perceptions of ergonomic ease, task risk, skillfulness and safety. While ergonomics research has focused on biomechanical load, less is known about how individuals perceive ergonomic demand across tasks. A total of 94 individuals, including laypersons and professionals, performed structured tasks in three domains: assembling objects using four tools; executing a 12-step culinary sequence involving actions such as chopping, stirring and oven use; and ascending and descending ladders under different PPE conditions. Statistical analyses included t tests, Pearson correlation and Bayesian models to assess group-level differences and interactions. Professionals perceived lower risk in assembly (e.g., spanner; t = 2.52, p < 0.05), greater comfort in culinary tasks (e.g., stirring; t = −2.57, p < 0.05) and higher perceived safety during ladder activities with combined PPE use. These findings show how expertise and PPE shape ergonomic perceptions, supporting task-specific safety solutions.