Fit for Work: A Bibliometric Review of Laboratory Ergonomics

The advent of new technologies in the modern era has significantly altered the essence of labour. The field of laboratory ergonomics is an indispensable area of research that endeavours to recognise and tackle ergonomic concerns within laboratory environments. The objective of this bibliometric analysis is to conduct a comprehensive examination of the current literature on laboratory ergonomics while also identifying potential research gaps that require further investigation. The bibliometric parameters of this study were analysed using the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. The bibliometric datasets, which included the number of publications and author keywords, were analysed using the ScientoPy software. The results suggest that there are varying trends in the research of laboratory ergonomics, as evidenced by fluctuations in the yearly publication figure. The United States is recognised as a leading contributor to laboratory ergonomics research, as evidenced by its significant number of publications. Engineering, Sport Sciences, and Psychology fields have garnered significant research interest, whereas other domains, such as Behavioural Sciences and Public, Environmental & Occupational Health, have received comparatively lesser attention. The investigation additionally recognised nascent patterns in laboratory ergonomics research, including the escalating curiosity in examining the impacts of movement and posture on the physical well-being of laboratory personnel. The discoveries mentioned offer significant perspectives on the present status of laboratory ergonomics research, underscore domains that necessitate additional exploration, and enlighten future research trajectories.