Physical Selection is a scientific assessment of the workplace to place  manual laborers in specific areas based on their physical attributes. The job description of a specific occupation requires specific physical characteristics to ensure the worker’s ability to perform the task at hand successfully and productively.

The aim is to reduces the risk of injury to employees in order to create a healthier workforce with less absenteeism. Employers are then able to measure the workers suitability for a specific task.

The process  starts by the assessing the facility and various tasks that need to be performed within this facility. Based upon the results of this assessment the physical components required to perform these tasks are identified. The aim is to create an environment that is safe, more productive and less time consuming, with employees that experience more work setisfaction.

Ergonomics is also considered part of physical selection and focuses on the office worker.  It is defined as the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.

Ergonomics involves workstation set-up and design, body posture evluation and prevention of computer-related injuries and more.