Devolving ergonomics: the key to ergonomics management programmes

Abstract

It is argued that the requirement on ergonomists to develop ergonomics management programmes within industrial companies is as great as those to provide basic human data or to contribute to system analysis, design, and evaluation. Given current concerns with human reliability, work performance quality and flexibility, and health and safety, the only rational and effective way to make interventions is as part of a widespread in-house programme involving organizational and individual participation. A method of developing ergonomics is described, whereby ergonomics is first given a foundation, then spread throughout the organization and then embedded so that it is seen as a normal part of company activities across all its operations. Case studies are used to illustrate all three stages of this ‘devolving ergonomics’ programme.