Emerging Challenges to the Ergonomics Domain

This weekend I read the article “Emerging Challenges to the Ergonomics Domain” by David Caple.  The author identifies several challenges for the human factors and ergonomics domain, including:

• “The future of ergonomics will depend on how well the domain manages to embrace the challenges of emerging areas requiring scientific research and the success of disseminating the results of the research into practice.” (p. 49)
• “…we now see new ergonomics challenges in microchip controlled processes, such as complex robotic and precision manufacturing systems and new industries, such as nanotechnology.” (p. 49)
• “The increased demands of complex systems from a cognitive perspective and ongoing changes in job design provide the domain with a greater need to take a more holistic approach.” (p. 49)
• “In developing countries, the informal sector involves the largest number of workers. In Indonesia, this sector involves around 70% of workers (Manuaba 2006) and in Turkey it is 50% of workers (Ozan 2007). These workers are in workplaces outside the control of government intervention and are potentially exposed to a wide range of health and safety risks. Strategies to connect with and support these workers will provide future challenges in ergonomics.” (p. 52)
• “The emerging role of women across industry sectors in developed and developing countries raises challenges to ensure that their holistic needs are addressed.” (p. 52)
• “The need for more public visibility is stated as a continuing challenge for the future. Challenges in the future include the need to improve marketing of ergonomics and to enable the public and industry to experience the value of ergonomics.” (p. 53)
• “The future of the ergonomics domain will be as diverse as the understanding of issues in the informal sector in developing countries through to the impacts of information technology on complex work systems in developed countries. The strengths of the multidisciplinary approach that encourages a holistic evaluation of ergonomics issues will enable an expansion of research and application to impact on an increasing range of the human interface with work systems, processes and products.” (p. 52)

While at first glance this list might seem daunting, given the research that’s currently being conducted in these areas and knowing many of the committed practitioners in this discipline, I see this as an enormous opportunity to embrace these challenges with the goal of assisting humankind to achieve improved safety and quality of life.

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