ERGONOMICS PRACTICE IN MANUFACTURING

To improve the practice of ergonomics, particularly its implementation in manufacturing, the mission of the discipline itself must be examined with respect to the mission of manufacturing industry. Examples of theoretical foundations of ergonomics show a consistent response to practical demands. The environment in which ergonomics operates, in this case manufacturing, is also responding to changed demands. Global competition is forcing industries to be concerned with both their strategic plans and the detailed implementation of continuous improvement. Both concerns have strong implications for how ergonomics practice is conducted. Examples of successful ergonomics implementation in this changing environment suggest that the profession should consider operating at a more strategic level if it wishes to achieve detailed changes at a lower level.