Ergonomics methodology—an obstacle or promoter for the implementation of ergonomics in industrial practice?

Abstract

In this paper the role of methodology in solving practical ergonomic problems is discussed. Ergonomic methods, procedures and techniques are reviewed and a taxonomy is given. To evaluate the utility of the ‘ergonomic tools’ in solving wide-ranging problems in industrial practice, criteria were established, which provide practitioners with guidelines to select methods and procedures suitable for the intended purpose of application. Experience in applying, a job analysis procedure (AET) and a design procedure (Somatography), both developed at the Institut fur Arbeitswissenschaft der Technischen Hochschule, Darmstadt, are reported. The final conclusions discuss those obstacles and promoters for the implementation of ergonomics in industrial practice which are related to methodology.