Citation

O'neill D. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 2005; 35(2): 163-168.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

The author presents his personal experiences of practising ergonomics in industrially developing countries (IDCs), particularly in the rural sector and within the remit of Development Aid Programmes. Some key differences between IDCs and industrially advanced countries (IACs) are outlined and their relevance to ergonomics indicated. Examples of both indigenously and exogenously generated ergonomics research and development projects in IDCs are given. Analysis of these projects indicates a considerable overlap between ergonomics and occupational health and the issues this raises are discussed. Ignorance of the comprehensive nature of ergonomics, and the benefits it can deliver, have adversely affected the progress and outputs of projects aimed at improving human health and (work) performance. It is apparent that some projects, clearly requiring an ergonomics input have not involved a qualified ergonomist in the project team. As a subject, ergonomics fits in well with the sustainable livelihood approach and is well suited to the participatory processes needed to identify appropriate interventions for the alleviation of poverty. It is concluded that ergonomics has more to offer IDCs that is currently being taken up and that ergonomists may need to become more involved with occupational health initiatives in IDCs.Relevance to IndustryThe contributions that ergonomics can make to the Development Aid industry, particularly in the areas of sustainable livelihoods and technology transfer are not being realised. The IAC approach to implementing ergonomics research and development projects for commercially competitive or legislative reasons may not be appropriate to IDCs. A closer involvement by ergonomists in occupational health care services, even where this is the responsibility of primary health care providers, might be more appropriate.