Introduction to Ergonomics

What is ergonomics? Is it the science of human work design, a set of empirical guidelines for designers, or just common sense? In this text, Dr. Bridger presents a comprehensive introduction to ergonomics, its fundamental principles and areas of application, and its present and future scope.
The text demands minimal scientific background knowledge since introductory chapters have been included which explain the anatomical and physiological foundations of ergonomics.
Current and future issues which affect people at work are summarized across a variety of technological and societal concerns, including office design and the health effects of VDT work; design of manual work to prevent musculoskeletal injury; health, nutrition, and performance at work; environmental factors which affect productivity and health; new technologies for control and display design; cognitive ergonomics and human-machine interaction; ergonomics and developing countries; and job design philosophies, employer liability, and other legal aspects.
An instructor's manual is provided for academic users.

Robert S. Bridger is with the Institute of Naval Medicine in the UK.