The Human Factor in Innovation and Productivity; Hearing [Including the Record of a Seminar Sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science on July 28, 1981.] before the Subcommittee on Science, Research and Technology of the Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Ninety-Seventh Congress, First Session, September 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 1981 [No. 51]

24 cm, iv, 780 pages. Wraps. Illustrations. Front cover creased. Edges slightly soiled. Includes the record of a seminar sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science on July 28, 1981. These hearings focused on issues associated with management, labor, and their interrelationships, as they pertain to innovation and productivity. The hearings were investigative and educational and were not directed towards legislation. They were a continuation of the innovation and productivity program of the Subcommittee on Science, Research and Technology conducted during the 96th and 97th Congresses. Human factors and ergonomics (commonly referred to as HF&E), also known as comfort design, functional design, and systems, is the practice of designing products, systems, or processes to take proper account of the interaction between them and the people who use them. The field has seen some contributions from numerous disciplines, such as psychology, engineering, biomechanics, industrial design, physiology, and anthropometry. In essence, it is the study of designing equipment, devices and processes that fit the human body and its cognitive abilities. The two terms "human factors" and "ergonomics" are essentially synonymous. The International Ergonomics Association defines ergonomics or human factors as follows: Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. HF&E is employed to fulfill the goals of occupational health and safety and productivity. It is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and easy-to-use interfaces to machines and equipment. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries and other musculoskeletal disorders, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. …