INTRODUCTION TO ERGONOMICS 3E

The past decade has seen the development and testing of an increasingly large set of ergonomics tools. With new sections in every chapter, the third edition of Introduction to Ergonomics describes a representative selection of tools and demonstrates how to apply them in practice. In fully researched, stand alone sections with worked examples, the book provides useful, practical skills for dealing with real-world ergonomic problems. The author’s approach is based on a professional model in which specialized skills are backed-up by a good general knowledge of ergonomics. This approach is in accordance with International Ergonomics Association guidelines.

See what’s new in the Third Edition:


Ergonomics Workshop sections in each chapter with worked examples and advice for using problem solving tools
Guidance for the design of questionnaires, rating scales, and the conduct of surveys applicable across all areas of ergonomics
Task analysis examples together with a wide variety of ergonomics checklists and design guidelines
Increased coverage of the role of stress and psychological well-being on the health of workers and on systems safety
New material for course lectures, examinations, and projects – over 200 essays and exercises
Glossary of technical terms
New evidence for the cost-effectiveness of ergonomics in practice
Advice for further study
Updated Instructor’s Manual


The book’s built-in flexibility allows it to be used in a variety of ways. Reading the main text supplies a general overview of ergonomics in action. Delving deeper, the Ergonomics Workshop sections include tutorials and exercises that provide a basic toolkit for carrying out risk assessments and for solving real-world problems. This multi-level organization allows those studying human factors, psychology, industrial engineering, and occupational ergonomics to get both general knowledge and specialized information. The self-contained chapters are also accessible to non-ergonomics professionals who need to know more about the subject.

Introduction. Body Mechanics at Work: Risk Assessment and Design. User-Centered Workspace Design Using Anthropometric Data. Static Work: Principles for Risk Assessment and Design. Repetitive Tasks: Risk Assessment and Task Design. Design and Evaluation of Manual Handling Tasks. Physically Demanding Work: Stress and Fatigue. Job Demands, Workplace Stress, and Health. Design and Assessment in Hot and Cold Workplaces. Visual Environment: Measurement and Design. Hearing, Sound, Noise, and Vibration. Human Information Processing and Mental Workload. Design of Displays and Controls. Information Technology, Memory, and Language. Human Error, Accidents, and Safety. Systems Design and Assessment. Epilogue. Appendices. Glossary. References. Further Reading. Index