ABSTRACT
This chapter will describe the development of a “model ergonomics program” for Ergonomics Program Managers. A recent survey
of forty ergonomics programs revealed that over half (58%) were floundering, and only 25% were deemed to be successful. “Floundering” was chosen rather than “program failure” and was defined as consuming excessive resources relative to the value provided. In other words, the program could still be operational, but was not expected to be successful in its present form over the long term. Additionally, the survey examined the reasons for floundering and found that, for larger organizations, the managerial aspects of the ergonomics programs were more often the cause than were its technical aspects. The differences are highlighted in Figure 7.1 Clearly, with success rates of less than 50%, there is a critical need for information on the development of effective ergonomics programs.
