ABSTRACT
Much of ergonomic activity is focused on designing or altering the demands of the job so that there is
better match with the capabilities of the workforce. Sometimes, this approach reaches a point where
further change in the job is either cost-prohibitive or technically infeasible at the moment. An alternative
approach is to consider matching workers to the job demands on the basis of their physical abilities. For
instance, if the job requires individuals lift cases weighing 60 lbs and there is no way to reduce the case
weight, one approach would be to assess job candidates’ ability to lift 60 lbs as part of the process of
determining whether the individual is able to perform the job.
