ABSTRACT

Traditionally, the study of human factors has focused on the interfaces of the individual with his or her work environment. This area of study includes workstation design, design of controls, protective safety gear, noise and vibration reduction, seating, temperature control, and lighting, as well as many others (Hendrick, 2000). These microergonomic principles (traditional ergonomics focusing on individual system components and subsystems) do not typically address system-wide human factors issues. For example, traditional microergonomic practices do not include intrinsic job satisfaction and jobrelated stress (Hendrick, 2000).