ABSTRACT
In this paper I have sought to set out an agenda that might identify and then strengthen the links between public health and ergonomics. It will also seek to show how new areas for research and professional application might be identified. Finally, it will identify and emphasise the importance of a number of current public health concerns. Public health has been defined as ‘the science and art of preventing disease,
prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts and informed choices of society, organisations, public and private, communities and individuals.’ (Wanless, 2004). The breadth of this definition may be usefully set alongside the IEA (2000) definition of ergonomics ‘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 optimise human well-being and overall system performance.’ Both definitions stress the need to take a systems perspective. They also share
the need to apply evidence based, scientific approaches when addressing systems based problems. More specifically the impact of both disciplines on protecting the health and well-being of individuals, is readily apparent. Despite these similarities there has been little consistent effort exerted by either discipline to develop potential synergies.
