ABSTRACT
The Finnish Ergonomics Society was founded in 1985. Among the founders were not only active ergonomists, but also institutions including the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and Center for Occupational Safety. The number of members at the end of the year 2004 was 260 and member organisations 24. The main objective of the Finnish Ergonomics Society is to promote the application of current knowledge of ergonomics in the design of safe and convenient, as well as productive and efficient, human work systems. This includes improving machines and tools as well as work methods, work environment and management. Participatory ergonomics is one of the most powerful processes currently used in Finland for improvements in work and environment — both in research and development. The possibilities of ergonomics are widely acknowledged for the ageing work force and the promotion of work ability. The Finnish ergonomics Society has the following main principles in activities of the Society:
O to place a special emphasis on the application of ergonomics for the improvement of working conditions and environment,
O to advise on netted collaboration in providing information in the field of ergonomics,
O to publish a newsletter for members and to hold a www-homepage to guarantee maintenance of the ergonomics information network,
O to support a national CREE committee for certifying European Ergonomists,
O to participate in preparing ergonomic standards, O to organize an annual national meeting and every
5th year a Nordic conference on ergonomics, O to cooperate with universities in organizing
seminars for doctoral students and international congresses, and
O to work in co-operation with other organisations to create a basis for long term development in education and research in ergonomics world wide.
