ABSTRACT
In recent years, ergonomics practices have increasingly relied upon the knowledge derived from field studies. Thus, the objectives of this research are to develop and test a general purpose “Epidemiological Appraisal Instrument (EAI)” for evaluating existing studies or as a tool to design new observational studies using a critical appraisal system rooted in epidemiological principles. Historically, the knowledge generated in the field of ergonomics has evolved from its early inception from strict reliance on experimental studies to the use of information from field or epidemiological studies. To the ergonomic practitioner, the practice of “evidence-based ergonomics” should integrate his/her individual experience as well as the best external available evidence from systematic research. The EAI proved to be a valid and reliable instrument that may be used in various applications.
