ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses particularly on differences between the professions in their understanding of and their aims in using ergonomics. Template analysis was the chosen method for analysing the groups’ understanding of ergonomics. The template of themes was generated from the descriptions of ergonomics written by the IEA and the United Kingdom Ergonomics Society. The Specialist furniture/equipment suppliers have an overriding aim of selling products, and consequently their understanding and aims with respect to ergonomics are strongly biased around a physical, problem-solution model, in which their products are the solution for the individual’s/employer’s problems. Some members of all of the professions stated that they might undertake broader ergonomics projects, such as site wide assessments. For the Health and Safety Advisors, the workplace/employer organisation was the focus of much of the discussion and the target for the majority of their aims in using ergonomics.
