ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the use of performance standards in occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, with particular reference to ergonomic performance standards. The sections in the following deal with (a) some relevant definitions, and an historical perspective on OHS performance standards; (b) how performance standards differ from prescriptive standards; (c) an introduction to ergonomic performance standards, and an analysis of their scientific and operational basis plus evidence regarding their criterion validity; and (d) recommendations regarding the application of ergonomic performance standards.
