ABSTRACT
As technologies are being introduced as a way to support human performance in complex tasks, the fact remains that improper design or implementation of these technologies can have a negative effect on performance (e.g., errors, stress, and increased workload; Alhstrom, Longo, & Truitt, 2002). Therefore, standards have been developed as a way to help ensure its proper design and implementation. However, standards not only influence technology but also impact everything surrounding us in our daily lives (e.g., roads, clothing, and housing). Evidence of the impact of standards on economical and health issues in a variety of industries speaks to the importance of the application of standards. For example, new intensive care unit standards are expected to save 30,000 lives and $1.5 billion per year (Appleby, 2001). New training standards developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are expected to prevent 94,000 injuries, and save up to 11 lives and $135 million in employer costs each year (U.S. Department of Labor Office of Public Affairs, 1998). Since 1968, federal vehicle safety standards have saved thousand of lives, evidenced by the decrease in fatalities per million vehicle miles traveled (i.e., has dropped from 5.7 to 1.6) and overall fatalities (i.e., has decreased from 53,041 to 43,000) despite an increase in cars on the road (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], 1999).
