Cognitive & Participatory Ergonomics

Participatory ergonomics means the active participation of all components of an organization in the development and implementation of ergonomic knowledge in order to improve the working environment, quality, productivity and safety of the organization. Ergonomics knowledge in most countries, particularly developing countries, is not readily available. Consequently, in order for improving the working situation and productivity, it is necessary to enhance ergonomic awareness in these countries and their companies. A safe and healthy workplace free of any mental and psychological stressor would promote quality work life of employees. Humans spend about 65 percent of their lives in workplaces, hence workplaces should be humanized in such a way that not only improve the health status of employees, but also insure employees' health and enhance product quality, productivity, and efficiency. According to the International Ergonomics Association, cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they afect interactions amongst humans and other elements of a system.