Globalization of Ergonomics - Panel Summary

Abstract

The purpose of this panel is to highlight key milestones in the globalization of ergonomics in the modern era. The past six decades have seen the emergence of human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) from a nascent, largely unrecognized field of study to a well-established human science discipline with global reach. Key milestones include: (1) emergence of ergonomics science in Europe; (2) establishment of national ergonomics societies in a growing number of countries; (3) recognition of the view that ergonomics and human factors share common scientific goals and aspirations; (4) establishment of ergonomics programs in a number of large corporations in the post–World War II era; (5) founding of a growing number of scientific HF/E journals; (6) introduction of ergonomics into developing countries; (7) establishment of common standards for both ergonomics education and certification of professional ergonomists; and (8) the ongoing telecommunications revolution, supporting a worldwide community of HF/E professionals. Panel members will provide perspectives on a selected number of these key issues.