Applied ergonomics Human factors engineering

In Chapter 19, Applied Ergonomics Significance and Opportunity, I refer to an article by Alphonse Chapanis titled To Communicate the Human Factors Message, You Have to Know What the Message Is and How to Communicate It. One of his themes is that human factors engineering has to be defined and its practitioners must know what it is to be able to communicate about it successfully. Safety professionals have the same need. 

I don t intend to enter into an extended discussion about the differences between human factors and ergonomics. Frankly, I don t think the differences, such as they are, are important. So, though I shall be using the words human factors and human factors engineering in this article, I mean them to apply equally to ergonomics and the practice of ergonomics [p. 2]. 

Ergonomics is often referred to as human factors engineering and practical applies knowledge of the strengths and limitations of people to the design of machines and jobs. 

Some of the above items, such as (e), (f), (g) and (h), may not apply to experimental devices. The design shall also take into account the capabilities for performance of the operating and maintenance personnel. Attention to human factors will ensure that the installation is tolerant of human errors. Among the appropriate elements in minimizing human errors are the systematic application of ergonomic principles to the relevant engineered systems the provision of automatic control, protection and alarm systems the elimination of human actions that jeopardize safety the clear presentation of data and reliable communications (see also para. 2.23). 

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