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.