Eklund J
Centre for Studies of Humans, Technology and Organisation, Linköping University, Sweden.
Ergonomics. 1997 Oct;40(10):982-1001. doi: 10.1080/001401397187559.
This paper reviews the literature comparing the fields of ergonomics and quality, mainly in an industrial context, including mutual influences, similarities and differences. Relationships between ergonomics and the factors: work conditions, product design, ISO 9000, continuous improvements and TQM are reviewed in relation to the consequence, application, and process domains. The definitions of ergonomics and quality overlap substantially. Quality deficiencies, human errors and ergonomics problems often have the same cause, which in many cases can be traced to the design of work, workplace and environment e.g. noise, light, postures, loads, pace and work content. In addition, the possibility of performing to a high standard at work is an important prerequisite for satisfaction and well-being. Contradictions between the two fields have been identified in the view of concepts such as standardization, reduction of variability and copying of best practice, requiring further research. The field of quality would gain by incorporating ergonomics knowledge, especially in the areas of work design and human capability, since these factors are decisive for human performance and also therefore the performance of the systems involved. The field of ergonomics, on the other hand, would benefit from developing a stronger emphasis on methodologies and structures for improvement processes, including a clearer link with leadership and company strategies. Just as important is a further development of practicable participative ergonomics methods and tools for use at workplaces by the workers themselves, in order to integrate the top-down and the bottom-up processes and achieve better impact. Using participative processes for problem-solving and continuous improvement, focusing ergonomics and quality jointly has a great potential for improving working conditions and quality results simultaneously, and satisfying most of the interested parties.
本文回顾了主要在工业背景下比较人机工程学和质量领域的文献，包括相互影响、异同点。在结果、应用和过程领域，回顾了人机工程学与工作条件、产品设计、ISO 9000、持续改进和全面质量管理等因素之间的关系。人机工程学和质量的定义有很大重叠。质量缺陷、人为错误和人机工程学问题往往有相同的原因，在许多情况下可以追溯到工作、工作场所和环境的设计，如噪音、光线、姿势、负荷、节奏和工作内容。此外，在工作中高标准表现的可能性是满意度和幸福感的重要前提。从标准化、减少变异性和最佳实践复制等概念的角度来看，已经确定了这两个领域之间的矛盾，需要进一步研究。质量领域通过纳入人机工程学知识将有所收获，特别是在工作设计和人类能力方面，因为这些因素对人类绩效以及所涉及系统的绩效起决定性作用。另一方面，人机工程学领域将受益于更加强调改进过程的方法和结构，包括与领导力和公司战略建立更清晰的联系。同样重要的是进一步开发切实可行的参与式人机工程学方法和工具，供工人在工作场所自行使用，以便整合自上而下和自下而上的过程并取得更好的效果。通过参与式过程解决问题和持续改进，共同关注人机工程学和质量在同时改善工作条件和质量成果以及满足大多数相关方方面具有巨大潜力。
