Ergonomics and international standards: History, organizational structure and method of development

Abstract

Egonomics international standards were formally considered in 1973 by a symposium of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) held at Loughborough University in the UK. Recommendations led to the establishment of ISO TC 159 ‘Ergonomics’, with Germany (DIN) holding the secretariat. Six subcommittees (SC) were established and have worked towards standards. These have been rationalized to the present four subcommittees: SC1, Ergonomics guiding principles; SC3, Anthropometry and biomechanics; SC4, Ergonomics and human system interaction; and SC5, Ergonomics of the physical environment. The subcommittees have over 15 working groups (WG) covering over 50 work items that will lead to ergonomics ISO standards. Over 20 ISO standards have already been produced and a number have been reconfirmed at automatic five-yearly reviews. The organizational structure is presented as well as methods of standards production from proposed work item to international standard. European standards (EN) are produced under CEN TC 122 ‘Ergonomics’, which has 11 working groups. How European Standards are produced and organizational links with ISO TC 159 are described.