Change and measurement in applied ergonomics

Implemented change is the raison d'être of applied industrial human factors. Change is also recognized as a continuing process within industry, where processes such as continuous improvement and business process reengineering are used. Both in the broader industrial context and in ergonomic practice, the change process needs to be measurement driven. This article examines the relationships between the various levels of change in industry, using a control analogy. Measurement processes appropriate at different functional levels are derived, and illustrated with a case study of evaluating a corporate-wide ergonomics program.