Ergonomics--costs and benefits revisited.
An earlier review reported a dozen cases where ergonomics applications had resulted in cost savings. A large number of publications which refer to the topics of the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefits of ergonomics can now be found. However, data showing the value of ergonomics applications remain scarce. Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness studies are difficult to conduct for a number of reasons. While it is unlikely that the general case for the value of ergonomics can be proven, ergonomists must be in a position to discuss the potential costs and benefits of their work with clients. The Business case model is suggested as one way to structure an analysis of where a potential ergonomics application might reduce the risks to costs or the possibility of lost benefits.
Beevis
David
D
Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, 1133 Sheppard Avenue West, PO Box 2000, Toronto, Ontario M3M 3B9, Canada.
D002170:Canada; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans