Discussions revolving around quality control and the scope of ergonomics at IEA sponsored Symposia and Congresses highlighted a need to define more clearly the core competencies of ergonomists. Accordingly, the IEA Education and Training Committee co-ordinated a project to achieve that goal.

In preparing this outline, the IEA Committee has consulted with several Ergonomics Societies, and has sought input and progressive review from experienced ergonomists in various parts of the world and at the IEA/97 Triennial Congress in Tampere.

It is important to realise that competency standards do not represent an outline of certification requirements, although they may be a resource for the certification process. Nor do they represent a curriculum document, although they may help direct the development of a curriculum.

The exercise of defining core competencies is itself well worth while, because it prompts a profession to look closely at itself, its goals and its perceived contribution to society. Once complete, it provides a record of standards by which the profession can ensure quality of performance.

A competency has been defined as a combination of attributes underlying some aspect of successful professional performance. An outline of core ergonomics competencies should describe what it is that ergonomists are able to do in practice.

Ergonomics competency standards have been developed in terms of Units, Elements and Performance Criteria, which is the accepted format today.

Units of Competency reflect the significant major functions of the profession or occupation.

Elements of Competency describe the identifiable components of ergonomics performance which contribute to and build a unit of competency.

Performance Criteria describe the standards expected of performance in the ergonomist's workplace. Expressed in terms of outcome and professional ergonomics performance, they provide the basis on which an ergonomist assessor could judge whether the performance of the ergonomist reached the standard acceptable for professional practice.

The scope of ergonomics is broad and ergonomists can be involved in both pro-active and retrospective applications of problem solving. The contexts of ergonomics practice are also diverse and recommendations may relate to the workplace, the home or to leisure activities, or to the use of a variety of products. The IEA Competency Standards have been outlined to acknowledge this diversity and should be interpreted with this breadth of scope in mind.

Ergonomics competency standards could be used in a variety of ways. These include:

• the development or review of curricula in ergonomics;
• the accreditation of new and existing ergonomics educational programs;
• the development of comprehensive and equitable assessment processes for the evaluation of a person's professional competence;
• the recognition by ergonomics certification authorities of the competency of graduates holding qualifications in ergonomics conferred by recognised institutions.
• the assessment of competence of eligible overseas qualified ergonomists seeking to practise in another country.
• the assessment of eligible ergonomists who have not practised for a defined period of time and who are seeking to re-enter the profession or to be re-certified.
• the development of continuing education programs offered by the Society
• the determination of need for continuing professional education by employers
• the preparation of public information defining ergonomics roles and responsibilities.

Those who have been involved with the application of Competency Standards have found them of benefit in the following ways:

• national consistency
• chance to examine the profession and its scope
• better definition of the profession
• basis for communication at a national (and international) level
• a resource for Universities
• provision of a more equitable basis for certification
• quality assurance

Any set of competencies has a limited life and this IEA outline will be reviewed on a regular basis.

The ‘Summary’ version presents the units and elements of ergonomics competency as a summary, for those who require a concise overview.

The full outline presents the complete set of Units, Elements and Performance Criteria to illustrate the standards of performance required. It is anticipated that the full outline would become the standard reference source.

Unit 1. Investigates and analyses the demands for ergonomic design to ensure the optimal interaction between work, product or environment and human capacities and limitations

1.1 Understands the theoretical bases for ergonomic planning and review of the workplace.
1.2 Applies a systems approach to analysis.
1.3 Understands the requirements for safety, the concepts of risk, risk assessment and risk management.
1.4 Understands and can cope with the diversity of factors influencing human performance and quality of life, and their inter-relationships.
1.5 Demonstrates an understanding of methods of measurement relevant to ergonomic appraisal and design.
1.6 Recognises the scope of personal ability for ergonomic analysis.

2.1 Evaluates products or work situations in relation to expectations for error-free performance.
2.2 Appreciates the effect of factors influencing health and human performance.
2.3 Consults appropriately regarding analysis and interpretation of research data.
2.4 Analyses current Guidelines, Standards and legislation, regarding the variables influencing the activity.
2.5 Makes justifiable decisions regarding relevant criteria which would influence a new design or a solution to a specified problem.

3.1 Provides a succinct report in terms understandable by the client and appropriate to the project or problem.

Unit 4. Determines the compatibility of human capacity and planned or existing demands.

4.1 Appreciates the extent of human variability influencing design.
4.2 Determines the match and the interaction between a person's characteristics, abilities, capacities and motivation, and the organisation, the planned or existing environment, the products used, equipment, work systems, machines and tasks.
4.3 Identifies potential or existing high risk areas and high risk tasks.
4.4 Determines whether the source of a problem is amenable to ergonomic intervention.

5.1 Adopts a holistic view of ergonomics in developing solutions
5.2 Incorporates approaches which would improve quality of life in the working environment
5.3 Develops strategies to introduce a new design
5.4 Considers alternatives for optimisation of the match between the person and the product, the task or the environment and to achieve a good performance.
5.5 Develops a balanced plan for risk control
5.6 Communicates effectively with the client and professional colleagues.

Unit 6. Makes appropriate recommendations for ergonomic design or intervention

6.1 Understands the hierarchies of control systems
6.2 Outlines appropriate recommendations for design or intervention
6.3 Outlines appropriate recommendations for organisational management
6.4 Makes recommendations regarding personnel selection
6.5 Develops appropriate recommendations for education and training in the workplace.

7.1 Relates effectively to clients, at all levels of personnel.
7.2 Supervises the application of the ergonomic plan.
7.3 Manages change effectively.

8.1 Monitors effectively the results of ergonomic design or intervention.
8.2 Carries out evaluative research relevant to ergonomics
8.3 Makes sound judgements on the quality and effectiveness of ergonomics design or intervention.
8.4 Modifies the design or program in accordance with results of evaluation, where necessary

9.1 Shows a commitment to ethical practice and high standards of performance and acts in accordance with legal requirements.
9.2 Recognises personal and professional strengths and limitations and acknowledges the abilities of others.
9.3 Maintains up -to- date knowledge of national strategies relevant to ergonomics practice.
9.4 Recognises the impact of ergonomics on peoples' lives.

Unit 1. Investigates and assesses the demands for ergonomic design to ensure the optimal interaction between work, product or environment and human capacities and limitations

Element 1.1 Understands the theoretical bases for ergonomic planning and review of the workplace.

1.1a Understands theoretical concepts and principles of physical and biological sciences relevant to ergonomics.

i) Demonstrates a working knowledge of physics, chemistry, mathematics, anatomy, functional anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, exercise physiology and environmental science as they apply to ergonomics practice.

ii) Can apply knowledge of biomechanics, anthropometry, motor control, energy, forces applied as they relate to stresses and strains produced in the human body.

iii) Demonstrates an understanding of the pathology relating to environmentally or occupationally generated disorders or causes of human failure.

1.1b Understands the effects of the environment (acoustic, thermal, visual, vibration) on human health and performance.

1.1c Understands theoretical concepts and principles of social and behavioural sciences relevant to ergonomics.

i) Demonstrates a working knowledge of sensory, cognitive and behavioural psychology and sociology, and recognises psychological characteristics and responses and how these affect health, human performance and attitudes.

ii) Can apply knowledge of information intake, information handling and decision making; sensory motor skills, human development and motivation principles as they relate to human performance.

iii) Understands the principles of group functioning and socio-technical systems.

1.1d Understands basic engineering concepts, with a focus on design solutions.

i) Demonstrates an understanding of design and operation of technologies in which they work.

1.1e Understands and can apply the basics of experimental design and statistics.

i) Demonstrates an understanding of individual and organisational change techniques, including training, work structuring and motivational strategies.

1.1g Demonstrates an understanding of the principles of ergonomics and human-machine interface technology.

1.2a Demonstrates a knowledge of the principles of systems theory and systems design and their application to ergonomics.

1.2b Demonstrates a knowledge of the principles of ergonomics analysis and planning in a variety of contexts, and the scope of information required to ensure quality of life.

1.2c Understands the determinants and organisation of a person's activities in the field and plans the analysis according to the organisation's strategy and purposes.

1.2d Can explain the scientific or empirical rationale for appraisals selected and has the expertise required to perform them.

1.2e Identifies the demands of the situation and accesses sources of appropriate information.

1.2f Develops action plans with those involved and identifies the critical factors of the ergonomic analysis.

1.2g Carries out a systematic, efficient and goal orientated review of demands appropriate to ergonomics, addressing the needs of the project.

Element 1.3 Understands the requirements for safety, the concepts of risk, risk assessment and risk management.

1.3a Recognises the importance of safety principles, guidelines and legislation in risk management

ii) Understands how to gain commitment of management and participation of worker in risk management approaches.

Element 1.4 Understands and can cope with the diversity of factors influencing human performance and quality of life and their inter- relationships.

1.4a Understands the organisational, physical, psycho-social and environmental factors which could influence human performance, an activity, a task, or use of a product and knows how to cope with adverse conditions.

1.4b Understands the impact of individual factors on other possible factors and the implications for ergonomic assessment.

1.4c Recognises those aspects of the environment that are flexible and changeable.

Element 1.5 Demonstrates an understanding of methods of measurement relevant to ergonomic appraisal and design.

1.5a Understands the type of quantitative and qualitative data required to clarify the basis for ergonomic appraisal and design, and validates the measurements selected for data collection and/or application.

1.5b Demonstrates the ability to carry out appropriate surveillance of the nature and magnitude of risks.

1.5d Applies measurement procedures and uses measurement instruments effectively, or refers appropriately to other ergonomics team members, to quantify load on the person and human characteristics.

1.5e Understands the concepts and principles of computer modelling and simulation.

1.5f Understands the use of the computer for data acquisition, analysis and design development.

1.6a Appreciates when it is necessary to consult and collaborate with a person with different professional skills to ensure comprehensive measurement taking and analysis.

Element 2.1 Evaluates products or work situations in relation to expectations for error-free performance.

2.1a Determines the demands placed on people by tools, machines, jobs and environments.

2.1b Evaluates user needs for safety efficiency, reliability and durability, and ease of use of products and equipment and how these are met.

Element 2.2 Appreciates the effect of factors influencing health and human performance.

2.2a Has a basic understanding of the mechanisms by which work or prolonged exposure to environmental hazards may affect human performance or be manifested in injury, disorder or disease.

2.2c Specifies the indicators of poor match between people and their tools, machines, jobs and environments.

Element 2.3 Consults appropriately regarding analysis and interpretation of research data.

Element 2.4 Analyses current Guidelines, Standards and legislation, regarding the variables influencing the activity.

2.4a Refers to and applies relevant scientific literature and national and international recommendations and standards appropriate to the project.

Element 2.5 Makes justifiable decisions regarding relevant criteria which would influence a new design or a solution to a specified problem.

Element 3.1 Provides a succinct report in terms understandable by the client and appropriate to the project or problem.

Unit 4. Determines the compatibility of human capacity and planned or existing demands.

Element 4.1 Appreciates the extent of human variability influencing design.

4.1a Understands the influence of such factors as a user’s body size, skill, cognitive abilities, age, sensory capacity, general health and experience on design features.

Element 4.2 Determines the match and the interaction between a person's characteristics, abilities, capacities and motivations, and the organisation, the planned or existing environment, the products used, equipment, work systems, machines and tasks.

Element 4.3 Identifies potential or existing high risk areas and high risk tasks.

Element 4.4 Determines whether the source of a problem is amenable to ergonomic intervention.

5.1a Identifies the relative contribution of organisational, social, cognitive, perceptual, environmental, musculoskeletal or industrial factors to the total problem and develops solutions accordingly.

5.1b Considers the impact of legislation, codes of practice, Government Standards and industry-based standards on defined problems and possible solutions.

Element 5.2 Incorporates approaches which would improve quality of life in the working environment

5.2b Considers factors influencing the person’s sense of satisfaction with the workplace.

Element 5.3 Develops strategies to introduce a new design to achieve a healthy and safe work place.

5.2b Recognises the practicalities and limitations of applying ergonomics, including the introduction of change.

5.2c Prepares a design specification report based on the systematic analysis to meet the objectives of the project, for use by industrial designers, engineers, computer scientists, systems analysts, architects or other professionals.

Element 5.4 Considers alternatives for optimisation of the match between the person and the product, the task or the environment and to achieve a good performance

5.3a Establishes appropriate short and long term goals relevant to the defined problems, in consultation with the client.

5.3b Considers the options available and the balance of approaches to be applied, relevant to the objectives.

5.3d Considers the potential benefits and costs of each form of ergonomic solution.

5.4a Appreciates the background information required for effective risk management.

5.4b Understands how to control adverse physical and chemical conditions and major pollutants.

5.4c Establishes priorities in relation to level of risks identified, and to their consequences for health safety.

5.4d Selects appropriate forms of risk control, based on theoretical knowledge and ergonomics practice and develops a comprehensive, integrated and prioritised approach for realistic risk control.

5.4e Identifies where assistive devices and aids could enhance compatibility between the person and the environment.

Element 5.6 Communicates effectively with the client and professional colleagues.

5.5a Discusses with the client, users and management the design or intervention strategies available, their rationale, realistic expectations of outcome, limitations to achieving outcome, and the costs of the proposed ergonomics plan.

5.5b Establishes effective relationships and collaborates effectively with professional colleagues in other disciplines in the development of ergonomic design solutions.

5.5c Recognises the need for appropriate consultation at all levels of an organisation when carrying out ergonomic analysis and determining recommendations for introduction of ergonomic approaches.

Unit 6. Makes appropriate recommendations for ergonomic design or intervention

6.1a Recognises the safety hierarchy, application of primary and secondary controls and the order of introducing controls.

Element 6.2 Outlines appropriate recommendations for design or intervention

6.2a Utilises the systems approach to human-workplace integrated design for new or modified systems and understands design methodology and its use in systems development.

6.2b Applies correct design principles to design of products, job aids, controls, displays, instrumentation and other aspects of the workplace, work and activities and considers human factors in the design of any utility.

6.2c Drafts systems concepts for a functional interaction of tasks/technological variants, work means/tools, work objects/materials, work places/work stations and the work environment.

6.2e Outlines details of the appropriate concept and develops specific solutions for testing under realistic conditions.

6.2f Provides design specifications and guidelines for technological, organisational and ergonomic design or redesign of the work process, the activity and the environment which match the findings of ergonomic analysis.

Element 6.3 Outlines appropriate recommendations for organisational management

6.3a Understands the principles of total quality management.

6.3b Recognises the need to design organisations for effective and efficient performance and good quality of work place.

6.3c Recommends changes to the organisational design appropriate to the problem identified.

6.3d Considers issues such as participation, role analysis, career development, autonomy, feedback and task redesign as appropriate to the client and defined problem.

6.4a Recommends personnel selection where appropriate as part of a balanced solution to the defined problem.

6.4a Applies appropriate criteria for personnel selection, where relevant, according to the nature of the demands.

Element 6.5 Develops appropriate recommendations for education and training in relation to ergonomic principles.

6.5a Understands current concepts of education and training relevant to application of ergonomic principles, including encouragement of learning.

6.5b Implements effective education programs relevant to understanding the introduction of ergonomic measures or to the control of potential risks in the workplace, home, public or leisure environments, and to achieve safe and comfortable and successful performance and productive output in new and/or changed activities.

7.1a Communicates with the users, management and other professional colleagues in relation to method of implementation of the new design or risk control measures.

7.1b Uses appropriate processes to motivate the client to participate in the recommended ergonomics program and to take responsibility for achieving defined goals.

7.1c Where appropriate, provides individual guidelines for personnel in a form understandable to the client.

Element 7.2 Supervises the application of the ergonomic plan.

7.3a In a work environment, where necessary, overcomes resistance of workers, managers and labour unions to change, and gains their co-operation for implementing new approaches.

Element 8.1 Monitors effectively the results of ergonomic design or intervention.

8.1b Assesses level of acceptance of and satisfaction with implemented ergonomic measures.

8.2c Demonstrates a knowledge of basic research methodology for ergonomics research in an area relevant to individual ergonomic expertise.

Element 8.3 Makes sound judgements on the quality and effectiveness of ergonomics design or intervention.

8.3a Considers the cost effectiveness of the program in terms of financial implication, improvement in productivity, product useability and human requirements for the enhancement of comfort and safety.

Element 8.4 Modifies the program in accordance with results of evaluation, where necessary.

Element 9.1 Shows a commitment to ethical practice and high standards of performance and acts in accordance with legal requirements.

9.1a Behaves in a manner consistent with accepted codes and standards of professional behaviour.

Element 9.2 Recognises personal and professional strengths and limitations and acknowledges the abilities of others.

9.2a Recognises extent of own knowledge in ergonomics, appreciates areas where knowledge and skill are lacking and knows what to do and whom to contact to access missing expertise.

9.2b Demonstrates a desire for life long learning, regularly reviews and updates knowledge and skills relevant to current practice of ergonomics, to ensure appropriate breadth and depth of understanding.

9.2c Recognises those areas of ergonomics where knowledge is limited and consults appropriately with professional colleagues to ensure application of relevant expertise to particular problems.

Element 9.3 Maintains up -to- date knowledge of national strategies relevant to ergonomics practice.

9.3a Demonstrates knowledge of government legislation relating to occupational health, control of environmental hazards and other areas relevant to ergonomics practice.

9.3b Understands the industrial, legal and liability issues that impact upon professional ergonomics practice, and takes appropriate action regarding them.

9.4a Appreciates the social and psychological impact of ergonomics investigations.