Ergonomics: An agenda for Philippine productivity in the new millennium

This paper presents the need for incorporating ergonomics in the different productivity programmes being implemented in the Philippines. The need to sustain the present economic development that Southeast Asian nations are experiencing at the moment can best be supported by the ergonomics discipline. This paper presents the present productivity profile of the Philippines both using industry measures and economic indicators. The need to focus on the welfare and productivity of the Filipinos is a task that should be given great importance. The role of ergonomics or human factors engineering in technology leaping that the Philippines is experiencing due to the massive flow of new technology to the country is presented in a model called Ergo Tech Leap Systems Model. This model explains how ergonomics can prepare the workers in the changes occurring in his work environment. Problem of technology incompatibility with the workforce that can reduce productivity level is explored.