Human Factor and Ergonomic Provisions in Supranational Strategic Planning in the European Union

Abstract

Along with the increasing progress and efforts of the governments, businesses, and societies towards a welfare state, more and more spheres of political, economic, and social lives build up their importance from practical to scientific to the matter of national importance, e.g. in its strategic development. Human factors and ergonomics nowadays play important role in business organisations and society in general. This article explores the provisions of human factors and ergonomics in supranational strategic planning in the European Union supplemented internationally by the International Labour organization (ILO). Authors seek to answer the questions a) to what extent and where does the human factor and ergonomics (HFE) appear in the EU and international strategic development documents, processes, policies; b) is such manifestation of HFE sufficient to its practical and potential value; c) what is the relation between the national policy expectations and practical business/society intentions and implications of HFE principles; d) what are the major implications and impact factors of efficient HFE provisions based on literature review (theory analysis) and comparative analysis of case studies and good case practices. The major analysis methods of this research are literature review incl. theory and legal base, case studies, experts` and practitioners` interviews, and survey followed by comparative analysis and logical construction method for drawing the conclusions. Based on the results of the research, authors also provide conclusions and policy recommendations, identifying the best-case practices, strengths, weaknesses, and potential values of the smart inclusion of HFE principles particularly in national strategic planning context.

Keywords: Human Factors, Ergonomics, OSH, occupational safety and health, Eu, OSHA, European Union, strategic development, governance