Ergonomics and Forensic Engineering

Authors

  • GM Samaras, PhD, DSc, PE (NAFE 966S) Samaras & Associates, Inc.
  • EA Samaras, DNP, RN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v38i1.102

Keywords:

human factors, ergonomics, rubric, forensic engineering, user error

Abstract

In disputes, forensic engineers routinely investigate available hardware and software and may examine other engineering attributes and activities. Human factors and ergonomic (HF&E) aspects may be considered, but these tend to be more limited or overlooked. This paper discusses an HF&E framework for forensic analysis, including its four major subdisciplines (micro-, meso-, macro-, and mega-ergonomics), the role each plays throughout the product life cycle, and examines their relationship to known and foreseeable use and misuse of a product or system. A taxonomy of errors, including distinguishing features of individual user errors versus system use errors, is presented and then used in a diagnostic rubric developed for forensic engineers to help identify HF&E issues as part of a forensic analysis. A health care setting case study is offered to demonstrate rubric use, but the rubric is generalizable to other domains.

References

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Published

2021-07-25 — Updated on 2021-07-29

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How to Cite

Samaras, George, and EA Samaras. (2021) 2021. “Ergonomics and Forensic Engineering”. Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers 38 (1). https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v38i1.102.

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Articles