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'The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak?': systemic unknown-knowns for ergonomics in India.

Authors :
Kant, Vivek
Source :
Ergonomics; Sep2023, Vol. 66 Issue 9, p1382-1397, 16p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

While the worldwide ergonomics community increases its sophistication in solving global problems, specific systemic challenges still plague Indians in urban mega-cities such as Mumbai. This paper aims to highlight the gaps using the knowns-unknowns framework, which exists in the Indian ergonomics community's capability to address such systemic challenges. Within this framework, the epistemological category of 'unknown-knowns' is explicated further using a case study of urban accidental deaths and injuries in Mumbai, India. These systemic casualties are essential to note because they are not only hidden from public awareness but can be avoided by proper ergonomics interventions. The article concludes with four main directions for the Indian ergonomics community in solving systemic problems in terms of, (a) capacity-building, (b) advocacy; (c) developing all realms of ergonomics with particular emphasis on complex systems; (d) developing India-centric pathways for ergonomics as a discipline. Practitioner's summary: This paper aims to highlight gaps in the academic Indian ergonomics community's capacity to solve public systemic problems. An India-centric way forward for awareness, engagement, and academic capacity building is suggested to develop a comprehensive national ergonomics mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00140139
Volume :
66
Issue :
9
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Ergonomics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173414278
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2022.2149851