Ergonomics as integrating constituent in occupational safety and health--past, present, and future.

Ergonomics as a discipline was in the past, is in the present, and will be in the future, an integrating constituent in occupational safety and health (OSH). This statement is based on the self-conception of ergonomics and the level concept of human work. It is further supported by the results of about 120 interviews with German experts involved in research projects of the last 2 decades and the results of a quantitative analysis of international literature. The most important themes of past research are compiled and a prognosis of research themes of the future is given. The future role of ergonomics is exemplified by its contributions to the further development of OSH management systems.