n. the discipline that applies a knowledge of human abilities and limitations drawn from physiology, biomechanics, anthropometry, and other areas to the design of systems, equipment, and processes for safe and efficient performance. A practitioner in the field is sometimes called an ergonomist. Speciality areas include cognitive ergonomics, communication ergonomics, cultural ergonomics, industrial ergonomics, macroergonomics, and occupational ergonomics. This term is often used synonymously with human factors. See also human systems integration. —ergonomic adj.

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

December 22nd 2024

equal opportunity

under U.S. federal law, the principle that all individuals should have the opportunity to find employment and to succeed in their jobs regardless of race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, and national origin. The principle of equal opportunity also applies to education, health care, and social and other services, and in some states and municipalities, it has been extended to include sexual orientation. See also affirmative action; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Americans With Disabilities Act; four-fifths rule; reverse discrimination; Uniform Guidelines for Employee Selection Procedures.