Human Factors and Ergonomics in Latin American Countries by Maldonado-Macías, Aide Aracely; Rodríguez, Yordán; Hernández Arellano, Juan Luis;

Short description:

This book is an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. It moves beyond diagnosis to offer actionable strategies for improving productivity, safety, and well-being in one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets.

Long description:

While the discipline of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) has expanded globally, the specific sociotechnical realities of developing nations have long remained underrepresented in scientific literature. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Latin American Countries: Developments, Applications and Approaches bridges this gap, offering the first authoritative synthesis of research, applications, and legal frameworks dedicated entirely to the region.

Featuring a foreword by the Presidents of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), this volume presents Latin America not merely as a site for applying existing theories, but as a "living laboratory" for generating context-sensitive solutions. The book curates 24 chapters that traverse the full spectrum of the discipline—from the high-tech challenges of Industry 4.0 and passive exoskeletons to the critical social issues of the informal economy and inclusive design.

Readers will explore how HFE principles are adapted to diverse sectors, including healthcare, where system dynamics are used to manage ICU nursing workloads; manufacturing; addressing "quiet quitting" and burnout in export industries; public safety; and analyzing coordination in forest fire control centers. Uniquely, the text also examines ergonomics for vulnerable populations, presenting studies on indigenous women involved in street vending, pregnant workers, and the elderly in digital banking.

This book is an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. It moves beyond diagnosis to offer actionable strategies for improving productivity, safety, and well-being in one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets.

Table of Contents:

1. Analyzing ICU Nursing Workload Using System Dynamics Modeling. 2. A Comprehensive Ergonomic Model to Reduce Risk in Maxillofacial Surgery Training. 3. TAPTE MODEL: Ergonomics in Pregnant Workers. 4. Usability / Accessibility of a Free Online Telepsychology Intervention by Patients and Trained Psychotherapists in Mexico. 5.  Ergonomic Approach for Describing the User Experience (UX) in Elder Adults While Interacting with the Graphical Use Interface (GUI) of a Fintech Application. 6. Usability of Teaching Resources Used by Students with Visual Disabilities Based on Improvements in Their Accessibility Characteristics and Interface Design. 7. Usability in Product Design: Critical Factors and Regional Research Trends. 8. Impact of Prolonged Standing on Musculoskeletal Health in Colombian Workers. 9. Determination of Hand Anthropometric Equivalence and Grip Strength between Campeche and Yucatán Populations. 10. Comparative Ergonomic Analysis of the Mechanical Demand Imposed by the Order Picking Activity in Distribution Centers with Different Levels of Mechanization. 11. Taxonomy, Applications, and Future of Passive Exoskeletons: A Comprehensive Analysis of Opportunities and Challenges. 12. Obsessive Passion at Work and Its Effect on Stress and Burnout. 13. Employee Well-being through Leadership 4.0 and Empowerment in the Mexican Industry 4.0. 14. Effects of Mental Workload on University Faculty Members at a Higher Education Institution in Mexico. 15.  Ergonomic Approach to Restore Organizational Climate and Teamwork Potential in a Restructuring Context. 16. A Descriptive Study of Companies' Management Perspective on the Critical Success Factors of Ergonomics Programs and Their Benefits in the Manufacturing Industry in Mexico. 17.  Psychosocial Risk of Working Time Organization, Organizational Environment, and Lack of Control over Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Pandemic among University Teachers: A Case Study. 18. Is Burnout Leading to Quiet Quitting, Counterproductive Performance, and Ultimately Turnover Intention? Study in the Mexican Export Manufacturing Industry. 19. Applying Conjoint Analysis to Assess Ergonomists' Preferences for Range of Motion Categories and Associated Ergonomic Risk Levels in Posture Evaluation. 20. Ergonomic Intervention Experiences for the Strengthening of Forest Fire Coordination and Control Centers. 21. A Macro Ergonomic Approach to Calculating the Optimal Workforce. 22. Understanding and Managing Human Error in Manufacturing Environments. 23.  Informal Work of Indigenous Women: Characterization of Street Vending in Quito. 24. Analysis of Laws and Regulations Related to Ergonomics and Human Factors in Latin American Countries