Ergonomics is a science that can be applied throughout the technological continuum. Although the ergonomist has usually been involved in identifying and solving problems introduced by technological advances in industrial societies, a vast field for his specialist skills also exists in developing countries. Current literature on ergonomics and its application to developing countries is reviewed. areas where help can be given are identified, and means by which this can be brought about are proposed.
To date, the major efforts of ergonomists and human factors specialists have been directed towards aerospace, military and industrial topics and man's place in the increasingly complex designs of modern technology. A no less rewarding tield of study at the opposite end of the technological continuum, though one that has not received the same attention to any depth by ergonomists, is that of the developing countries.
It is perhaps natural that ergonomists are to be found intimately connected with rapidly advancing technology: tt is an area of exciting challenge and one perhaps best fitted for the traditionally trained ergonomist. The fall.~)ut of knowledge is of considerable value as is its associated hardware; for example, one can instance the reduction in the size of transducers brought about by space research. However, the problems of the under-developed countries are no less challenging and the field no less wide. Whereas research requires intensive specialisatlon within narrow fields, an;,' but a cursory survey of developing countries will reveal a need to extend the ergonomist's disciplines. As Lippert (1968) states, "it will require a broadening of our traditional horizons to include an awareness of the cultural, social and economic contexts m which man performs work". Whether this will provide a separate sub-class for ergo. nomists or whether, through its study, the~, come to reallse the importance of hitherto ignored environmental parameters remains to be seen.