Much has changed in the ten years since the publication of the first edition of the Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics. Historic breakthroughs in digital and telecommunications technology and software design have given rise to a fast-paced environment in which humans and machines interact with a transparency and level of sophistication undreamed of just a decade ago. At the same time, new materials and design innovations have helped to make the workplace safer, happier, and more productive. Ongoing advances in the fields of human factors and ergonomics have been fundamental to this amazing progress, and the first edition of this book has had a vital role to play in precipitating these advances.

The publication of this Second Edition is very timely, with practical knowledge and technical background on virtually all aspects of physical, cognitive, and social ergonomics. As John F. Smith, Jr., Chairman, CEO, and President of General Motors writes in the Foreword, this book "can be a valuable source of information for any individual or organization committed to providing competitive, high-quality products and safe, productive work environments." Completely revised, updated, and containing 23 entirely new chapters, Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics, Second Edition offers readers by far the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art coverage of all aspects of the field.

In orchestrating this book, Dr. Salvendy invited contributions from more than 100 of the foremost authorities around the world. Each of its 60 chapters was reviewed by an international advisory panel comprised of some of today's leading figures in human factors and ergonomics. While each chapter establishes the theoretical and empirical foundations of the subject under discussion, the book's approach is primarily applications-oriented. Hence throughout readers will find case studies, examples, figures, and tables that optimize the usability of the material presented.

Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics, Second Edition is certain to have as profound an impact on the evolution of the science of designing for human use as did its predecessor. It is an indispensable tool for human factors and ergonomics specialists, safety and industrial hygiene professionals and engineers, human resource professionals and managers in manufacturing and service industries, and for educational institutions and government.

Over the past decade, human factors and ergonomics have come to play an ever more prominent role in everything from product design to productivity management. And no single book has done more to help precipitate their rise to prominence than the first edition of this handbook. Revised and updated to reflect the many important advances that have taken place in the field over the past decade, Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics, Second Edition repeats the success of its predecessor. It brings you:

* Contributions from more than 100 recognized international experts

* The most up-to-date coverage of equipment, workplace, and job design; design for health and safety; evaluation methodologies; and human-computer interaction

* Completely revised and updated material, including 23 new chapters

* Theoretical and empirical foundations of every subject

* An applications-oriented approach packed with case studies, examples, figures, and tables