April 2002
From Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Human Factors/Ergonomics contributes to combating terrorism Special issue of Ergonomics in Design The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society has released a special issue of its peer-reviewed magazine, Ergonomics in Design, devoted to the topic of counterterrorism. The lead article, "Defeating Terrorism: What Can Human Factors/Ergonomics Offer?" describes past and ongoing HF/E work in areas that contribute to increased homeland security (soon also available in PDF format at http://hfes.org.) The second article, "How to REALLY Improve Airport Security," addresses problems associated with taking a punitive approach to training and monitoring of security personnel and presents "science-based, practical approaches that can and should be taken now to improve threat detection at airports." The third article, "Emergency Vehicles: Responder or Victim?" concerns a related topic, that of ensuring that emergency personnel (specifically firefighters) arrive safely to do their jobs. Citing statisics about accidents involving emergency response vehicles, the authors propose a number of remedies aimed at reducing such accidents, including improved training for emergency personnel, better awareness and responsiveness by the driving public, and increased accountability on both sides.Copies of the entire issue are available to media representatives on request: HFES Communications Director Lois Smith, [email protected], 310-394-1811, fax 310-394-2410. | |