How companies perceive the potential of Human Factors: a case study from Italy

In Italy, the Legislative Decree no. 81/2008 regulates risk prevention associated with workplaces and makes specific reference to human factors principles application to prevent workers’ ailments, fatigue and work-related stress. To what extent has this normative framework become an integral part of the Italian companies’ culture and fostered a demand for ergonomic intervention and research? The study, carried out in a North-western Italian Region, aimed to explore how local companies perceive the potential of human factors to achieve an efficient and productive organisational system and to maximise the workers’ comfort, safety and health. The case-study research method was chosen as it allows to investigate phenomena in-depth within a real-life context (Yin, 2009). The results show a widespread intervention on physical aspects, but also highlight an increasing attention to the cognitive and organisational factors, offering some experiences of improved production and competitiveness due to ergonomic principles application within the workplace.