ABSTRACT
The role of the ergonomist has, oddly, received little attention from ergonomists. Commonly, the ergonomist is perceived as an “expert”, with a solid knowledge-base of theory and experience and a skill-base for application of ergonomics approaches and methodologies. Ergonomics knowledge and technical skill are, of course, prerequisites for ergonomics consulting, and are the basis for most ergonomics research. However, research in allied fields reveals that the processes of “helping” and the factors influencing this process are equally, or perhaps more, important in determining whether an intervention leads to lasting change. This paper therefore explores the role of the consulting ergonomist as a “skilled helper”, drawing on research concerning consulting, and integrative and person-centred psychotherapies.
