SIST EN ISO 6385:2017 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 6385:2016 - Ergonomics principles in the design of work systems (ISO 6385:2016) sets out the fundamental ergonomic principles and core terminology for designing and (re)designing work systems. Published by CEN as an identical adoption of ISO 6385:2016, the standard defines a systems-based, integrated approach that balances human, social and technical requirements across the entire life cycle of a work system - from conception and development through implementation, use, maintenance and decommissioning.

Keywords: ergonomics, ISO 6385:2016, work systems, human factors, workplace design, life cycle, safety, well-being.

Key topics and requirements

• Fundamental principles and definitions: Establishes core ergonomic terms (work system, worker, well-being, ergonomics/human factors) to ensure consistent use across projects.
• Systems approach: Emphasizes designing interactions between people, equipment, workspace, environment and organizational factors.
• Design process stages:
  • Formulation of goals and requirements analysis
  • Analysis and allocation of functions
  • Development of design concepts
  • Detailed design of work organization, tasks, jobs, environment, equipment, workstations and interfaces
  • Realization, implementation, adjustment, verification and monitoring
• Life‑cycle perspective: Applies ergonomic principles throughout conception, development, realization, utilization, maintenance/support and decommissioning.
• Evaluation & monitoring: Covers health and well‑being, safety, system performance, usability, cost‑benefit and conformity checks to validate ergonomic outcomes.
• Collaboration and competencies: Encourages cooperation between ergonomists, designers, managers, workers and other stakeholders and highlights useful complementary skills (engineering, project management, quality).

Practical applications

EN ISO 6385:2016 is applicable across a wide range of sectors and working situations, including:

• Production - machine operators, assembly lines
• Transportation - drivers, airport personnel
• Support/maintenance - technicians with tools and equipment
• Commercial/office - office workstations, mobile workers with tablets
• Services - healthcare, teaching, catering/kitchens Use cases include initial workplace design, process redesign, ergonomic risk reduction, procurement specifications for equipment, and assessment of new technologies or organizational changes.

Who uses this standard

• Executives and managers making strategic design or investment decisions
• Ergonomists and human factors professionals leading design activities
• Project managers, industrial designers and engineers
• Workers and worker representatives involved in design consultations

Related standards

• ISO 26800 (general ergonomic principles)
• OHSAS 18001 (management systems context referenced in the standard)

EN ISO 6385:2016 is the core ergonomic reference for practitioners seeking to integrate human factors into effective, safe and sustainable work system design.