In part, this paper was generated in response to that by Waterson and Eason (2009) who reviewed
“Trends and developments in UK ergonomics during the 1960s”. The aim here is to examine ergonomics
activities in industrially developing countries (IDCs) with emphasis on Asia, thus trying to fill a gap. Hoping
to assist other researchers, a literature review approach has been used.
Recently, the influence of ergonomics in IDCs has been discussed in a well-illustrated book (Scott,
2009). This review is an attempt to amplify that work, not to conflict with it.