The document establishes ergonomic principles as basic guidelines for the design of work systems. The definitions and ergonomic guiding principles specified in this International Standard apply to the design of optimal working conditions with regard to human well-being, safety and health, including the development of existing skills and the acquisition of new ones, whilst taking into account technological and economic effectiveness and efficiency. It describes an integrated approach to the design of work systems, where ergonomists will cooperate with others involved in the design, with attention to the human, the social and the technical requirements in a balanced manner during the design process. Users of this International Standard will include managers; workers (or their representatives); and professionals such as ergonomists, project managers and designers who are involved in the design or redesign of work systems. Those who use this International Standard may find a general knowledge of ergonomics (human factors), engineering, design, quality and project management helpful. While the principles in this International Standard are oriented to the design of work systems, they are applicable to any field of human activity, e.g. in the design of products for domestic and leisure activities. This International Standard is considered to be the core ergonomic standard from which many others on specific issues are derived.