Despite the downfall of a Federal Ergonomics Program Standard, ergonomics was definitely an important aspect of the new agreement.

The new agreement improves health and safety protections for UAW NUMMI workers in a number of areas, including the creation of an ergonomics task force to be staffed by eight full-time UAW members. Task force members, who will be paid by NUMMI, will evaluate production jobs for ergonomic hazards and recommend and implement necessary changes. In addition, the new agreement enhances air quality standards in the Fremont plant, and establishes a joint health and safety research fund.

Ergonomics has long been an important issue in the auto manufacturing sector. Many analysis tools that are used by ergonomists today were developed through work in that arena.