In the face of evolving and non-traditional threats, the imperative for passive defense (PD) in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring societal resilience has been increasingly recognized (1). Passive defense encompasses non-military measures designed to systematically reduce the vulnerability of individuals, assets, and systems against both natural and human-induced hazards. Despite its strategic significance, the crucial role of human performance optimization (HPO) within these frameworks is frequently overlooked (2). Ergonomics, as the scientific discipline dedicated to designing human-centered systems, possesses substantial potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of PD strategies (3). By applying principles for optimizing human–system interactions, ergonomics directly reduces cognitive and physical fatigue, minimizes error rates, and sharpens decision-making fidelity under duress (4, 5). For instance, the integration of ergonomic principles into the design of control interfaces and warning systems—such as optimizing the spatial layout and sensory modalities of security command centers—can demonstrably reduce operator response time during simulated emergencies by up to 30%, directly translating to improved system resilience. Therefore, embedding ergonomics into PD management is not merely advantageous; it is a strategic necessity (6, 7).
A practical illustration of the integration between PD and ergonomics can be observed in the operation of critical infrastructure control centers, such as those managing power grids, transportation systems, or emergency communication networks. These workplaces must maintain continuous 24/7 readiness under potentially high-stress or hazardous conditions—characteristics that make them a microcosm of PD application. From a cognitive ergonomics perspective, designing user interfaces that reduce information overload and enhance situational awareness has been shown to significantly decrease operator errors and reaction time during crisis events (8). On a macroergonomic level, organizational structure and communication channels influence team coordination and resilience, especially under cascading infrastructure failures (9). Moreover, consideration of shift work and circadian rhythms—through ergonomic scheduling and fatigue management programs—has proven essential for sustaining vigilance and decision accuracy during prolonged emergency operations (10).
In combination, these ergonomic approaches reinforce the objectives of passive defense by enhancing operator reliability, reducing human-induced vulnerabilities, and maintaining system continuity during disruptions. Empirical findings from human factors research in nuclear energy and aviation command centers further support that integrating ergonomic design across cognitive, physical, and organizational domains substantially improves safety performance and post-event recovery (11).
Furthermore, emerging systemic frameworks, such as “Disaster Ergonomics,” explicitly advocate for the integration of human factors into resource management, command coordination, and communication structures during crises. Empirical research consistently supports that human-centered design significantly enhances crisis management effectiveness across diverse operational settings (12).
Research in resilience engineering further demonstrates that systems incorporating principles of human adaptability and cognitive ergonomics are inherently better equipped to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from unforeseen disruptions. In practical emergency services applications, ergonomic intervention in both training protocols and equipment design has resulted in substantial reductions in responder injury rates and documented cognitive overload (13, 14).
Given these insights, organizations responsible for national passive defense must formally integrate ergonomics into their design processes, training curricula, and operational protocols. Implementing comprehensive ergonomic policies—including the optimization of workspace layout, rigorous management of cognitive workload, and the provision of ongoing human-factors-based training—is essential to strengthening national resilience, reducing costly procedural errors, and improving overall operational readiness. Consequently, ergonomics must transition from an auxiliary consideration to a foundational component of modern passive defense management (15, 16).
