Human Factors is a young science that emerged during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its practitioners study human abilities and characteristics, and work to apply that information to the safe design and operation of equipment, systems, and jobs. By taking the strengths and limitations of human beings into consideration, Human Factors designers can make jobs safer, more productive, and more rewarding. Human Factors research in mining started over 20 years ago. The Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 spawned new studies of industrial safety problems in mining. These studies showed that 50% to 85% of all mining injuries are due, in large part, to human error. The evidence suggested that poorly designed equipment, work environments, and ineffective training are often the cause of these performance errors.