Cognitive Ergonomics in EHS: Bridging Neuroscience and Safety

Cognitive ergonomics is more than just an academic concept—it’s a practical tool for fostering learning and improving performance in real-world settings. Throughout my career, whether leading an award-winning physical rehabilitation center or serving as the onsite ergonomist for a 1,300-employee paper mill, my goal has always been to optimize cognition.

In both roles, the ability to teach and encourage individuals was critical to our success. By integrating principles of neuroscience and cognitive ergonomics, I developed strategies that not only enhanced understanding but also led to meaningful, lasting change. These experiences have underscored the importance of making learning an active, intuitive process that resonates with people from all walks of life.

Making Ideas Stick

When teaching Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) through the lens of cognitive ergonomics, integrating neuroscience concepts can turn abstract theories into practical, actionable insights. A highly effective strategy is guiding learners through a progression, moving from detailed, modular ideas to broader, intuitive frameworks.

This approach not only simplifies complex material but also ensures that learners stay engaged as they see the direct connection to real-world scenarios. But how do you make these ideas truly stick?

Start with Modularity

Start with modular concepts, grounding the discussion in McLean’s Triune Brain model. This framework organizes the brain into three evolutionary components: the reptilian brain (instinctual survival), the limbic system (emotions and memory), and the neocortex (rational thought). Introduce the four lobes of the cortex—frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal—highlighting their specific functions in decision-making and sensory processing.

This structured is the hallmark of vertical integration. The approach lays the foundation for understanding cognitive processes at their most fundamental level. Yet, the brain’s story doesn’t stop at anatomy—it’s a tale of dynamic collaboration.

Build into Network Modality

From these building blocks, shift to modal thinking, presenting the brain as an adaptive network of systems. The Central Executive Network (CEN) governs focus and problem-solving. The Salience Network detects priorities, signaling the brain to switch tasks as needed. Meanwhile, the Default Mode Network (DMN) fosters creativity and reflection, operating in the background when our minds wander.

Together, these networks work like a seamless team, constantly shifting gears to meet our constantly changing cognitive demands. But how do these dynamic processes connect to the decisions we make every day?

Lateralization and Systematic Thinking

Expand the discussion to intuitive concepts, starting with hemispheric lateralization. The left hemisphere often dominates in logic and language, while the right specializes in spatial reasoning and creativity. This natural division of labor sets the stage for exploring Daniel Kahneman’s System 1 and System 2 thinking: fast, automatic responses versus slow, deliberate reasoning.

Understanding how these systems guide decision-making is essential in EHS, where professionals must balance the urgency of quick judgments with the clarity of reflective analysis. The question is, how do these insights translate into action in high-stakes environments?

Practical Application

This layered teaching strategy doesn’t just help learners understand—it keeps them curious and engaged. By connecting the dots from detailed anatomy to dynamic networks and real-world decision-making, cognitive ergonomics becomes a tool for creating safer, more efficient workplaces.

It’s not just teaching people how to think—it’s showing them why this knowledge matters. So, how will you use these insights to change the way your team approaches safety?

We're Always Learning

The power of cognitive ergonomics lies in its ability to connect understanding with action. Whether helping patients regain independence in a rehabilitation setting or equipping employees at an industrial facility with the tools to stay safe and productive, the goal is always the same: to make learning accessible, relevant, and effective.

By focusing on optimizing cognition, we not only enhance individual performance but also create environments where safety and innovation thrive. As my field tested experiences have shown, when learning becomes second nature, the ripple effects are profound and lasting—transforming individuals, workplaces, and outcomes for the better.

Further Reading

Kahneman, D. (2013). Thinking, fast and slow. First paperback edition. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Gazzaley, A., & Rosen, L. D. (2016). The distracted mind: Ancient brains in a high-tech world. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Newport, C. (2016). Deep work: Rules for focused success in a distracted world. New York, NY: Grand Central Publishing.

Schwartz, J. M., & Gladding, R. (2002). The mind and the brain: Neuroplasticity and the power of mental force. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

About Matt Jeffs DPT PSM REAS

About Matt Jeffs, DPT

Dr. Matt Jeffs is a seasoned expert in ergonomics and physical rehabilitation, with a career spanning decades of innovation and leadership. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Matt directed an award-winning physical rehabilitation center, where he combined cutting-edge therapeutic techniques with a deep understanding of cognitive ergonomics to help patients achieve long-lasting recovery and independence. His ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights has consistently set him apart in the healthcare field.

Matt’s expertise extends beyond clinical settings. He served as the onsite ergonomist and physical therapist for a 1,300-employee paper mill, where he transformed workplace safety and productivity. By blending neuroscience principles with practical ergonomics, Matt empowered employees to embrace a culture of learning and protective risk management. His efforts have consistently demonstrated how optimizing cognition can drive meaningful improvements in both individual well-being and organizational success.

As a sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, Matt brings his unique perspective to audiences and organizations worldwide. His work focuses on the intersection of safety, health, and performance, helping others leverage the power of cognitive ergonomics to create safer, more efficient environments. Whether in the clinic, on the factory floor, or at the podium, Matt Jeffs exemplifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and empowering others to achieve their best.

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