Above all, user-centered design requires that ergonomists and usability professionals deliver results.
This prerogative coupled with the tendency towards practical, hands-on work, has lead to two things:
1) A criticism of impractical academics
2) A strict sense of self-monitoring
As a result of these two concerns (amongst many others), all conducted work becomes purposeful, in the hopes of showing immediate or future benefits.
In preventative work, this means a reduction in injuries, deaths and costly claims.
In design improvement, this means an increase in profits, customer loyalty, & efficiency.