02 March 2026 - 06 March 2026
Introduction
Every year, millions of days are lost to British industry as a
result of accidents and ill health caused by work activities. A
large number of these accidents are due to a lack of thought and
planning concerning the use of our everyday systems.
Taking account of ergonomics and human factors can reduce the
likelihood of an accident and can improve health and safety in your
workplace.
Ergonomics is the science concerned with the 'fit' between
people and their work. It puts people first, taking account of
their capabilities and limitations. Ergonomics aims to make sure
that tasks, equipment, information and the environment fit each
worker to ensure their safety, comfort and performance.
This course provides a solid introduction to ergonomics and the
theory and techniques used to optimise the design of tools, tasks
and workplaces. The techniques taught cover both the physical and
psychosocial aspects of workplace design, following relevant HSE
guidance and approaches to assess and reduce risks.
Learning outcomes
Delegates will be provided with information that will help them
to:
- Understand key ergonomic principles, methods, and
techniques
- Understand physical and psychological factors such as behaviour
in the workplace and work-related stress
- Gain an understanding of applied anthropometry
- Understand manual handling risks, assessments and controls
- Understand upper limb disorder risks, assessments and
controls
- Apply wider user investigation methods, such as fitting
trials
- Understand the logic of workplace item arrangement for greater
efficiency and reduced error using link analysis
- Understand the effect of environmental factors
What the course will cover
This course introduces ergonomics principles, methods, and
techniques, physical posture and movement of human beings, applied
anthropometry and psychological factors. Delegates will examine
workplace design and the assessments and controls associated with
display screen equipment (DSE), manual handling and upper limb
disorders. Delegates will look at stress management, how to
influence behaviour and examine investigation methods such as
interviews, questionnaires and focus groups. Delegates will learn
about task analysis, controls and displays and environmental
factors such as lighting, noise, floors and footwear. Delegates
will participate in a number of practical exercises to try out some
of the techniques they have learnt.
Who should attend?
The course is suited to anyone who has an interest in workplace
ergonomics and wishes to understand more about the possible
interventions that could be made to assess and improve worker
comfort, safety and performance. No previous ergonomics or
musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) experience is required.
Who will present?
Matthew Birtles - Matt has been a practising
ergonomist for 20 years. His work at HSE has spanned various
industries and topics, such as welding and foundry work, fairground
ride safety and other leisure industry projects, food production,
railway and train cabin design, furniture manufacturing,
construction health and safety and ergonomics in health care. He
also co-authored and presents, material on MSD training for HSE
inspectors, and manual handing and the material for this Ergonomics
course for the public. Matt has particular interest in the
prevention of musculoskeletal injury and the design of fit for
purpose ergonomic solutions to workplace problems.
"Thank you for an excellent course last week, it was
great, one of the most useful and interesting courses that I have
ever been on."
Roger Barnes, BAE Systems
Venue
The course will be run at the HSE Science and Research
Centre in the spa town of Buxton.
Buxton is in the heart of the Peak District and has good links
to major roads and motorways, mainline train stations and
Manchester International Airport.
Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at www.visitbuxton.co.uk
Price
£1,970 per person (includes course notes, lunches, refreshments
and a course dinner on the second night).
Book Course
Please note that all courses must be paid for via credit
card at the time of booking.
Some of our training courses can also be delivered
in-company, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Email: HSEtraining@hse.gov.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)203 028 3704
Back to HSE Health and Safety Training Grouped Courses