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Ergonomics

31 March 2025 - 04 April 2025

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

£1,895 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

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