Ergonomics

Introduction

Every year, 35 million 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.

The course provides the ergonomics theory and techniques used to maximize the design of the tools, tasks and workplaces for improved comfort, safety and performance of the workforce.   The techniques cover both the physical and psychosocial aspects of a workplace design, following relevant HSE guidance and approaches to assess and reduce risks.

What will the course cover?

• Ergonomics principles, methods and techniques
• Human Beings - physical and psychological factors
• Applied Anthropometry
• Workplace Design and DSE
• Manual Handling risks, assessments and controls
• Upper Limb Disorders - risks, assessments and controls
• Stress Management
• Influencing behaviour
• User investigation methods, such as interviews, questionnaires and focus groups
• Task Analysis
• Controls and Displays
• Environmental Factors - Lighting, Floors and footwear, Noise

Who should attend?

The course is suited to all who have an interest in workplace ergonomics and wish to understand more about possible interventions that could be made to assess and improve worker comfort, safety and performance. No previous ergonomics or MSD experience is required.

Who will present?

Matthew Birtles - Matt has been a practising ergonomist for 13 years. His work at HSL 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.

Victoria Whitehouse is a psychologist with experience conducting literature reviews in behavioural change and worker engagement, as well as developing and testing a toolkit looking to provide construction SME's with the tools and techniques necessary to improve their health, safety and business performance. Victoria has also developed and delivered a comprehensive training course on behavioural change, and developed two further training courses on work-related violence and wellbeing.

Jane Hopkinson is a psychologist working in HSL's Social and Organisational Factors section. Jane's particular area of expertise is in risk communication, knowledge, attitude and behaviour changing techniques and the management of work related stress and how these can be applied with regard to health and safety. Jane has been responsible for developing and delivering HSL training courses on the topics of behaviour change, wellbeing and work related stress.

Comments and Feedback
"Just a short note to 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 mainline train stations and Manchester International Airport.

Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at www.visitbuxton.co.uk

Cost

The cost of the course is £1,750 per person  (includes course notes, lunches, refreshments and a course dinner on the second night).

Please note that all courses must be paid for via credit card at the time of booking.

For further dates and additional information email: hsetraining@hse.gov.uk or contact the Training and Events Team at HSE directly on +44 (0)203 028 3704.

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