The Institute’s AGM will take place in Cambridge this year and is your chance to find out what we’ve achieved and what we aim to do. Download the Agenda.

A unique forum for discussion and exchange of ideas and information on the latest research, development and applications in ergonomics and human factors.

There will be a presentation called “Human reliability assessment methods applied to human computer interfaces” by Ned Hickling.

For those of you struggling with the conundrum of how to deal with new technologies in control rooms, in particular, how to make some attempt at quantifying possible human failures in such facilities, help is at hand. Ned Hickling (Fellow of the IEHF) will give a presentation of a paper originally published in Cognitive Technology and Work (called “Applicability of human reliability assessment methods to human–computer interfaces” by E M Hickling & J E Bowie) augmented with additional data. This compares human reliabilities for human computer interaction available in the published scientific literature with reliabilities given in established HRA methods that pre-date widespread HCIHuman Computer Interaction application. From the comparison, conclusions can be drawn about the suitability of such established methods for evaluating HCIHuman Computer Interaction error probabilities. Comparisons amongst the HCIHuman Computer Interaction data also raise some apparent paradoxes which whilst explicable, are potentially disturbing in their implications.

Venue to be determined but likely to be in Liverpool, Manchester or Warrington. If you have a venue to offer, please let me know! The talk will be about 60 minutes including questions and answers. Socialising afterwards. Contact the Group organiser, Bill Gall, if you are interested in attending.

This meeting will feature two talks about health ergonomics.

• “Are we getting larger?” by Dr Ted Lovesey, IEHF
• “Ergonomics and Quality of Life” by Professor Patrick Jordan, Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine

To reserve a place please contact Bernie Masters, email drbernie_masters@hotmail.com or call 01566 773671.

A talk on “Understanding and managing chronic pain at work” by Glyn Smyth, Chartered Physiotherapist & Registered Ergonomist
The talk will cover:

• Difference between acute (recent) and chronic (persistent) pain
• Causes of acute pain and how we manage it (at work)
• Understanding chronic pain and why only some people develop it
• Managing chronic pain at work and ergonomics

For details and map, go to www.towerclinic.co.uk/suites-for-hire/maple-suite

Prior to the event, please contact Janet Crowhurst for any details or with any queries. On the day, please contact Glyn Smith: 0113 242 9209, email glyn@work-fit.co.uk

Refreshments will be provided.

The Human Systems Group at the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory, Porton Down have kindly agreed to host a visit.

First Council meeting of 2013.

Topical ergonomics issues currently facing the nuclear sector.

A special event to provide students and newly qualified graduates with an understanding of the careers available in ergonomics and human factors

South Wales Regional Group Meeting presenting case studies from various industries.