news
archive
web accessibility
The BBC has published some very useful tips to improving
web accessibility. Click
here to be directed to the guide on their website. (November
2007).
ERCG launched
David Hitchcock is one of the partners behind the
new Expert Research and Consultancy Group; a simple and cost-effective
one-stop-resource of multi-disciplinary academics and practitioners.
For more information about the range of services and CVs of all
the experts click here. (September
2007).
DWP to use AbilityMatch
David Hitchcock has been working as part of the team
to develop AbilityMatch as a web-based tool for the Department for
Work and Pensions' Psychology Division to be used by work psychologists
in helping find and retain suitable and fulfilling jobs for their
clients. The tool will go live in October of this year. (August
2007).
normal service has been resumed!
There has been no new news on the website for over
6 months. To make amends and to kick-start its return, click
here to view a 'You Tube' clip which explains everything?! (July
2007).
new CEDS contract
David Hitchcock's research group, CEDS, has been awarded
a 2-year contract by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee
(DPTAC) to develop a training framework for frontline transport
staff. (November 2006).
MAC
David Hitchcock is partnering Matthew Birtles of the
Health and Safety Laboratory in the delivery of manual handling
courses. The course is proving particularly popular as it explores
the use of the Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC) which simplifies
the risk assessment process and makes it much less subjective. Visit
the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/index.htm
for more information about MAC. (September 2006).
kiosk design guidelines
David Hitchcock has been part of the team working
on the design and evaluation of a new internet kiosk facility for
Jobcentre Plus. One outcome of this successful project has been
for David and his colleague James O'Malley, a human factors specialist
at the Department for Work and Pensions, to produce a set of human
factors guidelines for kiosks. If you would like further information
about these guidelines click
here to e-mail your request. (June 2006).
major new project
David Hitchcock is leading the CEDS research team in a project
for the Department of Transport to measure and weigh occupied wheelchairs
and scooters available in the UK. The information will be used
to create new data for designers, architects and policy makers.
(February 2005).
consultancy registration
David Hitchcock is now a fully-fledged registered
consultancy of the Ergonomics Society, demonstrating accepted professional
competence and experience across a wide range of human factors areas
of application. (January 2005).
new standards appointment
David Hitchcock has accepted a role with the British Standards
Institute to represent the ergonomics issues in designing and providing
for older people and those with disabilities. (November 2004).
new foundation course
For over a decade David Hitchcock has been designing, running
and managing training courses for organisations and universities.
Now this wealth of experience has been converted into a one-week
foundation course, available to all sectors to equip staff to become
ergonomics champions within their organisations. (September 2004).
accommodation case studies
David Hitchcock is part of a research partnership
between the Centre for Employment and Disadvantage Studies and the
Health and Safety Laboratory challenged with identifying case histories
of workplace changes to help overcome employee disabilities. If
you have made successful interventions, please click
here to e-mail your story. (August 2004).
AbilityMatch launched
David Hitchcock is part of the AbilityMatch Partnership
who have developed a computerised tool, underpinned by ergonomics
principles, to compare the abilities of disabled people with the
activity requirements of jobs. By doing so it determines the need
and scope for any improvement measures or adaptations which may
be required to ensure that the individual can perform tasks effectively.
Prior to its general release, planned for early 2005, the tool was
launched at the headquarters of Mellon Finance Europe on June 23rd
to senior executives representing a wide variety of major organisations
who will be using the tool under controlled conditions for the remainder
of the year to evaluate its benefits. If you would like further
information about AbiltyMatch click
here to e-mail your request. (June 2004).
the inclusive pub
David Hitchcock is a member of a Yorkshire-based team
planning to design and build an inclusive pub; one which can be
used by everyone irrespective of age, gender or circumstance. If
you have any thoughts on what such a pub - or restaurant - should
and should not provide, please click
here to e-mail your comments. (June 2004).
health and safety link-up
David Hitchcock now acts as principal ergonomics consultant
for Health & Safety Assurance Services, who are about to launch
a significant extension to their services; to visit the HSAS website
click here. (May 2004).
fit for purpose newsletter
David Hitchcock's latest newsletter is now available; a special
edition looking at the concept of 'fit for purpose'. Please send
your details to request your free copies. (April 2004).
ffp score working well
The ergonomics appraisal tool - FFP Score - devised by David Hitchcock
and Bill O'Connell around a decade ago, continues to be used to
evaluate a diverse range of designs, the latest of which is a new
church build in Leicester. (April 2004).
occupational health linkup
David Hitchcock has become Premier Occupational Healthcare's
ergonomics consultant; to visit the Premier website click
here. (March 2004).
new fit for purpose training course
The core of safety legislation and design best practice is to
ensure provision is fit for purpose. A new 1-day, practical course
is now available to address the concept of usability, foreseeable
misuse, the legal requirements, techniques of assessment and the
FFP Score tool. (February 2004).
DSE assessments - back again!
It has been 10 years since the introduction of the Health and
Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, and it seems they
are becoming high profile again. David has been providing assessor
and user training, assessments, compliance packages and troubleshooting
consultancy throughout the last decade. He s currently providing
DSE support to a variety of companies in light of increased reports
of discomfort and injuries, and the threat of inspection by the
authorities. Interestingly the most effective intervention appears
to be the provision of monthly 'surgery days' during which he is
available on-site to address any staff concerns about their computer
use - from adjusting chairs to managing cases of 'RSI'. It's relatively
cheap and seems to work...a discussion document will be available
soon. (January 2004).
new musculoskeletal disorders audit
In response to continued concern by employers that they are exposed
to risk of litigation through compensation claims for bad backs
and upper limb disorders, David Hitchcock has prepared a new package
to audit the physical and psycho-social risks. (December 2003).
Centre for Employment and Disadvantage Studies
yes2work has launched its new research centre, of
which David Hitchcock is Director. CEDS will conduct pure and applied
human sciences research to help disabled and otherwise disadvantaged
people find and keep rewarding jobs; to visit the yes2work website
click here. (October 2003).
new publications
David Hitchcock has recently edited for Croner,
'Posture & Repetitive
Movement' and 'Lifting & Carrying. He has also prepared an
article titled 'The Modern Office' for The Ergonomics Society with
Meg Galley. (September 2003).
updated training courses
A number of courses have recently been updated
and are now available in 1, 2 and 5 day versions, including;
'Introduction to Ergonomics', 'DSE Ergonomics & Safety', 'Musculoskeletal Disorders', 'Office
Ergonomics & Safety', 'Design Ergonomics' and 'Health & Safety
Management'. (September 2003).
the truth about ergonomics
in the workplace
A new article by David Hitchcock has been published uncovering
the reasons behind workplace discomfort and inefficiency, and the
role ergonomics plays in avoiding or resolving them. (August 2003).
inclusive design ergonomics
David Hitchcock has prepared
two new publications about the need, challenges and opportunities
to provide designs suitable for all, particularly in light of
the 'ageing population' and the Disability Discrimination Act.
(August 2003).
For further information about any of the above click
here.
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