Standards and regulations

Ergonomics by Gary Davis

There are many UK and international standards and regulations relating to ergonomics and human factors, several of which are safety-related

A few notable examples are given below:

  • ISO/DIS 13407: 1999
    Human-centred design processes for interactive systems
  • ISO 6385: 1993
    Ergonomic principles in the design of work system
  • BS EN 60073: 1997
    Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification.
  • BS EN 894: Parts 1, 2 & 3, 1997-2000
    Safety of Machinery
  • BS EN ISO 9241: Parts 1 to 17, 1997-2000
    Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs)
  • BS 3044: 1990
    Guide to ergonomics principles in the design & selection of office furniture
  • ISO 11064: Parts 1 to 3, 4 and 6 1999-2005
    Ergonomic design of control centres
  • BS 4467: 1991
    Guide to dimensions in designing for elderly people
  • Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974
  • The Disability Discrimination Act, 1995
  • The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations, 1998

In its publication Reducing Error and Influencing Behaviour, the Health and Safety Executive states that, 'ergonomics is a key ingredient of effective health and safety management'. Legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires human factors risk assessments for a whole host of potentially hazardous situations including: manual handling of heavy loads, shift work, and work with visual display terminals.