Conducting research with the disabled and disadvantaged

Based on their own project work, this paper presents a pragmatic and experience-based review of the advantages and difficulties of conducting research with and on behalf of those with disabilities or who are otherwise disadvantaged. It considers the financial aspects, health and wellbeing issues and the factors which should be considered in the preparation of proposals and the management of projects

My camera never lies!

The Centre for Employment and Disadvantaged Studies was commissioned by the Mobility and Inclusion Unit of the Department for Transport to conduct a study to measure occupied wheelchairs and scooters to determine the characteristics of their users and to assess the changes that are taking place in the design of the devices. The project team used the technique of photogrammetry to collect the data for over 1,000 devices. In addition to explaining the technique, this paper gives a recount of the project and explores the potential application of photogrammetry in ergonomics projects

Matching ability with jobs using AMAS: final report

AMAS (Activity Matching Ability System) was developed 20 years ago by Loughborough University and was designed to help young disabled / disadvantaged people to enter the labour market. It is a tool that assesses the ergonomics aspects of jobs (the activities) and the abilities of an individual. The two sets of information are then matched and the results talked through with the individual to see if a good match has been obtained. Early versions of AMAS had a strong manufacturing focus that did not easily lend itself to a varied and developing labour market. The feedback from Employment Service staff, including Occupational Psychologists and Disability Employment Advisers, who used the early version of AMAS was that it was helpful but needed updating

Can the activity matching ability system contribute to employment assessment? An initial discussion of job performance and a survey of work psychologists views

Employment Assessment (EA) is concerned with enabling individuals to predict their performance in job opportunities. Job performance and its analysis are key concerns for organisational psychology, although progress is required to develop their utility for EA client work. The Activity Matching Ability System (AMAS) assesses job activities and individuals' abilities and may contribute to EA. In order to begin to explore this possibility, and whether other significant factors might improve EA, a survey was run in parallel with a sample of Work Psychologist (WP) interviews (n=238). Interviewee characteristics (age, ethnic background, etc.) and WP estimates of impact of disability and probability of obtaining employment indicated a varied group, younger than other samples. WPs found that AMAS would enhance EA for one fifth of the sample. AMAS could contribute by aiding exploration of physical and cognitive factors, by providing a focus for assessment, by reviewing what individuals can do at work and by helping confidence. They considered EA would be improved by developing assessments of interpersonal skills, team working, job specific skills and aptitudes, and work placements. Cross tabulation of the data indicated that WP views were not significantly associated with any of the factors researched

Integrating ergonomics: a practical case study

The authors were commissioned to work as part of a design team in the production of a new supermarket checkout. The primary goals at the onset of the project were to reduce build costs and enhance customer interaction without compromising health and safety. The ergonomics issues identified through the initial literature search highlighted two key checkout operator considerations: the need to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injury; and the importance of factors other than equipment design, such as task design and training, in minimising risk and optimising performance. This paper discusses how these two considerations were maintained and developed throughout the design process as the original project goals changed. Its purpose is not to discuss the ergonomics of checkout design; rather, it uses the checkout design case history to highlight where the ergonomics practitioner can successfully contribute to project success

Third age usability and safety - an ergonomics contribution to design

Third age usability and safety - an ergonomics contribution to desig

Recidivist risk takers who work at height

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE, 2003) around 70 people a year are killed as a result of a fall from height at work and a further 4,000 are seriously injured. Whilst the risk is repeatedly recognised, the reduction of accidents is hampered by individuals who acknowledge that they know and comprehend best practice, but fail to apply it in real life. It is highly likely that the majority of accidents could be avoided if individuals followed the safety procedures laid down for their protection. However, some other, as yet concealed and overriding, influence appears to modify behaviour so as to reduce the level of safety accepted. If this is under the jurisdiction of the individual, it may be accepted voluntarily. The motivations for this are unclear as yet, but may prove to be the most important element in accident causation. It is suggested that the cause is related to the individual’s capacity to predict the likelihood of low probability events, especially those believed to be under their control. Because of their inability to accurately assess the probability and the consequence of an accident occurring to them, they are unable to take appropriate safety measures. However, it is hypothesised that this attitude would shift if an individual is exposed to an accident and becomes fully aware of the possibility of their own involvement and the consequences of an accident