Further reading in ergonomics

Books, brochures and resources listed on this page will be generally useful to people examining ergonomics problems. People who have responsibility for safety, and for applying ergonomic solutions, will also benefit.
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Victorian Code of Practice (Manual Handling) 1999: this most practical Code contains a quantity of useful information (including numerical methods) for identifying problems, and for dealing with them systematically. It also includes many useful illustrations, which can act as prompts in problem-solving. Replaces the old (1988) Regulations.  Check our Home Page for a link to this document.

"Share" program: an initiative of the Victorian Health and Safety Organisation (now part of the VWA), this is a compilation of "good ideas" submitted by Victorian employers who have successfully controlled different categories of workplace problems, often using practical ergonomic techniques. The collection is available by subscription at a very reasonable price (about $75) - the contact is 9628 8111 (Melbourne). Each solution is on a single sheet; as well as having information about the problem, the cost, and the contact person, it usually includes an illustration of what they did. The categories covered include machine guarding; manual handling; noise; airborne contaminants; policies and procedures; and "miscellaneous".

Journals: check Taylor and Francis (publishers) website for their very useful publications:

Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science:  http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/tf/1463922X.html

Ergonomics http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/tf/00140139.html

Ergonomics Abstracts http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/tf/00462446.html

"Fitting the Task to the Man": a classic practitioner's handbook in ergonomics by Prof Etienne Grandjean (London: Taylor and Francis, fourth edition, 1988): available through the Technical Bookshop, Melbourne (03 9663 3951).  Updated version cited below.

"Peoplesize:" a Windows-based program of anthropometric (body sizing) information, handy in establishing workplace dimensions, layouts, tool sizes, etc. An all-new dataset (for every percentile, not just 5th and 95th) quickly accessible through a visual interface.  Published in the U.K. by Open Ergonomics Limited; international phone +44 0509 21

More reading:

• Dul J and Weerdmeester B. Ergonomics for Beginners. A Quick Reference Guide. London, Taylor and Francis, 1993.
• Furnham A. The Psychology of Behaviour at Work. The Individual in the Organisation. Sussex, UK, Psychology Press, 1997.
• Kroemer K and Grandjean E. Fitting the Task to the Human. 5th edition, London, Taylor & Francis, 1997.
• Kuorinka I and Forcier L (eds). Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs): A Reference Book for Prevention. London, Taylor and Francis, 1995.
• Oxenburgh M. Increasing Productivity and Profit through Health and Safety. Sydney, CCH Australia Ltd, 1991.
• Pheasant S. Bodyspace. Anthropometry, Ergonomics and Design. London, Taylor and Francis, 1988.
• Pheasant S. Ergonomics, Work and Health. Basingstoke, UK, Macmillan Academic and Professional, 1991.
• Sanders M and McCormick E. Human Factors in Engineering and Design. New York, USA, McGraw Hill, 1993.
• Sydney Hospital Occupational Health and Safety Service. The Easy Guide to Office Safety and Ergonomics. Sydney, NSW, The Service, 1998.
• Williamson A. ''Managing Stress in the Workplace: Part I - Guidelines for the practitioner''. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1994, 14:161-169.
• Williamson A. ''Managing stress in the workplace: Part II - The Scientific basis (knowledge base) for the guide''. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1994, 14: 171-196.