I love combining international travel with international conference participation. This article is a synopsis of lessons learned from several keynotes and presentations at the HFESA Ergonomics conference I attended and delivered (with great excitement) in Brisbane, AU on November 25-27, 2024.
Ergonomics Down Under
When we think of Australia, we often picture its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife (koalas are so cute!). But this dynamic nation also stands out for its commitment to workplace safety and ergonomics. Australia’s regulatory framework emphasizes the importance of creating safe, healthy, and productive work environments—a mission deeply intertwined with the principles of ergonomics. Just like other countries around the globe, employers in Australia want to prevent costly musculoskeletal injuries.
Safety and Ergonomics in Australia
Workplace health and safety in Australia is governed by national legislation and standards, primarily administered by Safe Work Australia. This agency develops model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws adopted by individual states and territories. Ergonomics, as part of workplace safety, is addressed within these regulations, particularly through risk management practices aimed at reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other work-related injuries. Employers are required to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls to ensure employees’ physical and psychological well-being.
The HFESA Conference 2024 in Brisbane
On November 25-27, 2024, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia (HFESA) hosted its annual conference in Brisbane. This event brought together professionals, researchers, and practitioners from all over Australia primarily to discuss advancements in human factors and ergonomics. With a compelling lineup of speakers and topics, the HFESA conference is a hub for innovation and learning in this critical field.
The last time I attended an HFESA conference was in 2001 in Sydney, AU. It was there that I introduced my early work on ergonomics process design and management. Over the years, I’ve researched and validated my theories and practices on macroergonomics concepts at conferences like this one. My newest work on tracking ergonomics process metrics was accepted for the 2024 Brisbane conference, so off I went. More on my presentation later.
Carlo Caponecchia: Psychosocial Hazards and ISO45003:2021
One of the key presenters at the HFESA conference was Carlo Caponecchia, whose work on psychosocial hazards has gained international recognition. Psychosocial hazards—such as workplace stress, bullying, and mental health challenges—are increasingly acknowledged as critical factors affecting employee well-being. Caponecchia’s research aligns closely with the ISO45003:2021 standard, which provides guidelines for managing psychological health and safety in the workplace. His insights emphasize the need for proactive risk assessments and organizational strategies to address these often-overlooked hazards.
Safe Work Australia believes that psychosocial hazards are as relevant to employee health and safety as physical risk factors and must be addressed in the same way. Several models were discussed, demonstrating the role of psychosocial risk factors and mental health, along with several new tools to measure exposure at work. Psychosocial Hazard Work Re-Design suite of resources and Tool (PHReD-T) is available for free on the website. The resources in this suite support the development of skills for re-designing work to address psychosocial risks. You can learn more about it here.
Catherine Burns: Designing for Humans in the World of AI
Another highlight of the conference was the presentation by Catherine Burns from the University of Waterloo. Burns’ research focuses on human-centered design in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). Her work explores how to ensure that AI systems are intuitive, safe, and beneficial for users. With the rapid integration of AI across industries, Burns’ insights underscore the importance of designing technology that complements human capabilities rather than overwhelming them. This approach not only enhances user experience but also mitigates the risks of cognitive overload and errors in high-stakes environments.
In her presentation, Dr. Burns presented several lessons we’ve learned so far from AI. The bottom line to these lessons is that people adopt but trust AI more than you think. The less experienced people are with AI, the more they trust it. Identifying when AI is wrong is a hard task. In addition, people don’t do the extra work (people + AI =AI). And people over trust AI. She emphasized the biggest risk of all for Human Factors professionals is being out of the AI development loop.
Alison Heller-Ono: Leading with Ergonomics Process Metrics
Then it was my turn to present my latest research titled, “Stop Lagging and Start Leading with Ergonomics Process Metrics”. I introduced an innovative approach to measuring and improving ergonomic practices. In my research, I advocate for shifting from reactive metrics, such as injury rates and losses, to proactive indicator which monitor the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions. I introduced a new framework that helps organizations identify and address potential risks before they result in injuries, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and leadership in workplace safety. I showed attendees how they could “measure the magic of prevention” through various metrica and an ROI formula using this new framework.
Conclusion: The Global Importance of Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most prevalent and costly workplace injuries worldwide. Events like the HFESA conference highlight the critical role of ergonomics in mitigating these risks. By incorporating cutting-edge research, global standards like ISO45003:2021 to address mental health at work, and proactive process metrics, organizations can create safer, healthier, and more productive work environments. Preventing MSDs is not just about compliance; it’s about investing in human potential and ensuring that workplaces everywhere prioritize the well-being of their most valuable resource—people.
References:
CODE OF PRACTICE MANAGING PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS AT WORK SAFEWORK NSW MAY 2021
Work Design for Mental Health Resources
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