Green ergonomics: embracing the challenges of climate change

by Margaret Hanson, Principal Ergonomist, WorksOut
Tuesday, 13 April 2010, 09.30

The challenges presented by climate change, and moving to a lower carbon and lower energy way of living will continue to impact on us all. Business, government, society and individuals all need to consider our responses to some of the most signifi cant challenges of our day. So what might this mean for ergonomics? Might changes in the way we travel, communicate, work, generate energy, produce food, consume goods and deal with waste, produce opportunities for ergonomics? Do we have something to contribute to greening our economy? This talk will present some of these issues, and consider how ergonomists might respond to the challenges and opportunities that are arising.

Margaret Hanson, BSc(Hons), FErgS, CMIOSH, Principal Ergonomist at WorksOut.
Following graduation with a first class honours degree in Ergonomics in 1993, Margaret has specialised in occupational ergonomics research and consultancy, with a particular focus on workplace health. During her career she has advised a wide range of organisations on ergonomics and health and safety issues, covering assessment and management of musculoskeletal disorders; manual handling; workplace design; and display screen equipment assessments, training and management, as well as undertaking research for HSE. She has worked within a wide range of sectors including retail, manufacturing, financial services, mining, transport and NHS.
In 2007 Margaret formed WorksOut, an Ergonomics Society Registered Consultancy, which provides practical advice, support and training on ergonomics issues to promote workplace health. Margaret has a strong concern about environmental issues, and is interested in how ergonomics can contribute to the likely way we will live and work in a greener future.