CQU Occupational Health and Safety lecturer Yvonne Toft's experience and knowledge in the area of ergonomics have led to her gaining a position in a committee of the most influential international body in that discipline area.

Ms Toft has accepted an invitation to join the International Ergonomics Association's (IEA) Ergonomics Quality In Design (EQUID) program.

The program aims at encouraging the use of ergonomics knowledge and methods in the design process of products, work systems and services.

IEA accomplishes this through defining ergonomics requirements for designs and through establishment of a certification for ergonomics quality in design (EQUID) program.

Ms Toft has been asked to take on a role in the EQUID subcommittee on accreditation criteria and process. Other committee members include: Olle Bobjer, ErgonomiDesign, Sweden (chair of subcommittee); Michel Nael, France Telecom, France; Yusakau Okada, Keio University, Japan; Daniel Podgorski, Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Poland; and John Rosecrance, Colorado State University, USA.

"It is wonderful to be provided with an opportunity to work with world leaders in my discipline area. I think this project is particularly exciting because it provides an opportunity to work with a committee that is diverse in culture, expertise and interests," Ms Toft explained.

"The work of the committee is closely related to my doctoral research. My initial contact with the project was to question their implied assumptions about the ability of engineers to incorporate the principles in their designs. Our research has shown that while engineers are open to including ergonomic principles in design they lack the basic knowledge to do so (in Australasia).

"I am passionate about optimising the interaction between people and engineering system design. This project provides one more opportunity to assist others to understand the importance of this interaction.".

This appointment coincides with the launch of a new website (creating designs ‘fit’ for people at http://peopledesign.cqu.edu.au) developed by Yvonne and Prue Howard to provide engineering educators with user-friendly learning resources that will help develop an ethos of 'human centred system design' within their courses.

Ergonomics is a very young discipline. As a discipline it is currently moving from adolescence into adulthood.

"While people continue to only see ergonomics as 'backs and bums' they have missed the very real potential of the discipline. Ergonomics is holistic in its approach and integral to preventing human error, improving productivity and reducing injuries. Our challenge is to get the 'real' ergonomics out there for people to use.".

For details contact Yvonne Toft on 4930 9068. For further information about ergonomics at CQU visit www.peopledesign.cqu.edu.au.