How to choose a good Ergonomics Expert

Why use a Chartered Ergonomist?

Chartered ergonomists are usually labelled chartered ergonomics consultants by their employers. To be chartered with the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human factors (CIEHF) demonstrates that the ergonomist has the following:

• A degree in ergonomics and human factors from an approved course (3 to 4 years of education)
• Has demonstrated proficiency in ergonomics and human factors through various projects
• Has been validated by peers through references
• Has an adequate number of years of experience
• They will have the post nominal letters of C.Erg.HF
• Fellowship is only granted to highly experienced chartered ergonomists who can then display the post nominals FIEHF (Fellow of the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors)

Having said the above it is always important to select an ergonomist according to the relevancy of their work.  This is easily demonstrated through previous work and references.

There are many professionals from other disciplines such as physiotherapy, facilities, psychology who claim expertise in ergonomics however they usually will have not gone through the years of study focussing solely on ergonomics and their experience may not be as significant, of course there may be a few exceptions.

Why use a Chartered Ergonomics Consultancy?

A chartered ergonomics consultancy is an organisation that has undertaken significant work in the ergonomics field.  The chartered ergonomics consultancy will have gone through a rigorous vetting process by the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors.  They will have provided examples of projects in the various areas of expertise.  They will have had to provide references from clients which will have been verified by the CIEHF.  They will also need to have professional indemnity insurance.

Using a Chartered Consultancy will ensure the following:

• Good quality ergonomics work
• Employment of chartered ergonomists
• A valid track record
• Valid professional and public liability insurance

It is important to note the date when a consultancy was first registered as this is indicative of how many years of experience the chartered ergonomics consultancy may have.

IS being Chartered with IOSH important?

Becoming Chartered with IOSH takes a lot of effort and hard work.  You usually have to undergo a separate degree in health and safety to achieve this.  Only a few ergonomists can claim that they are also Chartered with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. CMIOSH are the post nominals that can be used and this would ensure that the ergonomist understands the context of health and safety that ergonomics sits in.

Is OSHCR registration important?

OSHCR is the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register.  This is another accreditation that ensures that the individual you are working with is vetted and has the relevant insurances in place.

Summary

Visit the CIEHF website to help in the selection of ergonomics consultants and consultancies.  Look at their date of registration to help evaluate the number of years of experience. Ask for previous examples of work and copies of their insurance certificates.

Using a chartered fellow of the CIEHF will allow you to work with the most experienced and respected ergonomists in their field.  Working with a chartered ergonomist / fellow who is also CMIOSH (Chartered Member of the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors) will be a great reassurance of working with an ergonomist with a rounded experience in the context of health and safety.

This will ensure you get the Chartered Ergonomist suitable for your project and enable you to achieve the best results in implementing ergonomics and human factors.