Introduction
Experts in this field are human factor specialists who have focused their studies on aviation. Aviation is described as ‘systems of systems’ (Harris and Stanton 2010), as the processes need to manufacture, maintain and operate these machines are complex and reliant on each other. Ergonomics for this area requires a similar wholistic approach, and an understanding of how all the different aspects of aviation interplay. Ergonomics relate to the effect of certain activities on the body and the efforts undertaken to maximise worker efficiency, in this case, the affect that operating planes can have on the pilots and other passengers. There is also the ergonomics of upkeep and building of the planes to consider. There is real opportunity for aviation to be dangerous to people if proper ergonomics are not observed, and the complexity of the systems therein only magnifies this risk.
Some of the consequences of poor ergonomics in aviation can be very detrimental – from severe injury to even death. There are the usual musculoskeletal considerations of any work space, but also more complicated factors of preserving worker safety whilst the aircraft is in turbulent conditions, or simply vertically positioned. Safe ergonomics in aviation requires examination of not only individual pilots, but also crew resource management, risk reduction during maintenance, and even close examination of whole aviation systems. Since commercial aviation especially is global, there is often the consideration of international safety regulations and best practices. Comprehensive ergonomics in this field requires up-to-date working knowledge of a huge number of standards and rules from around the world.
Ergonomics expertise in this area is usually sought to promote the well-being of the workers and passengers on planes, and to ensure safe practices are being promoted and enforced during manufacturing and design phases. Protecting users in this way both safeguards their personal health and the interests of the aviation company, protecting them from legal action.
Experts in this area come from many professional backgrounds. Most will be human factor experts specialising in specifically aviation, perhaps coming from an engineering or industry background having worked with planes themselves. Some will be trained OH&S experts, or generalised ergonomists. They may also come from a medical background, from doctors specialising in injuries at work to physiotherapists. The specific specialisation and background needed in your aviation expert will be determined by the matter which requires examination.
At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.
Expertise in Action
Experts in the ergonomics of aviation can be called upon to assist in cases relating to design and manufacturing of planes or system surrounding them, enforcement and creation of safety measures, injuries sustained during the manufacture, operation, or maintenance of a plane, and damages sustained due to improper ergonomics as well as many others.
Sample Reports
For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.
Cost
The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:
- The need for a view or inspection of a location
- The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
- Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
- Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype
