Health Sciences

Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors (C.E.H.F)

Welcome to the web site of La Trobe University's Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, located in the School of Human Biosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University. The Centre was established in 1987 at the Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences. The Institute later became the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University.

For some general information about ergonomics and human factors, see www.latrobe.edu.au/ergonomics/aboutErgo.html.

Since 2006 CEHF has been a member (under designation) of the World Health Organisation network of Collaborating Centres in Occupational Health, under the expanded title: Centre for Research and Teaching in Occupational Ergonomics, Health & Safety.

 Main Areas Of CEHF Research

The CEHF research program and associated consulting activities are characterised by a broad, socio-technical systems approach to assessing and managing workplace health and safety risks stemming from:
–       the physical, cognitive and emotional demands of work performance
–       design of workstations and related equipment, including computer software
–       psychosocial and physical characteristics of the workplace environment
–       the broader community context – including socioeconomic and cultural factors.

Most C.E.H.F. research is on Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), Ageing Workforce Issues, Occupational Health and Safety – General, and, Road Safety. Some of the ageing workforce research is conducted in collaboration with the Faculty’s Lincoln Centre for Research on Ageing.

There is a strong research focus on the roles of psychosocial hazards and occupational stress in the aetiology of musculoskeletal disorders and of various other workplace health or performance problems. Currently, a major project is developing and validating methods suitable for routine workplace use in managing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, working with both Australian and international partners in a diverse range of industry sectors and environments. Several projects are specific to occupational groups within the healthcare sector.

Working in collaboration with a range of international colleagues within the WHO network of Collaborating Centres, C.E.H.F. currently has a major role in documenting and analyzing impacts of globalisation on occupational health and in identifying potential risk management strategies for implementation by national governments and international NGOs, in accord with the WHO Workers’ health: global plan of action.

Beyond occupational health and safety, Centre staff are also active in research on various Road and Community Safety and Health issues. Research on functionally impaired and older drivers is usually conducted collaboratively with the driver Research/Education Unit based in the Faculty’s School of Occupational Therapy – OT-DRIVE.

Staff and Associates of the Centre

The expertise of CEHF staff encompasses the behavioural, social and biological sciences, and staff professional qualifications include psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and engineering. For details of all staff and associates of the Centre, see: Staff and Associates of the Centre

Distance-mode Postgraduate Coursework

La Trobe University offers a program of distance-mode postgraduate coursework in Occupational Health, Safety and Ergonomics.

Applications are now being accepted for students wishing to commence in Semester 1 2011.

Courses offered are:

Master of Ergonomics, Safety & Health

Master of Occupational Health

Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety & Ergonomics

Undergraduate Coursework

Bachelor of Health Sciences (Ergonomics, Safety & Health),with an Articulated Master of Ergonomics, Safety and Health

After completing the Faculty of Health Sciences common first year, students in the Ergonomics, Safety & Health (ESH) stream of the BHSc complete two further years of study to graduate with the BHSc(ESH). In each of the second and third years, there are four core ESH units (totalling 60 credit points)and another 60 credit points of electives. For suggested sets of elective units related to a range of potential career options, see Career Options.

Students who achieve an average mark in their core ESH units of at least 70% are eligible to apply for entry into an additional year of study to complete the Articulated Master of Ergonomics, Safety & Health. Masters graduates will have completed all educational requirements to work as an Occupational Health and Safety professional, or a professional Ergonomist (CPE).