Leisure UK Ergonomics THE ERGONOMIC

The Ergonomic Needs of People in UK Local Authority Run Leisure Facilities

The objective of this work is to research the methods in which the ergonomic needs of people within the community they serve and the employees of the leisure centre run by a UK Local Authority. Considered are assured in terms of building design, equipment, selection and training of staff and ensuring the dignity of all individuals and emergency arrangements. Introduced will be concepts of design, new technology and systems of management adopted for leisure centres.

In the UK it is expected that cultural services take into consideration the diversity that exist and this is true of the physical characteristics of individuals. Older and disabled individuals should have the same access to leisure service facilities, as do other individuals making it a requirement that the design of the leisure facility is user-friendly for all types of individuals of all ages, of both genders and including the disabilities that exist. Stated in the work of Coleman (2006) entitled: From Margins to Mainstream: Why Inclusive Design is Better Design" is the fact that there has been a "...gradual shift from the idea of design and special needs and specific groups to design for inclusion or inclusive design. It is in light of that shift that I believe we have to recognize that inclusive design is not a new design genre, but in essence, simply better design that is more aware of the diversity of people who interact with the designed and manufactured world, and more aware of the way our needs and capabilities change across the course of a lifetime, even throughout the day. Inclusion is an important extension of the idea of usability, in that usability studies have tended to focus on key user groups and specialized equipments such as aircraft cockpits, ambulances, control centres and individual workstations." (Coleman, 2006) Coleman further relates that in order to design for today's individuals it requires a "better understanding of a wider range of users and making rational decisions about specific elements of design." (Coleman, 2006)

I. BS7000-6 Guide to Managing Inclusive Design (2005)

BS7000-G Guide to managing inclusive design provides a "practical, state-of -the-art guidance on managing inclusive design at the organizational and project levels." (Coleman, 2006) it is not mandatory for organizations to abide by this guide however, the organizations that adopt the standard: "...can determine how their practices and their consumer offers are deficient. " (Coleman, 2006) This standard defines clearly inclusive design and "sets out a comprehensive framework for introducing a professional approach to inclusive design into organizations." (Coleman, 2006) Coleman states that it is important to understand both the,," systems level issues and the user level issues." (2006) Coleman predicts that the future will be comprised of: "...exciting and interesting times ahead for those ergonomists and designers who are prepared to work together on these big and challenges social issues." (2006)

II. Employees - Training and Knowledge Concerning Ergonomics

In a recent report it is reported that in Britain the most common form of work-related illness is that of muscolo-skeletal disorders. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is stated to be a problem that is "growing and greatly underestimated." (Rennie, 2006) it is important that the individual consider how they are "sitting, standing, holding the mouse" (Rennie, 2006) Because habitual manners of sitting might feel comfortable when it is actually causing harm. Therefore it is important for businesses to address these habits and this can only be accomplished through education and training of employees. (Rennie, 2006) the Mid Devon District Council Annual Report on Health and Safety; 1 April 2005-30 April 2006 states that the report summarizes the Council's Health, Safety and Welfare Policy. The Council report identifies the key health and safety risk to employees and service users may be identified through the measures of health and safety performance set out by the Council which include: (1) total incidents reported; (2) incidents reported to the Health and Safety Executive; (3) Causes of working days lost; (4) Occupational Health referral; and (5) Employer's liability Claims." (Mid Devon District Council Annual Report on Health and Safety, 2006) the causes for employees losing time at work was due to: (1) slips/trips; and (2) musculo-skeletal problems, due to manual handling and working with DSE. (Mid Devon District Council Annual Report on Health and Safety, 2006) the causes for injuries to service users were stated to be: (1) slips and trips; (2) falls; and (3) sporting injuries to clients from the leisure centres. (Mid Devon District Council Annual Report on Health and Safety, 2006) the employees underwent special training and discovered knowledge that muscolo-skeletal problems are associated with the use of visual display units. This problem is addressed through bringing in trained assessors to make assessments and implement improvements to the workstations where improvements are needed. The Council has addressed the problem of slips and trips through departmental risk assessment from which are derived measures for minimization of these risks.

III. Leisure Facility Facts

According to the 'Employees Forum Update" of September 2002 for Manchester

Many leisure attractions are excluding disabled children and their carers because of poor provision." (Employees Forum Update: September 2002) it is reported that in a survey of 1,000 parents of disabled children, 73% said they do not visit attractions because of long queues, while 68% of parents do not go on leisure trips because they, and their children, have in the past been made to feel uncomfortable." (Employees Forum Update: September 2002)

IV. Facility Design

According to one report ergonomics is "the science of determining the right fit between people and their environments, at work, at home, at leisure." The work of Grandjean (1980) states that ergonomics is a study of man's behavior in relation to his work." Additionally stated by Grandjean is that: "the most important principle of ergonomics: Fitting the task to the man. Ergonomics is interdisciplinarian: it bases its theories on physiology, psychology, anthropometry, and various aspects of engineering." (p. ix) Grandjean relates that traditionally ergonomics served "mainly to increase efficiency, and thereby productivity. This is no longer the prime goal... The following objectives more closely define the benefits to be gained by ergonomic research: 1) Fitting the demands of work to the efficiency of man in order to reduce stress. 2) Designing machines, equipment, and installations so that they can be operated with great efficiency, accurately, and safely. 3) Working out proportions and conditions of the work place to ensure correct body posture. 4) Adapting lighting, air conditioning, noise, etc., to suit man's physical requirements." (p. ix) the work of Gary David states that the "human sciences of psychology, anatomy and physiology provide information about the abilities and limitations of people, and the wide differences that exist between individuals. People vary in many ways: body size and shape, strength, mobility, sensory acuity, cognition, experience, training, culture, emotions, etc. Ergonomists are trained in analytical techniques which enable the full extent of these user characteristics and individual differences to be considered when influencing the design process." (Ibid) David relates the fact that designers are specifically trained to apply consideration to the various and diverse individuals who will use products, systems and environments, which are designed. There are also additional factors for consideration and David states: "All too often, commercial or time pressures mean that ergonomics principles are compromised or not given adequate priority until too late in the design process." (nd)

David relates the fact that in today's crowded markets, which are also very competitive markets, raised consumer expectations and new legislation have led to a more rigorous application of ergonomics. Fundamental themes of ergonomics, such as 'user-centered design', 'user-friendly', 'inclusive design' and 'usability' have become buzz-words within the design industry. Far from being a constraint on creativity, ergonomics methods can be applied at the earliest stages of the design process, defining user needs and identifying opportunities for innovation. Some design consultancies employ qualified ergonomists and many other design groups work closely with specialist ergonomics consultancies. Large manufacturers, such as Ford, Philips and Nokia employ ergonomists to work alongside their in-house design teams. Most design projects involve multidisciplinary teams, including designers, engineers, market researchers, brand managers and, increasingly, ergonomists. " (David, nd)

V. Ergonomics: Three Broad Headings

David states that there are three broad headings under which ergonomics may fall which are those as follows:

Physical ergonomics: Concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. The relevant topics include controls and displays, working postures, manual handling, repetitive movements, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health, lighting, and the thermal and acoustic environment.

Psychological ergonomics: Concerned with mental processes, such as perception, cognition, memory, reasoning and emotion, as they affect interactions amongst people and with products, systems and environments. The relevant topics include mental workload, cognition, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress, training, cultural differences, attitudes, pleasure and motivation.

Organisational ergonomics: Concerned with the optimisation of socio-technical systems, including their organisational structures, policies, and processes. The relevant topics include communication, staff resource management, work design, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, co-operative work, new work paradigms, organisational culture, virtual organisations and quality management. (David, nd)

Businesses have responsibilities to those who work for them as well as to those who visit the organization. In the public sector ergonomics are "extremely important n defining standards and legislation and in ensuring compliance with the standards and legislation.

VI. Ten Top Tips for Ergonomics

Ten top tips provided by David (nd) are the tips as follows: "(1) Ergonomics should be an integral part of the design process, preferably involving qualified ergonomists within the design team. Most value is achieved through early involvement and close liaison throughout; (2) Ergonomics issues should be considered at the very beginning of a project - don't wait for problems to arise later on because their remedy will rarely be as simple, as effective or as cheap as they are if the problems were predicted in advance. As a rule of thumb, in the case of product design, spend 70-80% of the ergonomics budget in the research and early design phases, with 20-30% for iterative evaluation of prototypes etc.; (3) Don't think that if your design is satisfactory for you, that it will automatically be satisfactory for everybody else - it won't!; (4) Consider the full range of users - don't design for the 'average' person - he/she doesn't exist. Ergonomists have been publishing data on human abilities and characteristics for over 50 years - there is plenty of information available; (5) Analyse how people really use products, systems and environments similar to those you are designing. Establish an empathy with the users - define their mental models, their knowledge and expectations. Identify and design for their tacit and latent needs; (6) Analyse the tasks, conditions and environments in which the product might be used. Identify all possible hazards or human errors, which could occur when using the product - then try to design them out or minimise their consequences.; (7) Involve user representatives in reiterative testing throughout the design process - from early concepts to final designs. Devise fair tests which avoid bias towards solutions preferred by the design team; (8) in user testing, never assume a test participant is stupid because they have difficulty with something which to you is simple - the problems will only be multiplied if the product goes to market without further improvement.; (9) Test the instructions as well as the product. They are legally part of the product and any usability problems can highlight opportunities to improve the instructions, and in some cases, to improve the product itself; and (10) if you haven't worked with an ergonomist before - and no one you know can recommend one, don't be put off. Contact the Ergonomics Society website (www.ergonomics.org) and review its list of registered consultancies." (David, nd)

It is related in the work of Richard Watts entitled: "Workplace Satisfaction and Performance Measurement" that: "Post Occupancy evaluation (POE) is one method of making workplace performance measures with a focus on the satisfaction of user thorough means of collection of surveys/interview. The use of POE is specifically useful in making evaluation f pilot and experimental projects prior to wide applications." (Watts,

Questions generally request information concerning the work pattern space and facilities of the individual. The drawback of the use of POE in measuring satisfaction is that no baseline of data to compare the responses to exist. POE objectives include the activities as follows: (1) Identify and quantify any unsatisfactory aspects for assessment and possible solution; (2) to provide a quality benchmark for future projects; (3) to demonstrate the project teams commitment to meet users needs; and (4) to foster a wider appreciation of the project by both occupants and management.

VII. Consideration of the 'Aged' Individuals

Jeremy Porteus, Chairman of the Design for Living Taskforce states that "Across the UK, the reshaping of the Age Pyramid will have wide reaching implications for all aspects of society, and offer new challenges, opportunities and markets for business. By 2020, there will be major pressures on the ageing population, an increasing old sector of society whose lifestyle is healthier for longer. There will be issues and opportunities arising from products that enable older people to remain independent and active for longer. Those who wish to stay in work for longer will be able to do so There will be a large increase in the post-65-year-old group compared with the situation today, and a particularly dramatic increase in those aged over 80. Maintaining control and independence, especially in the older years will present opportunities to develop ways in which people can remain independent for longer. Stated as key drivers in the leisure industry are the increase in leisure time for participation in and the greater awareness of leisure-related facilities and activities of older persons.

IX. EQUAL ACCESS for DISABLED

In a report from the University of Edinburgh reported is that: "The CSE is working towards extending its target population including disabled people. It has carried out a major re-configuration of the Pleasance Sports Centre concourse (2005) to provide a wide range of health and fitness facilities." (2006) Changes included installing a lifeline "from the main concourse area to the sports hall (increasing access to major team games, racquets and club activities; as well as to the adjacent rifle/archery ranges) and a second lift to the Trust Upper Hall.

CSE are purchasing Inclusive Fitness Industry (IFI) compliant equipment which is kit accredited for use by disabled people (e.g. tactile displays; yellow foot-straps/buttons to assist visually impaired people etc.). Dedicated shower toilet and changing areas have been installed, as well as electric doors, colour coding in corridors and the installation of audio loops at reception." (Ibid) These changes are very much similar to the changes that must be made in leisure facilities throughout the entire world.

Summary and Conclusion

Changes in the architecture and design of leisure facilities must be undertaken worldwide if equal access and inclusion are to be the reality. As stated older individuals are going to live longer lives and utilize leisure facilities as never before and furthermore the diversity of the employee- and user-groups of the leisure facility will require customization. Studies should be conducted on-site in coordination with ergonomists and focus employees and users in gaining the knowledge of precisely what is needed at that time, in that place, and by the group of employees and users represented. While there are certainly excellent guidelines that exist insofar as compliance measures it is highly improbable that every diverse possibility might be addressed across-the-board. The requirements will be inclusive of all three broad headings of physical, psychological, and organizational factors in ergonomics in that each of these must necessarily be addressed in view of accommodation for today's employee and user groups.

Bibliography Coleman, Roger (2006) From Margins to Mainstream: Why Inclusive Design is Better. Helen Hamlyn Research Centre, Royal College of Art, London. Online available at http://www.ergonomics.org.uk/espdfs/ErgSocLecture.pdf. Rennie, Claire (2006) Some Talk of Alexander. Ability. Issue 61 Spring 2006. Online available at http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:MysQIVQQ_6UJ:www.ni-libraries.net/app/content/docs/ability61.pdf+Ergonomic+needs+of+users+and+employees+of+UK+Local+Authority+Leisure+Centres&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=56&gl=us. Mid Devon District Council Annual Report on Health and Safety; 1 April 2005-30 April 2006. Online available at (http://www.middevon.gov.uk/media/pdf/j/k/Agenda_Item_4(a).pdf Employer's Forum Update September (2002) Online available at http://www.employers-forum.co.uk/www/guests/update/september2002/up0902.doc. David, Gary (nd) About: Ergonomics.. Online available at http://www.design-council.org.uk/Documents/About%20design/Design%20techniques/Ergonomics/Ergonomics%20by%20Gary%20Davis.pdf Porteus, Jeremy (nd) Title Unknown. Chairman of Design for living Taskforce Report Online available at; http://www.foresight.gov.uk/Previous_Rounds/Foresight_1999__2002/Ageing_Population/Reports/Age%20Shift%20Consultation%20Document%20TF%20report/Ageing_Report_4.pdf. The Ergonomic Needs of People in the UK Local Authority Run Leisure Facilities The Ergonomic Needs of People in UK Local Authority Run Leisure Facilities