Osmond Ergonomics

This article was originally emailed as our monthly eBulletin at 11:30 on 14/05/2014. You can view older eBulletins here and register to receive them monthly.

We have so many training options at the moment that I decided to make training the principal topic for this edition.

AGEING WORKFORCE

It is now potentially possible to have four generations in the workplace. As organisations adapt to the disparate needs of such a broad age range, this year’s free Flourishing Workplaces seminar series looks at the issues from a number of perspectives. The first event is in Loughborough on Wednesday May 21st, followed by London and Bristol. Get the brochure here or choose and register for an event here.

SMART WORKING

Following the success of last year’s Smart Working seminar series, we promised to run one more (free) London event. This is scheduled for Tuesday June 24th and provides valuable insight into some of the issues around the implementation of a Smart Working programme. We are still finalising details but last year’s brochure provides the content and you can register interest (without obligation) here.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Increasingly, we encounter stress and mental health issues when dealing with employees manifesting musculo-skeletal conditions. In order to understand this better, our assessors and Customer Service team have just completed the MHFA Lite course. We are already talking to one client about running and administering this course for them. If you are interested in discussing this, or attending another MHFA course, please contact us.

WEBINARS

We always have free webinars in our schedule. As well as an ongoing programme of bespoke events for individual customers, we schedule at least one of our “standards” every month. You can see details here. Alternatively, if you have ideas for use within your organisation or an idea for a public event, please let us know.

ERGONOMICS IN PRACTICE

This 3-day IOSH-approved course is completed by all our customer-facing staff and we are delighted to partner with Human Applications to promote it. Their next event is in Loughborough on June 24th – 26th. The full course content is here or contact us for further information and costs.

CHILDREN’S ERGONOMICS

A bulletin about training for the current workforce is an ideal place to repeat concerns about ergonomics for our future workforce. Recent research from Tablets for Schools warns that 40% of children sometimes feel addicted to the internet. What about the impact of prolonged poor postures on young bodies? If you have not already done so, please look at the excellent (and free!) guidance at www.ergonomics4kids.com.

COMEDY WORKSHOP

Yes, really! We are running two half-day comedy seminars on Friday July 11th for our own personnel and we have one free external place available for each three hour morning and afternoon session. The course will explore the use of humour in presentations, storytelling, finding your own humour and comedy formulae. There is a genuine business purpose in this training but they should be two of the most entertaining sessions this year. If you’re ‘game for a laugh’, please contact me.

WHAT ARE WE HIDING? DISABLED WORKFORCE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

As mentioned previously, we are one of the sponsors of this event. With a focus on mental health, the ‘hidden disabilities’, this one day conference at Manchester University is on Friday June 6th. With 12 different sessions covering a variety of mental health issues, there is a varied and valuable programme. Full information here.

NATIONAL ERGONOMICS CONFERENCE & EXPO, LAS VEGAS

I am speaking again in Las Vegas this year. My topic will be ‘Smart Working: give them a laptop and take away their desk. What can possibly go wrong?’ If you are attending this event, let me know. If you are considering it and want to know more, I shall also be happy to help if I can.