Proceedings of the seminar on the ergonomics of locomotives and free-steered vehicles

For some years, the Ergonomics Branch has been evaluating a wide range of locomotives and free-steered vehicles to assess the ease of operation and maintenance in terms of both safety and efficiency. As a result of this work, I am now convinced that significant improvements could be achieved in both operational effectiveness and safety if more attention was given to ergonomics in the design of vehicles supplied to British Coal.The seminar was called to present the design guidelines which have been prepared on the ergonomic aspects of locomotive and free-steered vehicle design and which can be used without reductions in individual design flexibility.Area Engineers and Purchasing and Stores (in particular, Quality Assurance) are taking an increasing interest in this area of design. Obviously it would be unrealistic to expect major changes overnight, however we will be looking for evidence that improvements are being made to ensure easier and safer operation and maintenance.The seminar was, therefore, the first stage in a collaborative venture which I believe will, in the long term, benefit not only British Coal but also manufacturers by enabling better vehicles to be produced.