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Julie Rainey

Chartered Ergonomist & Human Factors Specialist
  • What is Ergonomics & Human Factors?
  • Manufacturing & Industrial Ergonomics
  • Office Ergonomics
  • Workplace Assessments
  • Ergonomics-as-a-Service
  • Sustainability & ESG
  • Building Safety Human Factors
  • Expert Witness Services
  • Blogs
  • About
  • Contact Julie

 

Featured
The 20/20/20 Rule: Digital Eye Strain and DSE Assessments in Northern Ireland
July 21, 2026
The 20/20/20 Rule: Digital Eye Strain and DSE Assessments in Northern Ireland
July 21, 2026

The 20/20/20 rule is a simple, evidence-based way to reduce digital eye strain at work. Here's the research behind it, and how it fits into DSE assessments in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

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July 21, 2026
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July 21, 2026
Who is Carrying Out Your DSE Assessments And Are They Trained to Do It?
July 21, 2026

DSE assessment responsibility often lands with whoever seems like the logical choice. But has that person ever been trained to do it? Here's what the law actually requires and what your options are.

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July 21, 2026
The Case for Proactive Ergonomics
July 11, 2026
Chartered Ergonomist, Design-stage integration, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking
The Case for Proactive Ergonomics
July 11, 2026
Chartered Ergonomist, Design-stage integration, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking

Why proactive Ergonomics means identifying and designing out failure conditions long before they reach the frontline, drawing on James Reason's Swiss Cheese Model to make the case for involving Ergonomics at the design stage, not just after an incident has already happened.

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July 11, 2026
Chartered Ergonomist, Design-stage integration, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking
Driver Ergonomics Assessments: Reducing the Risk of Driving-Related Discomfort
June 25, 2026
MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Assessments
Driver Ergonomics Assessments: Reducing the Risk of Driving-Related Discomfort
June 25, 2026
MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Assessments

Do you experience back pain or discomfort when driving for work? A Driver Ergonomics Assessment carried out by a Chartered Ergonomist identifies the specific risk factors and provides clear, practical recommendations. Based in Northern Ireland.

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June 25, 2026
MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Assessments
Are you carrying out DSE risk assessments? Many Northern Ireland businesses are not. And if so, are they legally compliant?
June 6, 2026
Workplace Health, DSE risk assessments, MSD's
Are you carrying out DSE risk assessments? Many Northern Ireland businesses are not. And if so, are they legally compliant?
June 6, 2026
Workplace Health, DSE risk assessments, MSD's

Many Northern Ireland employers are unclear about their legal duties around DSE risk assessments. Some don't know assessments are required at all. Others treat them as something triggered by a problem rather than a baseline obligation. This article sets out what the law requires and what a compliant approach looks like.

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June 6, 2026
Workplace Health, DSE risk assessments, MSD's
Ergonomics Is Not Just a Better Chair: What Manufacturers and Engineers Need to Know
June 1, 2026
Design-stage integration, Human Factors, Manufacturing Ergonomics, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Workplace Assessments
Ergonomics Is Not Just a Better Chair: What Manufacturers and Engineers Need to Know
June 1, 2026
Design-stage integration, Human Factors, Manufacturing Ergonomics, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Workplace Assessments

Most people think Ergonomics means a better chair. It does, but it is so much more than that. This article sets out what Ergonomics and Human Factors actually covers, why it matters in manufacturing and engineering, and what organisations stand to gain by engaging with the full scope of the discipline.

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June 1, 2026
Design-stage integration, Human Factors, Manufacturing Ergonomics, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Workplace Assessments
Ergonomics in DFMEA: Why Human Factors Belongs at the Design Table
May 19, 2026
Design-stage integration, Ergonomics Insights, Manual Handling, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Human Factors
Ergonomics in DFMEA: Why Human Factors Belongs at the Design Table
May 19, 2026
Design-stage integration, Ergonomics Insights, Manual Handling, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Human Factors

Most DFMEA processes identify operator error as a failure mode. But does the analysis go far enough? This article explores how Ergonomics and Human Factors strengthens design-stage risk assessment by treating the human as a system component whose performance is shaped by design decisions.

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May 19, 2026
Design-stage integration, Ergonomics Insights, Manual Handling, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Human Factors
Lean optimises the process. Ergonomics optimises the human. Together, they drive performance and productivity.
April 10, 2026
Lean Ergonomics, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Workplace Assessments
Lean optimises the process. Ergonomics optimises the human. Together, they drive performance and productivity.
April 10, 2026
Lean Ergonomics, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Workplace Assessments

Lean optimises the process. Ergonomics optimises the human. Together, they drive performance and productivity. Discover how integrating Ergonomics into your existing Lean tools delivers sustainable results.

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April 10, 2026
Lean Ergonomics, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Workplace Assessments
From Reactive to Proactive: The Case for Ergonomics-as-a-Service
April 10, 2026
Digital Ergonomics, Manual Handling, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments
From Reactive to Proactive: The Case for Ergonomics-as-a-Service
April 10, 2026
Digital Ergonomics, Manual Handling, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments

Most organisations across Northern Ireland approach Ergonomics reactively, only acting when problems arise. This cycle creates unpredictable costs, delays and no prevention of recurring issues. There is a better way.

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April 10, 2026
Digital Ergonomics, Manual Handling, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments
Proactive Ergonomics in Manufacturing: Why Design-Stage Integration Matters
April 1, 2026
Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Design-stage integration, Manufacturing Ergonomics
Proactive Ergonomics in Manufacturing: Why Design-Stage Integration Matters
April 1, 2026
Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Design-stage integration, Manufacturing Ergonomics

Manufacturing excellence starts with people, not just processes. Discover why integrating Ergonomics at the design stage prevents costly retrofits, reduces workplace injuries and transforms production performance. Learn how proactive Ergonomics thinking creates safer, more efficient manufacturing operations.

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April 1, 2026
Proactive Ergonomics, Systems Thinking, Design-stage integration, Manufacturing Ergonomics
Work-Related MSDs in Northern Ireland: 2025 Statistics
January 25, 2026
MSD's, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Insights
Work-Related MSDs in Northern Ireland: 2025 Statistics
January 25, 2026
MSD's, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Insights

HSENI's latest workplace health statistics show work-related MSDs reached 18,000 cases in 2023/24 the highest level in five years. See the sector breakdown focusing on manufacturing and logistics.

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January 25, 2026
MSD's, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Insights
The Simple Fix That Eliminated Back Injuries and Improved Workflow
December 8, 2025
Manufacturing Ergonomics, Manual Handling, MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health
The Simple Fix That Eliminated Back Injuries and Improved Workflow
December 8, 2025
Manufacturing Ergonomics, Manual Handling, MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health

TMX Aerospace eliminated back injuries and improved workflow with a simple solution: raising work to standing height. See how in-house fabricated sawhorses delivered both safety and efficiency gains.This manufacturing ergonomics case study shows how TMX Aerospace prevented musculoskeletal disorders and improved productivity simultaneously. The solution? Simple workplace design changes that eliminated awkward postures while supporting lean manufacturing principles.

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December 8, 2025
Manufacturing Ergonomics, Manual Handling, MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health
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November 24, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments, Training Services, Workplace Health
New HSE Data: What the 2024/25 MSD's Statistics Mean for Your Business
November 24, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments, Training Services, Workplace Health

The Health and Safety Executive's 2024/25 statistics reveal a mixed picture for work-related MSDs. Whilst total cases decreased to 511,000 workers, new cases rose to 173,000 and upper limb injuries increased to 41%. With 7.1 million working days lost, this analysis examines what these trends mean for businesses across Northern Ireland, the UK and Ireland in high-risk sectors and why proactive Ergonomic intervention remains critical.

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November 24, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, MSD's, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments, Training Services, Workplace Health
Integrating Ergonomics into Lean Manufacturing: The Overlooked Opportunity
November 19, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Lean Ergonomics
Integrating Ergonomics into Lean Manufacturing: The Overlooked Opportunity
November 19, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Lean Ergonomics

Lean and Ergonomics solve the same problems but rarely work together. This disconnect is a missed opportunity. Ergonomic injuries are waste. Integrating Ergonomics into lean practices from the start creates better solutions, avoids costly retrofits and improves both productivity and worker wellbeing.

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November 19, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, Manufacturing Ergonomics, Proactive Ergonomics, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Lean Ergonomics
The Hidden Health Risks Facing Retail Workers: From Carpal Tunnel to Cold Exposure
October 30, 2025
Retail Ergonomics, MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Manual Handling
The Hidden Health Risks Facing Retail Workers: From Carpal Tunnel to Cold Exposure
October 30, 2025
Retail Ergonomics, MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Manual Handling

Retail workers face unique health risks from repetitive scanning to cold exposure. This comprehensive guide identifies specific musculoskeletal disorders retail employees develop and provides evidence-based prevention strategies.

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October 30, 2025
Retail Ergonomics, MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health, Manual Handling
Investing in Retail Ergonomics Isn't Just Ethical, It Makes Commercial Sense
October 30, 2025
MSD's, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Insights, Retail Ergonomics
Investing in Retail Ergonomics Isn't Just Ethical, It Makes Commercial Sense
October 30, 2025
MSD's, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Insights, Retail Ergonomics

Over 3 million UK retail workers face underestimated ergonomic challenges. Discover why addressing manual handling, checkout ergonomics and workplace design makes both ethical and commercial sense.

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October 30, 2025
MSD's, Workplace Health, Ergonomics Insights, Retail Ergonomics
Manual Handling Training Requirements Northern Ireland: What Employers Must Know
October 28, 2025
Manual Handling, Training Services, MSD's
Manual Handling Training Requirements Northern Ireland: What Employers Must Know
October 28, 2025
Manual Handling, Training Services, MSD's

Manual Handling remains one of the leading causes of workplace injury across Northern Ireland. This guide explains employer obligations under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992, including who needs training, how often refresher training should occur and what HSENI expects from Northern Ireland businesses.

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October 28, 2025
Manual Handling, Training Services, MSD's
Work-Related MSDs: The Hidden Cost Your Business Can't Ignore
October 23, 2025
MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health
Work-Related MSDs: The Hidden Cost Your Business Can't Ignore
October 23, 2025
MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health

543,000 workers suffering from MSDs. 7.8 million working days lost. Discover why work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the hidden cost your business can't ignore and how Ergonomics expertise can prevent them.

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October 23, 2025
MSD's, Workplace Assessments, Workplace Health
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October 23, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, Workplace Health
What Does C.ErgHF Mean? Your Guide to Chartered Ergonomists in the UK
October 23, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, Workplace Health

What separates a Chartered Ergonomist from other practitioners? Discover what C.ErgHF status means, the professional standards required and how to distinguish genuine expertise.

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October 23, 2025
Ergonomics Insights, Workplace Health
Manual Handling Guidance: Essential Workplace Safety Principles
October 21, 2025
Manual Handling
Manual Handling Guidance: Essential Workplace Safety Principles
October 21, 2025
Manual Handling

Manual Handling injuries remain one of the most common causes of workplace absence across the UK. This guide covers the essential principles of Manual Handling risk assessment, legal requirements and practical controls that protect your workforce whilst improving productivity and staff retention.

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October 21, 2025
Manual Handling

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