ABSTRACT
Less than few years ago a trawl though UK rail standards using the terms 'ergonomics' or 'human factors' produced almost no returns. For an industry so heavily dependent on human intervention – whether for driving trains, signalling or maintenance – this was clearly a matter to be addressed. The UK rail industry generates classes of industry-related standard – 'Group' and 'Company'. Group Standards are prepared and circulated by Railway Safety and Standards Board and set out requirements for safety and safe interworking. Network Rail 'company' standards are issued in two forms – Company Specifications presenting specific provisions that should be met and 'Company Procedure' in which the overall process to be adopted is spelt out. Not many industries can boast of having issued a standard on 'ergonomics policy' as recently issued by Network Rail. This specification presents requirements and guidance to cover the design of VDU workstations in railway control centres.
