EWJ June 61 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 52
goes beyond what an engineer or safety professional
might offer, focusing not only on systems and
equipment but on the human as an integral part of
the work system.
Looking Ahead
As workplaces continue to evolve—with growing use
of automation, hybrid working, and ageing
workforces—the role of ergonomists in litigation is
likely to become even more significant. Their ability
to interpret work design through the lens of human
capability will remain critical in ensuring that legal decisions are informed by a nuanced understanding of
how people interact with their work environment.
Whether instructed by Claimant or Defendant legal
teams, engaging an ergonomist offers access to a specialist dimension of expertise—one that ensures the
human element is not overlooked when evaluating
manual handling injury claims.
Supporting the Legal Process
For lawyers involved in manual handling claims,
ergonomist evidence is instrumental in addressing key
legal issues. Ergonomists can assist in answering questions such as:
• Was the manual handling task reasonably safe for
the exposed workforce?
• Were appropriate control measures implemented
to reduce foreseeable risk?
• Was the employer’s approach consistent with
statutory obligations and industry standards?
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Their testimony can clarify complex technical matters
for the Court by linking task demands directly to the
mechanism of injury, grounding opinions in both scientific principles and practical workplace realities.
Crucially, ergonomists can provide objective evidence
in both Claimant or Defendant cases—whether showing that injury risks were inadequately controlled, or
that the task was reasonably safe and managed in line
with regulatory requirements. This human-focused
insight complements, rather than duplicates, the expertise provided by engineers or occupational health
specialists.
0161 834 0017
or email
admin@expertwitness.co.uk
Ergonomics and Human Factors specialist in providing reports for injuries at work and personal injuries. Hu-Tech
are an independent ergonomics, human factors and risk management consultancy and have been providing expert
witness services for more than 30 years.
Our principal services include:
• Personal injury Manual handling, Manual handling-patient Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Upper Limb Disorders
(ULD)-Industrial (WRULD) Upper Limb Disorders (ULD)-Office (WRULD) Slips, trips and falls
• Occupational disease Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Carpel Tunnel, Noise related hearing loss, Asbestos
• Fatal accidents [industrial & public], vehicle accidents and crashes.
• Medical negligence [ergonomics and Human Factors aspects e.g. equipment design, Human Error]
We are regularly instructed on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants or acting as Single Joint Experts and have
delivered well over 1,000 reports in England, Scotland and Wales.
Our consultants are experienced in giving evidence in Court and are familiar with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure
rules. Hu-Tech are accredited to ISO 9001 and our experts are Chartered Ergonomics and Human Factors
Specialists recognised and published in the fields of Human Factors and Ergonomics, Health and Safety, and
Occupational Disease.
Hu-Tech have also contributed to the Approved Code of Practice for the Manual Handling Operations
Regulations, and conducted research on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive for the cost
benefits of tackling musculoskeletal disorders at work.
Contact: Huw Jones
Tel: 07970 105 959
Email: huw.jones@hu-tech.co.uk
Website: www.hu-tech.co.uk
Address: 497 Gower Road, Killay, Swansea, S2 7DY
Area of work: Nationwide
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
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JUNE 2025
