Ergonomist recruitment strategies focus of new Canadian study

A new independent study is being conducted in Canada to look at the strategies and processes involved in the recruitment of internal ergonomists.
The study is being conducted by Sarah Webster, a health ergonomics masters student in the Department of Psychology at the University of Derby in Derby, U.K. Webster is calling on participants to partake in the study entitled, Understanding the Recruitment and Selection of Ergonomists in Canada.

An ergonomist is defined as the individual who is responsible for fitting tasks to the workers by designing the equipment, tools, work environment, work method and work organization. For the purposes of Webster's study, the focus will be on the internal ergonomists who work directly for the company on a permanent basis as well as on a contract basis. Ergonomists who provide consulting services to the company is excluded from the study, Webster said.

The study will examine:
1. Who is performing the position of the internal ergonomist?
2. What are the key knowledge, skills, abilities and other attributes of candidates that are valued by the employers?
3. What recruitment strategies are used to identify the most suitable candidates and why are they chosen?
4. What selection strategies are used to identify the most suitable candidates and why are they chosen?
5. How effective are these strategies and can they be improved?
6. What are the key employer characteristics that influence the strategies and the outcomes?

According to Webster, research of this type is important because it will: (a) inform employers and the interested members of the public about the strategies employers use to recruit and select internal ergonomists; and (b) advance theory and research about the skills, knowledge, abilities and other attributes of ergonomists.

The study seeks individuals who have experience hiring an individual to perform the position of the internal ergonomist.

All participants will be asked to complete an online survey in July/August 2011. Afterwards, a select number of participants will be asked to participate in follow-up interviews in August/September 2011.

All participants will receive a summary of findings upon the completion of the study.

To obtain more information about the study and to participate in the study, go to:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CNEW8KNRZ
 
For more information, contact Sarah Webster at [email protected] or 416-806-4681.