Oxford Research Institute is a multidisciplinary
technical ergonomic certification and accreditation organization
formed to facilitate, and foster, multidisciplinary applications
of Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering to improve human
safety and system performance. Our goal is to elevate the
acceptance of ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering methods,
data, technology and persons who practice this
profession.
The global mission of The Oxford Research Institute is
to encourage & foster excellence in ergonomics through
design. This mission is partially achieved through the execution
of multidisciplinary technical certification and accreditation
programs which focus on establishing ergonomics design criteria
and requirements to assure technical excellence of certificate
holders. This also includes University accreditation, training
and education of academic and commercial organizations, and the
publication of journal articles, books and other mechanisms to
enhance ergonomic design of products, tools, facilities,
equipment, tasks, procedures, training and management
systems.
Grants or direct contracts with commercial institutions
may fund some of our programmatic work. The certified
professionals typically provide the focus of the institute. Any
certified member may suggest or propose a thrust area activity.
Each proposal is prepared and reviewed by the Board of Directors.
A two-thirds approval vote of the directors will forward the
proposal to the Executive Director for final approval. Internal
funding may be made available to formalize the ergonomic safety
proposal and identify an external-funding base. The member
responsible for suggesting the proposal idea is appointed
chairman of the technical committee and is then responsible for
executing the program.
From time to time, The Oxford Research Institute
provides "Awards for Excellence" to a select individuals or
organization which achieve exemplary performance levels congruent
with the Institutes goals of excellence.
As of July, 2007 ORI has certified 407 Industrial Ergonomist and/ or
Human Factors Engineers. In addition ORI has accredited several major
University HFE/Ergonomics programs.
