Richard Graveling – The Ergonomics of Coffee Roasting
All Roaster Camp 'coffeetalks' - by speakers such as Richard Graveling, Talor Browne and Morten Münchow - were curated by our production partner Tamper Tantrum. We'll be releasing the videos of these talks over the next months so we keep fuelling discussion and building an inventory of knowledge. Don't hesitate to share your comments, thoughts or any additional reading links.
We can’t quite believe that it has been five months already since our inaugural European Roaster Camp! The unification of our parent associations has ensured a busy start to the year so we’re happy to take a moment of reflection to remember the fantastic program that we launched at Roaster Camp 2016. The first in our video releases of coffee talks comes from Richard Graveling, Principle Ergonomist at the Institute of Ergonomics.
In his talk Richard delves into the importance of being mindful of our physical actions in the roastery. Starting with a high-level look at the scope of “ergonomics” and a few of the musculoskeletal disorders common to lifting sacks of coffee, Richard then offers some ideas for ways to lift (“give it a cuddle!”) as well as building and using equipment in the roastery preventatively.
Richard Graveling | Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
Richard is a professional ergonomist (Chartered Ergonomist and Human Factors Expert) and previous President of what is now the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors. He has over 35 years experience as an ergonomist and has worked in industries as diverse as coal mining and salmon farming; helping to assess risks and develop solutions to reduce those risks.
Although he has worked in many parts of the food and drink sector (based in Scotland the whisky industry is a particular favourite) his main exposure to coffee has been as a consumer, although he has advised a local coffee company on ergonomics issues – knowledge that will be worked into his talk.
Outside work he is involved with a local theatre group, enjoys rugby, gardening, seeing the great Scottish outdoors, and spending time with his family (and cat).
