SpatialCortex at the CIEHF Ergonomics & Human Factors Conference 2026
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
SpatialCortex will be attending the CIEHF Ergonomics & Human Factors Conference 2026, taking place 27th–29th April at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham. This is one of the UK's leading annual events for ergonomics and human factors professionals, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders.
Accepted Paper: Understanding and Mitigating MSD Risks in Frontline Rail Staff
We are proud to share that our research paper, "Understanding and Mitigating MSD Risks Faced by Frontline Rail Staff Using Wearable Technology", has been accepted for presentation and publication at CIEHF 2026.
This paper presents findings from SpatialCortex's collaboration with Transport for Wales (TFW), a Welsh Government-owned company responsible for managing and developing an integrated, sustainable transport network across Wales. It demonstrates how TFW has used quantitative insights from MOVA Risk Assessments — conducted in both real operational and training environments — to proactively identify and mitigate musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks among frontline rail workers.
Presentation details:
Presenter: Simon Carpenter, Risk & Standards Manager, Transport for Wales
Date: 27th April 2026
Time: 16:00
Venue: East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham
How Wearable Technology Is Changing MSD Risk Assessment in the Rail Industry
Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most prevalent and costly occupational health challenges facing the rail sector. Traditional risk assessment methods rely heavily on observation and self-reporting, which can miss the full picture of physical exposure.
SpatialCortex's MOVA platform takes a different approach. MOVA is a wearable biomechanical risk assessment solution that captures real-time data on workers' physical movements and postures. By delivering objective, quantitative insights into MSD risk exposure, MOVA enables safety and health teams to:
Understand the true physical demands placed on workers in their specific roles
Anticipate high-risk tasks and conditions before injuries occur
Mitigate MSD risks through targeted, evidence-based interventions
The collaboration with Transport for Wales demonstrates how wearable ergonomics technology can be deployed at scale in a complex operational environment — providing rail operators with the data they need to protect their workforce and reduce injury-related costs. Connect With Us at CIEHF 2026
If you are attending the CIEHF Ergonomics & Human Factors Conference 2026, we would love to connect. Whether you are exploring wearable ergonomics solutions, working on MSD prevention strategies, or simply want to learn more about how SpatialCortex and MOVA are shaping the future of workplace health and safety.
About SpatialCortex
SpatialCortex is a technology company specialising in biomechanical risk assessment and workplace injury prevention. Through MOVA, our wearable solution, we deliver quantitative insights into physical risk exposure in the workplace. By enabling organisations to proactively understand, anticipate, and mitigate MSD risks, SpatialCortex supports improvements in workforce safety, health, and operational performance.
About MOVA
MOVA is SpatialCortex's wearable MSD risk assessment platform. It uses body-worn sensors to collect biomechanical movement data in real time, generating actionable risk scores and reports for health and safety professionals. MOVA has been deployed in industries including rail, logistics, manufacturing, and construction.
About Transport for Wales (TFW)
Transport for Wales is a Welsh Government-owned company responsible for managing, developing, and integrating a sustainable transport network across Wales. TFW is committed to improving safety and wellbeing across its workforce through evidence-based, data-driven approaches.
About the CIEHF
The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) is the UK's professional body for ergonomics and human factors. CIEHF promotes the application of ergonomics research and practice to make work, life, and society safer, more comfortable, and more productive. Its annual conference is a key forum for sharing research and innovation in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MOVA by SpatialCortex?
MOVA is a wearable biomechanical risk assessment platform developed by SpatialCortex. It captures real-time movement data to quantify MSD risk exposure in workplace environments, enabling proactive injury prevention.
How is wearable technology being used to prevent MSDs in rail workers?
SpatialCortex collaborated with Transport for Wales to deploy MOVA wearable devices for real-time MSD risk assessment among frontline rail staff. The data collected in both operational and training environments allows safety teams to identify high-risk tasks and intervene before injuries occur.
What is the CIEHF Ergonomics & Human Factors Conference?
The CIEHF Conference is the UK's leading annual event for ergonomics and human factors professionals. The 2026 conference takes place 27th–29th April at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham.
What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace?
Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries or conditions affecting muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves — typically caused by repetitive movements, awkward postures, or heavy physical demands. They are one of the leading causes of workplace absence and long-term ill health in industries such as rail, logistics, and manufacturing.
