Bell, Alison

Overview

I am passionate about ergonomics, functionality and usability. My current research is examining the interaction of people over 65 with medication, and food and beverage packaging, in institutional environments and everyday life. Studying 'wicked problems' in health care and ageing is best achieved through a multidisciplinary approach and my research was acknowledged through the Vice Chancellor's Award 2021 for Interdisciplinary Research Excellence.

I am also skilled and experienced in curriculum design, review and renewal. Currently I am the Education Advisor on the Australian OHS Accreditation Board.

Top Publications

Year	Title
2022	'You need to be healthy to be sick': Exploring older people's experiences with medication packaging at home Published in Age and Ageing
2020	Unwrapping nutrition: Exploring the impact of hospital food and beverage packaging on plate waste/intake in older people Published in Appetite
2017	Accessing hospital packaged foods and beverages: the importance of a seated posture when eating Published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
2013	Accessing packaged food and beverages in hospital. Exploring experiences of patients and staff Published in Appetite
2012	Risk of musculoskeletal injury among cleaners during vacuuming Published in Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2007	Use of observational assessment tools to assess the risk of upper limb work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs)

Research Areas

Research Overview

My research is in physical ergonomics - always with a user focus. Understanding how people interact with products, systems and environments. Ensuring the design of these artefacts and environments promote optimal human performance.

Head Of

School of Health & Society Head, Teaching & Learning 2018 - 2020

Member Of

Australian Occupational Health & Safety Education Accreditation Board Board Member, HFESA rep. 2017 -
Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Member 2007 -
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registered Occupational Therapist 2005 -
Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia Certified Professional Ergonomist 2001 -
Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) Member 2018 - 2022

Has Collaborator

Coman, Robyn Dr
Commins, Philip Dr
Cook, Christopher Prof
Cooper, Lesley Professor
Davies, Brian Honorary Professor
Gopaldasani, Vinod Dr.
Mayland, Elizabeth Dr.
McMahon, Anne T. Dr
Russell, Joanna Dr
Walton, Karen Professor (Pronouns: She/Her)
Yanamandram, Venkata Associate Professor

Attended Event

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2022	'You need to be healthy to be sick': Exploring older people's experiences with medication packaging at home Published In Age and Ageing
2022	Effect of work boot shaft stiffness and sole flexibility on boot clearance and shank muscle activity when walking on simulated coal mining surfaces: implications for reducing trip risk Published In Ergonomics
2021	Design of grip strength measuring system using FSR and flex sensors using SVM algorithm Published In IAES International Journal of Artificial Intelligence (IJ-AI)
2021	Design of grip strength measuring system using FSR and flex sensors using SVM algorithm Published In IAES International Journal of Artificial Intelligence (IJ-AI)
2020	Effect of work boot shaft stiffness and sole flexibility on lower limb muscle activity and ankle alignment at initial foot-ground contact when walking on simulated coal mining surfaces: Implications for reducing slip risk Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2020	Single Portion Packaging and the Use of User Test Protocols to Determine Patient Accesibility Published In Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics
2020	Design of Hand Grip System with Focus on Tripod Grip Strength Published In International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology
2020	Effect of shaft stiffness and sole flexibility on perceived comfort and the plantar pressures generated when walking on a simulated underground coal mining surface Published In Applied Ergonomics
2020	Nutritional content and quality of food consumed at recess and lunchtime by 5¿8-year-olds Published In British Journal of Child Health
2020	Unwrapping nutrition: Exploring the impact of hospital food and beverage packaging on plate waste/intake in older people Published In Appetite
2019	Effect of work boot shaft stiffness and sole flexibility on lower limb muscle activity and ankle alignment at initial foot-ground contact when walking on simulated coal mining surfaces: Implications for reducing slip risk Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2019	Single Portion Packaging and the Use of User Test Protocols to Determine Patient Accesibility Published In Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics
2018	Are underground coal miners satisfied with their work boots? Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2018	How do we fit underground coal mining work boots? Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2018	The three-dimensional shapes of underground coal miners’ feet do not match the internal dimensions of their work boots Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2017	Accessing hospital packaged foods and beverages: the importance of a seated posture when eating Published In Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
2017	Effect of work boot type on work footwear habits, lower limb pain and perceptions of work boot fit and comfort in underground coal miners Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2017	How do we fit underground coal mining work boots? Published In Footwear Science
2017	Measure for Measure: Pack Performance versus Human Dexterity and Grip Strength Published In Packaging Technology and Science
2017	Work boot design affects the way workers walk: A systematic review of the literature Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2016	Easy to open? Exploring the ‘openability’ of hospital food and beverage packaging by older adults Published In Appetite
2016	Note: Rating Accessibility of Packaging: A Medical Packaging Example Published In Packaging Technology and Science
2015	Evaluating the effect of common hospital food and beverage packaging on the total nutritional intake by older Australians Published In Nutrition and Dietetics
2015	Exploring the impact of two different food and beverage packaging conditions on the dietary intakes of older adults in a simulated hospital environment Published In Nutrition and Dietetics
2014	Precision markedly attenuates repetitive lift capacity Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2014	Rating accessibility of packaging: a medical packaging example Published In Packaging Technology and Science
2013	Accessing packaged food and beverages in hospital. Exploring experiences of patients and staff Published In Appetite
2013	Does grip and pinch strength affect the openability of packages in the over 65 year old? a comparison between 2 postures Published In Nutrition and Dietetics
2013	Influences on openability of hospital food and beverage packaging by the elderly: the role of dexterity and posture Published In Nutrition and Dietetics
2013	Lying down on the job- does posture affect grip strength and opening hospital food and beverage packaging? Published In Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
2012	Risk of musculoskeletal injury among cleaners during vacuuming Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2009	Problematic food and beverage packaging in hospitals Published In Nutrition and Dietetics

Chapter

Year	Title
2017	Chapter 17 Food Packaging and Older Adults Published In Food for the Aging Population Publisher Elsevier

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2020	Usability of Food and Beverage Packs in Hospital - Experiences from the Renal Ward Published In 21st IAPRI World Conference on Packaging 2018 - Packaging: Driving a Sustainable Future
2019	Usability of Food and Beverage Packs in Hospital - Experiences from the Renal Ward Published In 21st IAPRI World Conference on Packaging 2018 - Packaging: Driving a Sustainable Future
2018	Packed, sealed, delivered and unable to open: Australian nurses views on hospital food and beverage packaging and older users Published In 20th Congress International Ergonomics Association
2017	Accessing the evidence: tips and tricks for free access literature searching Published In HFESA 52nd Annual Conference: Sustainable Ergonomics
2017	Fit for Purpose Published In Design4Health, Melbourne. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Design4Health 2017
2017	Hospital food and beverage packaging: Exploring impacts on 'openability' and dietary intakes by older adults Published In 10th International Conference on Culinary Arts and Sciences Proceedings
2017	Rediscovering why I do what I do: the benefits of explaining ergonomics to researchers from different disciplines - a personal reflection on a PhD journey Published In HFESA 52nd Annual Conference: Sustainable Ergonomics
2017	Why we do what we do as ergonomists. Reconnecting with our discipline: a case study Published In 52nd Annual Conference Sustainable ergonomics
2015	Lift that lid, unscrew that cap, pull that straw: the challenges of hospital food and beverage packaging for the older user. Published In Proceedings 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA
2015	Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink: the challenge of bottled water provision to older users in hospitals Published In Proceedings 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA
2015	You have to open it to eat it: does food packaging used in hospitals impede intake in a well older population? Published In Abstracts of the ICCAS 2015: Opportunities and Challenges for Food and Eating in Society
2014	Exploring "openability" of hospital food and beverage packaging by "well elderly" Published In Fourth International Conference on Food Studies
2014	If at first you don't succeed: Older consumers and hospital food & beverage packaging – a matter of try, try and try again! Published In Responsible Packaging for a Global Market - Proceedings of the 19th IAPRI World Conference on Packaging
2014	Open sesame: Exploring the ‘usability’ of hospital food and beverage packaging for the over 65s Published In Then, Now and Beyond: Proceedings of the 50th Annual Conference of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia Inc.
2014	Warning! : packaging can damage your health Published In Proceedings of the Second European Conference on Design 4 Health 2013
2013	Developing a multidisciplinary SIM Laboratory within the School of Health Sciences Published In SimHealth 2013 Conference Proceedings
2013	Occupational Hygiene Education Published In What Has Occupational Hygiene Education in Australia Achieved? Five Years on...are we delivering the Goods?
2012	Identifying student engagement challenges in the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences Published In HERDSA2012
2010	Ergonomics: more than seating Published In 28th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Inc (AIOH)
2009	Cleaning workers, vacuum cleaning and workrelated upper limb musculoskeletal risk; or why vacuuming sucks! Published In 45th Annual conference of the human factors and ergonomics society of Australia
2009	Do higher education courses deliver competent occupational hygiene professionals? Published In 27th Annual Conference of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists
2008	Assessment of professional competence of occupational hygienists in higher education courses Published In Australian Learning and Teaching Roundtable
2007	Use of observational assessment tools to assess the risk of upper limb work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) Published In Hong Kong Occupational Therapy
2006	The impact of equipment selection and work environments on the physical demands of cleaning work Published In 42nd Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia Conference 2006, HFESA 2006

Investigator On

Year	Title
2015	Improving health and safety outcomes in Chilean miners: a lifestyle intervention program to improve wellbeing and decrease musculoskeletal injuries Awarded by: Mutual de Seguridad Funding Scheme: Research Funding

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)	Improving health and safety outcomes in Chilean mine workers: Standardised methods to characterise the social, environmental and cultural factors that influence nutrition and physical activity-related behaviours	Fletcher, Holly
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)	Managing the psychological health and safety of train crew	Jackson, Janet
Doctor of Philosophy	Investigating Children's School Lunches: Does the Content, Ability and Time Taken to Open Packaged Food Items Impact Nutrition Outcomes and Break Time Physical Activity Levels of Foundation Phase and Stage 1 Primary School Children	Stanham, Kim

Education And Training

B.A.S. in Occupational Therapy, The University of Sydney, Occupational Therapy

Awards And Honors

David Ferguson Award, conferred by Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia, 2016

Keywords

Older people, ergonomics & promoting function
Older people, food packaging and access
User-centred design
Ergonomics
Maximising human function through ergonomic design

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7817-0825 (confirmed)

Web Of Science Researcher Id

https://publons.com/researcher/J-5312-2012/

Scopus Id

54983509500

Top Publications

Year	Title
2022	'You need to be healthy to be sick': Exploring older people's experiences with medication packaging at home Published in Age and Ageing
2020	Unwrapping nutrition: Exploring the impact of hospital food and beverage packaging on plate waste/intake in older people Published in Appetite
2017	Accessing hospital packaged foods and beverages: the importance of a seated posture when eating Published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
2013	Accessing packaged food and beverages in hospital. Exploring experiences of patients and staff Published in Appetite
2012	Risk of musculoskeletal injury among cleaners during vacuuming Published in Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2007	Use of observational assessment tools to assess the risk of upper limb work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs)

Research Areas

Research Overview

My research is in physical ergonomics - always with a user focus. Understanding how people interact with products, systems and environments. Ensuring the design of these artefacts and environments promote optimal human performance.

Head Of

School of Health & Society Head, Teaching & Learning 2018 - 2020

Member Of

Australian Occupational Health & Safety Education Accreditation Board Board Member, HFESA rep. 2017 -
Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Member 2007 -
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registered Occupational Therapist 2005 -
Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia Certified Professional Ergonomist 2001 -
Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) Member 2018 - 2022

Has Collaborator

Coman, Robyn Dr
Commins, Philip Dr
Cook, Christopher Prof
Cooper, Lesley Professor
Davies, Brian Honorary Professor
Gopaldasani, Vinod Dr.
Mayland, Elizabeth Dr.
McMahon, Anne T. Dr
Russell, Joanna Dr
Walton, Karen Professor (Pronouns: She/Her)
Yanamandram, Venkata Associate Professor

Attended Event

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2022	'You need to be healthy to be sick': Exploring older people's experiences with medication packaging at home Published In Age and Ageing
2022	Effect of work boot shaft stiffness and sole flexibility on boot clearance and shank muscle activity when walking on simulated coal mining surfaces: implications for reducing trip risk Published In Ergonomics
2021	Design of grip strength measuring system using FSR and flex sensors using SVM algorithm Published In IAES International Journal of Artificial Intelligence (IJ-AI)
2021	Design of grip strength measuring system using FSR and flex sensors using SVM algorithm Published In IAES International Journal of Artificial Intelligence (IJ-AI)
2020	Effect of work boot shaft stiffness and sole flexibility on lower limb muscle activity and ankle alignment at initial foot-ground contact when walking on simulated coal mining surfaces: Implications for reducing slip risk Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2020	Single Portion Packaging and the Use of User Test Protocols to Determine Patient Accesibility Published In Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics
2020	Design of Hand Grip System with Focus on Tripod Grip Strength Published In International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology
2020	Effect of shaft stiffness and sole flexibility on perceived comfort and the plantar pressures generated when walking on a simulated underground coal mining surface Published In Applied Ergonomics
2020	Nutritional content and quality of food consumed at recess and lunchtime by 5¿8-year-olds Published In British Journal of Child Health
2020	Unwrapping nutrition: Exploring the impact of hospital food and beverage packaging on plate waste/intake in older people Published In Appetite
2019	Effect of work boot shaft stiffness and sole flexibility on lower limb muscle activity and ankle alignment at initial foot-ground contact when walking on simulated coal mining surfaces: Implications for reducing slip risk Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2019	Single Portion Packaging and the Use of User Test Protocols to Determine Patient Accesibility Published In Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics
2018	Are underground coal miners satisfied with their work boots? Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2018	How do we fit underground coal mining work boots? Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2018	The three-dimensional shapes of underground coal miners’ feet do not match the internal dimensions of their work boots Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2017	Accessing hospital packaged foods and beverages: the importance of a seated posture when eating Published In Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
2017	Effect of work boot type on work footwear habits, lower limb pain and perceptions of work boot fit and comfort in underground coal miners Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2017	How do we fit underground coal mining work boots? Published In Footwear Science
2017	Measure for Measure: Pack Performance versus Human Dexterity and Grip Strength Published In Packaging Technology and Science
2017	Work boot design affects the way workers walk: A systematic review of the literature Published In Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society
2016	Easy to open? Exploring the ‘openability’ of hospital food and beverage packaging by older adults Published In Appetite
2016	Note: Rating Accessibility of Packaging: A Medical Packaging Example Published In Packaging Technology and Science
2015	Evaluating the effect of common hospital food and beverage packaging on the total nutritional intake by older Australians Published In Nutrition and Dietetics
2015	Exploring the impact of two different food and beverage packaging conditions on the dietary intakes of older adults in a simulated hospital environment Published In Nutrition and Dietetics
2014	Precision markedly attenuates repetitive lift capacity Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2014	Rating accessibility of packaging: a medical packaging example Published In Packaging Technology and Science
2013	Accessing packaged food and beverages in hospital. Exploring experiences of patients and staff Published In Appetite
2013	Does grip and pinch strength affect the openability of packages in the over 65 year old? a comparison between 2 postures Published In Nutrition and Dietetics
2013	Influences on openability of hospital food and beverage packaging by the elderly: the role of dexterity and posture Published In Nutrition and Dietetics
2013	Lying down on the job- does posture affect grip strength and opening hospital food and beverage packaging? Published In Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
2012	Risk of musculoskeletal injury among cleaners during vacuuming Published In Ergonomics: an international journal of research and practice in human factors and ergonomics
2009	Problematic food and beverage packaging in hospitals Published In Nutrition and Dietetics

Chapter

Year	Title
2017	Chapter 17 Food Packaging and Older Adults Published In Food for the Aging Population Publisher Elsevier

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2020	Usability of Food and Beverage Packs in Hospital - Experiences from the Renal Ward Published In 21st IAPRI World Conference on Packaging 2018 - Packaging: Driving a Sustainable Future
2019	Usability of Food and Beverage Packs in Hospital - Experiences from the Renal Ward Published In 21st IAPRI World Conference on Packaging 2018 - Packaging: Driving a Sustainable Future
2018	Packed, sealed, delivered and unable to open: Australian nurses views on hospital food and beverage packaging and older users Published In 20th Congress International Ergonomics Association
2017	Accessing the evidence: tips and tricks for free access literature searching Published In HFESA 52nd Annual Conference: Sustainable Ergonomics
2017	Fit for Purpose Published In Design4Health, Melbourne. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Design4Health 2017
2017	Hospital food and beverage packaging: Exploring impacts on 'openability' and dietary intakes by older adults Published In 10th International Conference on Culinary Arts and Sciences Proceedings
2017	Rediscovering why I do what I do: the benefits of explaining ergonomics to researchers from different disciplines - a personal reflection on a PhD journey Published In HFESA 52nd Annual Conference: Sustainable Ergonomics
2017	Why we do what we do as ergonomists. Reconnecting with our discipline: a case study Published In 52nd Annual Conference Sustainable ergonomics
2015	Lift that lid, unscrew that cap, pull that straw: the challenges of hospital food and beverage packaging for the older user. Published In Proceedings 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA
2015	Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink: the challenge of bottled water provision to older users in hospitals Published In Proceedings 19th Triennial Congress of the IEA
2015	You have to open it to eat it: does food packaging used in hospitals impede intake in a well older population? Published In Abstracts of the ICCAS 2015: Opportunities and Challenges for Food and Eating in Society
2014	Exploring "openability" of hospital food and beverage packaging by "well elderly" Published In Fourth International Conference on Food Studies
2014	If at first you don't succeed: Older consumers and hospital food & beverage packaging – a matter of try, try and try again! Published In Responsible Packaging for a Global Market - Proceedings of the 19th IAPRI World Conference on Packaging
2014	Open sesame: Exploring the ‘usability’ of hospital food and beverage packaging for the over 65s Published In Then, Now and Beyond: Proceedings of the 50th Annual Conference of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia Inc.
2014	Warning! : packaging can damage your health Published In Proceedings of the Second European Conference on Design 4 Health 2013
2013	Developing a multidisciplinary SIM Laboratory within the School of Health Sciences Published In SimHealth 2013 Conference Proceedings
2013	Occupational Hygiene Education Published In What Has Occupational Hygiene Education in Australia Achieved? Five Years on...are we delivering the Goods?
2012	Identifying student engagement challenges in the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences Published In HERDSA2012
2010	Ergonomics: more than seating Published In 28th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Inc (AIOH)
2009	Cleaning workers, vacuum cleaning and workrelated upper limb musculoskeletal risk; or why vacuuming sucks! Published In 45th Annual conference of the human factors and ergonomics society of Australia
2009	Do higher education courses deliver competent occupational hygiene professionals? Published In 27th Annual Conference of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists
2008	Assessment of professional competence of occupational hygienists in higher education courses Published In Australian Learning and Teaching Roundtable
2007	Use of observational assessment tools to assess the risk of upper limb work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) Published In Hong Kong Occupational Therapy
2006	The impact of equipment selection and work environments on the physical demands of cleaning work Published In 42nd Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia Conference 2006, HFESA 2006

Investigator On

Year	Title
2015	Improving health and safety outcomes in Chilean miners: a lifestyle intervention program to improve wellbeing and decrease musculoskeletal injuries Awarded by: Mutual de Seguridad Funding Scheme: Research Funding

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)	Improving health and safety outcomes in Chilean mine workers: Standardised methods to characterise the social, environmental and cultural factors that influence nutrition and physical activity-related behaviours	Fletcher, Holly
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)	Managing the psychological health and safety of train crew	Jackson, Janet
Doctor of Philosophy	Investigating Children's School Lunches: Does the Content, Ability and Time Taken to Open Packaged Food Items Impact Nutrition Outcomes and Break Time Physical Activity Levels of Foundation Phase and Stage 1 Primary School Children	Stanham, Kim

Education And Training

B.A.S. in Occupational Therapy, The University of Sydney, Occupational Therapy

Awards And Honors

David Ferguson Award, conferred by Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia, 2016

Keywords

Older people, ergonomics & promoting function
Older people, food packaging and access
User-centred design
Ergonomics
Maximising human function through ergonomic design

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7817-0825 (confirmed)

Web Of Science Researcher Id

https://publons.com/researcher/J-5312-2012/

Scopus Id

54983509500

Overview

Overview

Top Publications

Research Areas

Research Overview

Affiliation

Head Of

Member Of

Has Collaborator

Attended Event

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Chapter

Conference Paper

Funding

Investigator On

Supervision

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Background

Education And Training

Awards And Honors

Keywords

Identity

Orcid Id

Web Of Science Researcher Id

Scopus Id

Overview

Top Publications

Research Areas

Research Overview

Affiliation

Head Of

Member Of

Has Collaborator

Attended Event

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Chapter

Conference Paper

Funding

Investigator On

Supervision

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Background

Education And Training

Awards And Honors

Keywords

Identity

Orcid Id

Web Of Science Researcher Id

Scopus Id

Visualisations

Research Areas