Richard McMaster

Richard McMaster is a Chartered Ergonomist and Human Factors specialist with over 20 years' experience working across healthcare and other safety-critical industries. Holding a PhD in Human Factors, alongside master's degrees in Ergonomics and Occupational Psychology, Richard has dedicated his career to improving safety, performance and organisational learning through systems thinking and human-centred approaches. He has presented at international conferences and contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and industry guidance on human factors and safety science.

Richard previously served as Senior Investigation Science Educator at the Healthcare Services Safety Investigation Body (HSSIB), where he co-designed and delivered the nationally recognised, CPD-accredited PSIRF-compatible investigation programme. During this time, he supported the development of patient safety investigation standards, contributed to national investigations, and designed education programmes that have been accessed by tens of thousands of healthcare professionals across the NHS. He has also taught on postgraduate programmes in Human Factors and Patient Safety at several UK universities.

His practical experience, combined with his educational and research background, enables him to help healthcare teams strengthen safety culture, improve investigations and embed sustainable learning that leads to safer care for patients.