Towards a 21st Century Approach to Government Regulation — A New Regulatory Model for OSHA
May 10, 2012
Drawing on 40 years of his own experience -- and noting that last year was OSHA's 40th anniversary -- well-known ergonomist Dan MacLeod presents his vision for OSHA reform, particularly when it comes to ergonomics. "During this time, OSHA generated striking improvements in working conditions, but has to my mind been simultaneously plagued by its approach to enforcement ... My experience gives me a sense of optimism that there are better ways to regulate industry. The premise of ergonomics is that with good design we can simultaneously improve human well being and increase overall efficiency. I suspect this principle applies to Federal regulations and agencies as much as it does to powered hand tools and production lines."

From The Ergonomics Report Archives: Profits, Not Compliance, Will Drive Ergonomics
May 2, 2012
This 10 year old article, republished with permission from ErgoWeb's subscription-based The Ergonomics Report, remains highly relavent today, and the title says it well: Profits, Not Compliance, Will Drive Ergonomics.

Deadline Nearing: Submissions for 2012 Dieter W. Jahns Student Practitioner Award
May 2, 2012
Pass the word -- submissions for the 2012 Dieter W. Jahns Student Practitioner Award are due by May 31, 2012. Submissions for this prestigious award can be made individually or as a group. The award is open, world wide, to students (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Ergonomics and Ergonomics-related programs. Students who have completed their graduate degrees in the past year are also eligible.

»

Show More...

Forum/Discussions
The world's largest moderated ergonomics discussion forums.

Case Studies
Over 50 case studies describing real life examples.

Reference Materials
Guidance materials, standards, conference proceedings, and much more.

Rehabilitation Ergonomics in Action
May 9, 2012
Don Bloswick, a professor in in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Utah, shares a variety creative rehabilitation ergonomics applications he and his students have developed, including a tricycle designed to provide leg exercises for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP); an off-road walker allowing children with CP greater outdoor mobility; a wheelchair track device that allows wheelchair users to navigate on sand, snow and other rough terrain; foot and arm-lever propelled wheelchairs; and a paragliding system for people with disabilities. If you think ergonomics is only about preventing musculoskeletal injuries, this will open your eyes to new horizons.

Wellness: Why Ergonomists Need to Get Involved
May 2, 2012
Guest contributor Jill Kelby makes her case explaining why ergonomists need to at least educate themselves, if not become actively involved, in emerging government initiatives wrapped around the concept of "wellness." As she explains, initiatives by the USA based NIOSH and NPC (National Prevention Council) appear to be co-opting ergonomics terminology and methods under the banner of "wellness," yet her research suggests that ergonomists have not been included or consulted in the development of these initiatives. She makes a case for why it should concern you, as well, and calls ergonomists to action.

Improving the Occupant Experience in LEED Buildings: It’s Time for Ergonomics
April 25, 2012
Guest contributors Linda Miller and Lucy Hart provide an update on the emergence of ergonomics as a points category in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building rating system. Over a decade ago, a coalition of building industry leaders in the U.S. created building design and construction guidelines for the environmental assessment of buildings. The LEED Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based standard that evaluates the environmental performance of a building over its entire life cycle. The primary goal of LEED is to promote building practices that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy for its building occupants, and Miller and Hart explain how ergonomics is gaining a solid footing in the LEED rating system.

»

Show More...