June 2010 – Ergoweb LLC

June 30, 2010

Is Your Safe Patient Handling System Working?

If the CEO of your facility asks you how the safe patient handling (SPH) system is working will you be able to tell him/her? Do you know if it is effective and meeting its purpose and goals? One common weakness in safe patient handling systems is the lack of meaningful and accurate measurements that assess their effectiveness.

June 24, 2010

Problems with 12 Hr Nursing Shifts; Pharmacy Ergonomics; Older Workers; Multi-Touch Interfaces

A summary of ergonomics in the news, including the negative effects of 12 hour nursing shifts on nurses and patients, a pharmacist's perspective on ergonomics, or the lack thereof, in pharmacies, research on older workers, and the ergonomics of multi-touch interfaces like the iPad.

June 17, 2010

Participatory Ergonomics Increases Success of New Tools Introduced to Floor Layers

A Danish study used a participatory ergonomics process to introduce new floor laying tools that support standing postures (vs. traditional kneeling postures), resulting in increased acceptance and decreased musculoskeletal complaints.

June 15, 2010

Lessons from the BP Oil Spill

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill was a predictable and preventable accident. BP has a documented history of systematic breakdowns in corporate decision making, risk management, and corporate culture. Macroergonomics could have protected the company, and all those affected, from this disaster and its massive consequences.

June 9, 2010

OSHA, Unions and Ergonomics in the Hospitality Industry; Ergonomic Guitars

This week's Ergonomics Roundup, including an OSHA focus on the hospitality industry, and Hispanic housekeepers in particular, claims that OSHA is facilitating union organizing in that industry by using ergonomics enforcement tactics, and ergonomic guitars / guitar making.

June 7, 2010

Study Confirms the Value of a Walkaround Safety Survey

A Danish safety walkthrough survey predicted recent injury incidence and prevented future injury occurrence at construction worksites. The investigation also found that unsafe conditions that were considered to be a joint responsibility (e.g., scaffolding) were less likely to be corrected as opposed to conditions considered an individual responsibility (e.g., proper use of a ladder).

June 2, 2010

Where Is OSHA Headed With Ergonomics?

OSHA has a long history with ergonomics. This article revisits that history and reviews recent comments from OSHA officials that suggest where the agency is headed. Will there be a new attempt to promulgate an "ergonomics standard?" Where does OSHA's aggressive pursuit of the new Injury and Illness Prevention Program standard fit in?