June 28, 2011

Are the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation and 3DSSPP Models Valid Risk Predictors for Work-Related Low Back Pain?

Researchers Boda, Bhoyar and Garg conducted a study with the intention to validate the ability of the NIOSH Revised Lifting Equation and the University of Michigan 3D Static Strength Prediction Model (3DSSPP) to predict the future occurrence of work-related low back pain (WLBP). In this research review reprinted from The Ergonomics Report, reviewer Peter Budnick describes the results as mixed, bringing into question both the methods used to validate complex human-system models, and the ability of ergonomists to evaluate lifting/lowering tasks and predict associated risk of WLBP with certainty.
June 23, 2011

Ergonomists Should Be Leaders in Lean Enterprises

"Lean" management philosophy is an evolving systematic approach to building and maintaining a viable organization with sustainable processes. Many organizations are pursuing Lean to remain competitive, but unfortunately, many misunderstand the necessary ingredients for a true Lean Journey, including the most important principle, Respect for People. In this reprint from The Ergonomics Report, Peter Budnick explains why ergonomists are uniquely qualified to lead and participate in successful Lean Journeys, noting that ergonomics IS Respect for People, and our contributions are critical to optimizing organizational performance.
June 20, 2011

It All Begins With Self: A Review of the Late Hal Hendrick’s Last Book

Want to hear some wisdom from Hal Hendrick? Read this book, which he wrote while battling the cancer that ultimately took his life. It's an inspiring testament to Hal's enduring optimism, and to his commitment to mentor others. He was inspired to write the book by former students, many of whom relayed success stories from their own lives derived from what they learned from Hal. In "It All Begins With Self," Hal shares evidence-based models from psychology to build a foundation for improvement for those seeking to become better managers. Not coincidentally, the premise, that it all begins with self, recognizes that being a better manager often requires and results in becoming a better you.
June 7, 2011

Success and Failure: An Experience with Healthcare Ergonomics

Relying on first-hand experience, Peter Budnick shares a tale of two different hospitals: one with ergonomically designed processes, the other without. He uses the experience to review the ingredients that make an effective, sustainable organization, and the critical role that human-centered design and systems integration plays in such organizations. Ultimately, it's all about Respect for People, the core principle in ergonomics, that makes or breaks a company -- and all the people that company touches -- in the long run.
June 1, 2011

Towards a Credible Ergonomics Certification for Products and Processes: PART 2

There's been a lot of talk lately about ergonomic product certification, and Peter Budnick takes readers on a tour of the topic, drawing from work he's done on the question over the last 10-15 years. In this article, Part 2 of his series, he expands the model of what it means to be ergonomic, and how products and processes might be assessed in a certification process. He draws on definitions put forth by the International Ergonomics Association, and reviews their EQUID Design Process Requirements, identifying it as a solid starting point for a robust, inclusive and credible certification system.