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Open Access Articles

October 10, 2019

Leveraging Ergonomic Design Guidelines

Effective ergonomics processes emphasize both improvement and prevention – reducing ergonomics risks in existing operations while ensuring the ergonomics acceptability of new products and equipment.  Ergonomic […]
September 26, 2019

Why Standardize Your Workplace Ergonomics Assessment Tools?

Successful ergonomics improvement programs include at least these 4 steps: Identifying Potential Ergonomics Issues Ergonomics Assessment Tools Controlling Ergonomics Risks Cost Justifying Ergonomic Improvements If your […]
September 18, 2019

Accelerate Workplace Ergonomics by Systematically Linking to Lean and Six Sigma

Successful workplace ergonomics programs drive improvements that reduce ergonomics risk while making jobs easier, effective and less painful for workers. Since Lean and Six Sigma programs […]
September 11, 2019

5 Proven Ways to Identify Workplace Ergonomics Issues

Successful ergonomics initiatives are designed to drive workplace ergonomics improvements that reduce risk while making jobs easier and less painful for workers. A robust approach that […]
July 18, 2019

Ergonomics Analysis: Checklists vs. Assessments

What’s the difference between an ergonomics checklist and an ergonomics assessment tool, and when should one or the other be used? In general, they may seem […]
July 17, 2019

VIDEO: Quick Tips Managing Ergonomics for Non-Repetitive Jobs

Ergonomics can be challenging, particularly when trying to assess ergonomics in non-repetitive (non-cyclical) jobs. Here we offer a few tips you can start using today.  For […]
July 1, 2019

Is Ergonomics Analysis Helping or Hurting your Ergonomics Improvement Process?

Ergonomics is an improvement process that, when successful, achieves meaningful outcomes such as less muscle fatigue, increased productivity, and reduced number and severity of work-related MSDs […]
June 20, 2019

Infographic: Improving Ergonomics for Field Workers

What can you control? Improving ergonomics for field workers pays back by reducing risk exposure and improving job performance. This infographic captures the main things you […]
June 17, 2019

Why It’s So Hard to Assess Ergonomics in Non-Repetitive Jobs

Ergonomics assessment of repetitive work – where the work area, materials, and tools are consistent and cycles are short enough that you can observe the activity […]
September 6, 2013

Machine Parts Handling (Special Issues)

Background All of the techniques of parts handling in generic workstations can be applied in machine operations.  Additionally, the following are several special issues that are common with […]
September 6, 2013

Controls and Activation Buttons

Palm buttons: Frequently heavy, awkward Finger sweeps: Easy, convenient Principles affected Posture Force Reach Height Motions Related pages How to design a workstation Machine Ops Miscellaneous […]
September 6, 2013

Machine Unloading

Parts hard to remove Gravity drops too low Principles affected Force Height Motions Related pages Machine Ops Loading Parts handling (special issues for machines) Workstations Parts […]
September 6, 2013

Machine Loading

Reaching to load — sometimes with a heavy part Principles affected Posture Force Reach Height Motions Fatigue Clearance Related pages Workstations Parts handling Material handling All […]
September 6, 2013

How to improve the machine-operator interface

Too high, but easy to fix Long reach and hard to fix Extremely awkward design Background Machinery has been the hallmark of progress in production, eliminating […]
September 6, 2013

Unique Application Tools

Holding slippery items Background This is a catch-all category of special application tools. The intend for much of this list is to enable readers to see […]
September 6, 2013

Scoops

Common issues Tasks that require using manual scoops can involve repetitive motions, sometimes with a relatively heavy load. Common options for improvement Metal with grip at […]
September 6, 2013

Pliers and Cutters

Common issues Squeeze force Some tasks require a heavy squeeze force to cut or to hold an item. If done frequently, it can add to the […]
September 6, 2013

Wire Strippers

Common issues Repetitive, forceful motions When used repetitively, wire strippers can place significant strain on the hands. Newer designs of wire stripping tools can be ingenious […]