February 5, 2014

Review of Hand/Wrist/Arm Ergonomics Analysis Methods: Part 1

Peter Budnick reviews and summarizes a chapter from "Reviews of Human Factors and Ergonomics" in which researchers Arun Garg and Jay Kapellusch provide an overview of the scientific basis and application of "Job Analysis Techniques for Distal Upper Extremity Disorders". In Part 1 of this 2 part series, Budnick covers the scientific basis for various analysis tools (to be discussed in the forthcoming Part 2) and summarizes specific data that ergonomists can use in the analysis and prevention of hand/wrist/arm workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
January 22, 2014

Ergonomics for Business, in Business Terms

This article reviews "Corporate Ergonomics: It's Musculoskeletal Disorder Management and System Optimization," by Nancy L. J. Larson, a successful ergonomics leader in several global companies. Larson shares her experiences, successes and examples of how to promote and achieve the broad benefits of ergonomics in the real world of business. She concludes with this wise advice: "Ergonomists must communicate how ergonomics adds value to business operations in the language of business. Businesses are similar to any other end user in any ergonomics project: The same strategy is needed to ..."
January 6, 2014

The Ergonomics of Economics is the Economics of Ergonomics

Hal Hendrick wrote "The Ergonomics of Economics is the Economics of Ergonomics" over 17 years ago, and it remains very relevant today. Peter Budnick reviews the article, including a summary of many ergonomics ROI examples Hendrick collected. As Hendrick said in 1996, "... I know of no profession where so small a group of professionals has such a tremendous potential for truly making a difference ... for virtually every person on this globe."
December 23, 2013

Manipulators

Background A manipulator can be considered a type of power assist, or more broadly, a lift assist. The connotation of “manipulator” implies that it must be guided by […]
December 20, 2013

Vacuum Hoists

Before: Difficult despite two people After: Easier with just one person Background Vacuum technology has developed dramatically in recent years, providing a good option for many […]
December 20, 2013

Block and Paver Lifts

Several unique devices have been developed for handling blocks and pavers. These devices may also be suitable for other types of loads in general industry. Hand […]
December 20, 2013

Hand tools knowledgebase

Grip design diameter precision vs. power length friction surface grip angle pressure points   Weight and balance pros and cons center of gravity   Tool control […]
December 20, 2013

Machine-operator knowledgebase

This category refers to production machines of all types, but with particular emphasis on metalworking machine tools. The category includes both large stand-alone machines as well […]
December 20, 2013

Ease-of-maintenance knowledgebase

Access panels importance doors, hinges, and quick releases arms wheels   Access platforms decks and catwalks permanent step platforms  scaffolding movable platforms   High work platforms […]