July 14, 2010

Medical Researchers Challenge Effectiveness of Ergonomic Interventions

Researchers in the Netherlands reviewed the ergonomics scientific base (1988 through 2008) looking for studies investigating the effectiveness of physical and organizational interventions. They identified only 10 studies that met their stringent criteria, and those studies did not offer strong support for the effectiveness of interventions. This article reviews the review and the ensuing debate.
July 14, 2010

Design from an Ergonomist

Guest contributor Ian Chong writes: "'Ergonomically Designed' is something of a misnomer these days. No, let me rephrase that, it is an oxymoron. It has now become solely a marketing term, brainwashing both public and professionals as end users. Too many times I
July 7, 2010

Usability, eBook Reading Speeds, and the Importance of Science

Usability is ergonomics. Ergonomics is usability. Science, and navigating the politics of science and evidence based design, is critical to ergonomists and the field of ergonomics. Peter Budnick reviews a challenge to be prepared for usability politics, and questions recent research by usability guru Jacob Nielson as an example.
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 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 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).