Ergoweb Learning Center

December 14, 2012

Ergonomics an Afterthought for Lounge Chair Classics?

The icons look as if they were designed today, but some are over 80 years old. And all suit open-plan living, a concept of architectural design that remains as popular today as when Frank Lloyd Wright et al introduced it in the 1920s. This article was originally published in The Ergonomics Report, and contains an update with pictures of Frank Lloyd Wright chairs taken at Taliesin West, where Wright spent his winters later in life.

December 3, 2012

Effects of Anti-Fatigue Mats on Discomfort and Weight-Shifting

University of Michigan based researchers Neal Wiggermann and W. Monroe Keyserling conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of "anti-fatigue" mating on the perceived discomfort and weight shifting during prolonged standing. Their results are of great interest to ergonomists and employers seeking to reduce discomfort related to long duration standing. This article reviews the state-of-the-art understanding of the relationship between floor surface and standing discomfort and concludes with applicable recommendations for selecting anti-fatigue mats.

November 30, 2012

Body Mass Index Related to Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Job Stress (Reprint)

In this reprint from The Ergonomics Report, Gene Kay and Peter Budnick review a research article summarizing the findings of a team of researchers from India that performed a study looking at various associations between body mass index BMI, musculoskeletal discomfort, and occupational stress among computer workers. Their results add to the growing understanding that being overweight can have a significant effect on musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress measures.

October 11, 2012

Ergonomics ROI: How To Document Ergonomics-Related Improvements

Presenting ergonomics solutions as valuable contributions to an organization is critical to getting them accepted, funded and implemented. This article, reprinted from The Ergonomics Report, recognizes that financial measures and predictions are a large motivating factor for any organizations, and ergonomics solutions must therefore be considered in light of their financial impacts. This article reviews the types of outcomes ergonomics can produce; shows how to do ROI calculations that put solutions in financial terms; and promotes an increased awareness of, and focus on, ergonomics performance outcomes, not just well-being outcomes.

August 22, 2012

Wellness: Why Ergonomists Need to Get Involved (Reprint)

In this article, reprinted from The Ergonomics Report, guest contributor Jill Kelby makes a case for ergonomists need to at least educate themselves, if not become actively involved, in emerging government initiatives wrapped around the concept of "wellness." As she explains, initiatives by the USA based NIOSH and NPC (National Prevention Council) appear to be co-opting ergonomics terminology and methods under the banner of "wellness," yet her research suggests that ergonomists have not been included or consulted in the development of these initiatives. She makes a case for why it should concern you, as well, and calls ergonomists to action.

August 2, 2012

Study: Night Shift Impacts on Productivity and Health

In this study, reviewed by contributor Tim Villnave and republished from The Ergonomics Report, researcher J Arendt suggests that while night work may have its advantages, his review of the literature indicates there is a price to pay relative to work productivity and personal health.

June 28, 2012

Macroergonomics is Better Economics – an Interview with the late Hal Hendrick

In this reprint from The Ergonomics Report archives, journalist Jennifer Anderson interviewed the late Hal W. Hendrick - the "Macroergo Pioneer" - who shared his insights and provided examples demonstrating why good ergonomics is good economics, a theme that continues to resonate today.

May 10, 2012

Towards a 21st Century Approach to Government Regulation

Drawing on 40 years of his own experience -- and noting that last year was OSHA's 40th anniversary -- well-known ergonomist Dan MacLeod presents his vision for OSHA reform, particularly when it comes to ergonomics. "During this time, OSHA generated striking improvements in working conditions, but has to my mind been simultaneously plagued by its approach to enforcement ... My experience gives me a sense of optimism that there are better ways to regulate industry. The premise of ergonomics is that with good design we can simultaneously improve human well being and increase overall efficiency. I suspect this principle applies to Federal regulations and agencies as much as it does to powered hand tools and production lines."

May 2, 2012

Profits, Not Compliance, Will Drive Ergonomics

This 10 year old article, republished with permission from ErgoWeb's subscription-based The Ergonomics Report, remains highly relavent today, and the title says it well: Profits, Not Compliance, Will Drive Ergonomics.