Ergoweb Learning Center

August 2, 2011

Evidence: Investing in Adjustable Workstations Produces Healthy ROI

This article, reprinted from The Ergonomics Report, summarizes an internal corporate study of 6200 financial services call center staff found that over a three-year period employees in non-adjustable workstations had 5-times more injuries and 20 times more Worker Compensation injury costs, as compared to employees in user-adjustable workstations. Furthermore, the non-adjustable workstations had higher costs associated with routine moves and making ergonomic adjustments.

April 21, 2011

Michigan Fights Workplace Ergonomics

Workplace ergonomics takes a beating in the USA State of Michigan as the legislature and governor pass a new law prohibiting the promulgation of ergonomics related workplace standards. Is it time for the ergonomics community to finally put politics aside and focus on proving our value to society?

April 6, 2011

Are These Products Ergonomic?

There's been a lot of talk within the ergonomics community lately about the use of the word "ergonomic(s)" or "ergonomically designed" in product marketing claims. There's an evolving consensus that the ergonomics community "needs to do something," but what exactly needs to be done to protect the public from dubious or false claims remains to be seen. Peter Budnick reviews a variety of products being marketed as ergonomic and poses some interesting questions to stimulate your thoughts.

January 26, 2011

OSHA Backs Down on MSD Recordkeeping; Michigan Governor to Fight Ergonomics Regulation

OSHA has "temporarily" withdrawn its proposal to restore a column on the work-related musculoskeletal disorders on employer injury and illness logs (300 logs). Newly elected Michigan Governor Rick Snyder vows to fight an ergonomics regulation in his own state, citing it as an example of mandatory and overreaching regulation that drives away employers.

September 9, 2010

Ergonomics Turf War; OSHA Gets Aggressive

A roundup of ergonomics topics: Is there a turf battle brewing in the field of ergonomics? Which side are you on? Plus, OSHA is taking a stand on long working hours for medical residents, and has levied a $50.6 million fine against BP -- and that's for past sins -- they haven't yet hit them for the Gulf oil spill.

August 30, 2010

Just Having a Safety Committee Is Not Enough

A recent RAND Corporation study of Pennsylvania firms that had state Certified Safety Committees showed mixed results in reducing company injury rates. The study found that employers that joined the CSC program did not experience a reduction in lost work time injury/illness rates when compared to similar firms who were non-CSC participants.

June 9, 2010

OSHA, Unions and Ergonomics in the Hospitality Industry; Ergonomic Guitars

This week's Ergonomics Roundup, including an OSHA focus on the hospitality industry, and Hispanic housekeepers in particular, claims that OSHA is facilitating union organizing in that industry by using ergonomics enforcement tactics, and ergonomic guitars / guitar making.

June 2, 2010

Where Is OSHA Headed With Ergonomics?

OSHA has a long history with ergonomics. This article revisits that history and reviews recent comments from OSHA officials that suggest where the agency is headed. Will there be a new attempt to promulgate an "ergonomics standard?" Where does OSHA's aggressive pursuit of the new Injury and Illness Prevention Program standard fit in?

March 28, 2010

Ergonomics Concepts

Ergonomics Concepts Introduction er·go·nom·ics \,ûrg-go-‘näm-iks\ The science of work. Ergonomics removes barriers to quality, productivity and safe human performance by fitting products, tasks, and environments to […]