A survey based study of critical care nurses shows that most still manually perform patient lift and transfer tasks, creating a strikingly high level of workplace risk in relation to patient handling tasks. However, safe practices are followed when efective management characteristics are in place.

Who knew? The wholesale and retail trade sector, usually thought of as low risk industry, instead shows a higher rate of injury/illness and overexertion related disabling disorders than general private industry, according to this NIOSH analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Guest contributor Ian Chong says, "You know, I really hate being lied to - especially by ill informed sleazy salesmen who are trying to sell me some snake oil touting features and benefits that are either non-existent ... the term "ergonomically designed" is without a doubt an insidious term used by those with a massive advertising budget who would push products onto those unaware."

Ergonomics practitioners should understand the Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, known as Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA), which where enacted by the US congress in 2009. The ADAAA clarifies key definitions and is intended to more accurately reflect the intent of the original law, and may provide legal authority for certain 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.

One of our goals with ergoweb.com and The Ergonomics Report

A Danish study used a participatory ergonomics process to introduce new floor laying tools that support standing postures (vs. traditional kneeling postures), resulting in increased acceptance and decreased musculoskeletal complaints.

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).