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We’ve shared thousands of ergonomics articles, guides and resources since 1995. Feel free to search by keyword or browse for topics of interest.
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September 26, 2019
Successful ergonomics improvement programs include at least these 4 steps: Identifying Potential Ergonomics Issues Ergonomics Assessment Tools Controlling Ergonomics Risks Cost Justifying Ergonomic Improvements If your […]
September 18, 2019
Successful workplace ergonomics programs drive improvements that reduce ergonomics risk while making jobs easier, effective and less painful for workers. Since Lean and Six Sigma programs […]
September 11, 2019
Successful ergonomics initiatives are designed to drive workplace ergonomics improvements that reduce risk while making jobs easier and less painful for workers. A robust approach that […]
July 18, 2019
What’s the difference between an ergonomics checklist and an ergonomics assessment tool, and when should one or the other be used? In general, they may seem […]
July 17, 2019
Ergonomics can be challenging, particularly when trying to assess ergonomics in non-repetitive (non-cyclical) jobs. Here we offer a few tips you can start using today. For […]
July 1, 2019
Ergonomics is an improvement process that, when successful, achieves meaningful outcomes such as less muscle fatigue, increased productivity, and reduced number and severity of work-related MSDs […]
September 11, 2019
Successful ergonomics initiatives are designed to drive workplace ergonomics improvements that reduce risk while making jobs easier and less painful for workers. A robust approach that […]
July 18, 2019
What’s the difference between an ergonomics checklist and an ergonomics assessment tool, and when should one or the other be used? In general, they may seem […]
July 17, 2019
Ergonomics can be challenging, particularly when trying to assess ergonomics in non-repetitive (non-cyclical) jobs. Here we offer a few tips you can start using today. For […]
July 1, 2019
Ergonomics is an improvement process that, when successful, achieves meaningful outcomes such as less muscle fatigue, increased productivity, and reduced number and severity of work-related MSDs […]
June 20, 2019
What can you control? Improving ergonomics for field workers pays back by reducing risk exposure and improving job performance. This infographic captures the main things you […]
June 17, 2019
Ergonomics assessment of repetitive work – where the work area, materials, and tools are consistent and cycles are short enough that you can observe the activity […]
June 27, 2017
By Peter Budnick 27th June, 2017 Sustainable sounds like one of those corporate buzzwords that come and go, but the meaning behind it will always ring […]
March 28, 2017
Christensen (1987) points out that the importance of a “good fit” between humans and tools was probably realized early in the development of the species. Australopithecus […]
November 11, 2014
As we come to the end of 2014, many of us will be finalizing the OSHA 300 and 300A recordkeeping forms to share with employees in […]
October 28, 2014
The following list of University based academic programs was compiled in 2014 by Ergoweb intern Shweta Agarwal. She compiled this information based on voluntary contributions from the Universities, so if a University did not contribute their listing information, Shweta was unable to include them in the list below.
July 29, 2014
German researchers investigated the effects of seated work vs. a mix of seated and standing work on physical and psychological complaints and on data entry performance. They found improvements in musculoskeletal comfort and mood when subjects varied working postures between sitting and standing, as compared to sitting only, with small effects on data entry performance.
June 3, 2014
Delivering comprehensive ergonomics services to large or distributed office populations is challenging, time consuming and very expensive. Sending qualified ergonomics professionals is often difficult to arrange, […]
March 3, 2015
Does your company have more than $10,000 in contracts or subcontracts with the USA Federal government, or an agency thereof? Most medium or large companies do, which makes them subject to new affirmative action regulations targeting employees with disabilities.
November 11, 2014
As we come to the end of 2014, many of us will be finalizing the OSHA 300 and 300A recordkeeping forms to share with employees in […]
December 31, 2012
Twenty years ago on 1 January 1993, the UK implemented six wide ranging health & safety regulations that included provisions for ergonomics. Dubbed the ‘Six Pack', the 1993 regulations made clearer duties in relation to some activities (e.g. computer work, manual handling) and gave more detail and guidance to help employers protect the health & safety of their staff. "As a result, both employers and employees know much more about safer working practices and what has to be done in the workplace by both parties to achieve this. More could still be done to combat stress and improve overall employee wellbeing. And there will always be some difficult situations which will require compromise solutions," says Dave O'Neill, Chief Executive of the IEHF.
May 10, 2012
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
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.
April 17, 2012
In this Ergoweb exclusive, Dr. David Cochran shares the standard that he and many of his ergonomics colleagues would have preferred over the version that was rescinded by the USA Congress in 2001. Dr. Cochran was instrumental as an ergonomics expert and advocate within OSHA as the standard was being developed. As with any political process, compromises were made that many felt weakened the standard, and perhaps even determined its fate. The documents he shares in this article contain the full standard as he and others wished it would have been, and can now be used as an excellent blueprint for the elements of a successful ergonomics program.
January 6, 2014
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."
October 11, 2012
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.
March 20, 2012
A well formulated and executed ergonomics program is once again shown to be a significant contributor to the organizational bottom line. The latest evidence comes from research conducted by University of Wisconsin based researchers Garg and Kapellusch who tracked key business metrics at seven health care facilities with ergonomics programs that included patient handling equipment. While safe patient handling has become an important topic in many health care facilities, and regulators, the proven benefits of an ergonomics program are transferable to any workplace or industry.
August 3, 2011
If ergonomics is seen as a cost, many will reject it. If it is seen as an improvement opportunity with measurable gains, many will embrace it. This article points to cost-benefit analysis tools that can help you prove the value of ergonomics to others.
August 2, 2011
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.
September 8, 2013
Common standards* (Most items apply to sustained work) Maximum two-handed lift (with vertical travel distance) 20 lbs Maximum two-handed carry (no vertical travel distance) 30 lbs […]
April 3, 2013
Why, when implemented in the workplace, do resolutions that encourage workers to partake in on-the-job exercise programs, install and use stretch-break reminder software at their computer workstations, or commit to a personal wellness plan, so often get confused with ergonomics?
March 13, 2013
Common wisdom says we should lift with our legs, not our backs. Some companies mistakenly base much of their ergonomics strategy on training employees to "lift with your legs." This research study sheds light on why many people typically don't lift with their knees, and instead use a back-lift strategy. In this article, reprinted from The Ergonomics Report, study reviewer Peter Budnick offers his thoughts on how companies can apply this new knowledge.
December 20, 2012
In this reprint from The Ergonomics Report, the late Hal Hendrick is interviewed by journalist Jennifer Anderson regarding a forthcoming book he had co-authored, "Human Factors Issues in Handgun Safety and Forensics." As the gun violence debate erupts in the USA following the senseless and tragic deaths of 20 innocent children and 6 adults at the Sandy Hook Elementary school, we reflect on the role that Ergonomics and Human Factors can -- and should -- play in the prevention of unnecessary gun related deaths, injuries, as well as any regulations that may follow.
November 30, 2012
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.
August 22, 2012
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.