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March 8, 2011
In the past few days, tornadoes have damaged several southern US cities, and a volcano has erupted in Hawaii. Earthquakes devastated portions of New Zealand, Chile, and Haiti in the past 14 months, and the list goes on. In the USA State of Minnesota, where guest contributor Philip Jacobs, MS, CPE, CSP resides, there are daily reminders of the threat for
February 23, 2011
Guest contributor Karl Marion adds his thoughts to the question of whether the field of ergonomics, and practicing ergonomists, need to "raise the bar" on the use of the word ergonomics in product and process design. He notes that standards are common in everyday life, and in many industries, and believes "it's time" for the ergonomics marketplace to do the same.
February 15, 2011
We're quickly moving toward a wired world in which we interact with computers throughout our day. Our phones are mini-computers. Our work is computerized. Our entertainment is computerized. Gesturing, a term describing the body movements we use, like swiping fingers across your smartphone, are becoming commonplace. Peter Budnick shares a video depicting the wired, integrated computing world of the future and wonders what role ergonomics, and ergonomists, will play as these technologies progress.
February 3, 2011
Two new ISO International Standards will help make products, signs and displays more accessible to older persons and those with disabilities
February 2, 2011
GOErgo, the Global Organization of Ergonomics, presents the 14th annual Applied Ergonomics Conference (AEC). GOErgo is a worldwide resource for the ergonomics profession dedicated solely to the support of the profession and individuals involved with improving workplace performance, quality, sustainability, and employee availability.
February 2, 2011
This is the first follow-up article in a series started by guest contributor Ian Chong. In his first article, Ian wondered whether it is "just a fad to replace $800 office chairs with a $24.99 as seen on TV type of ball?" Or is using an exercise ball as a chair really an ergonomic intervention that professionals have overlooked? To answer the questions, Ian polled an informal task force consisting of "some users, Certified and Associate Ergonomists, physical therapists, engineers, occupational therapists, and exercise physiologists -- all professionals and all, not surprisingly, with opinions." Read on to learn their results ...
January 26, 2011
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.
January 19, 2011
Still in its formative stages, Ergonomists Without Borders (a project of the Foundation for Professional Ergonomics) had a very productive 2010. A number of milestones were achieved last year and the future is looking bright for 2011. Here's a re-cap and a look ahead ...
January 19, 2011
Guest contributor Shane Sidebottom explains the valuable role Rapid Prototyping (RP) can play for ergonomists in any industry. RP is a fast developing technology that allows engineers, designers and ergonomists to quickly identify design improvement opportunities early in the design process, while changes are still feasible. He provides a real world example of how he's used it in his role as ergonomist, and gives a concise overview of the technology so you can be prepared to work with designers and make RP another important tool in promoting human centered design.