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Open Access Articles

February 2, 2011

The 2011 Applied Ergonomics Conference & Expo

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

Part 2: What’s the Hubbub About Ball Chairs? Are They Really Ergonomic?

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 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OSHA has "temporarily" withdrawn its proposal to restore a column on the work-related musculoskeletal disorders on employer injury and illness logs (300 logs).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.
January 19, 2011

Ergonomists Without Borders: 2010 Review; Plans for 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

Ergonomics and Rapid Prototyping

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.
January 13, 2011

Long term use of the Fitness Ball in the Worksite Setting: A Survey of Administrative Office Workers

Guest contributor Eric Durak throws his hat into the debate over the use of balls as chairs by sharing an internal survey study he and colleagues conducted at the University of Santa Barbara. Their focus was not ergonomics per se; their objective was to conduct a survey of staff that had used the ball over longer time frames in order to see if the ball had any impact on work status and any postural changes. They report positive results.
January 6, 2011

The Best of Ergoweb 2010

It's always interesting to learn what news and discussion content becomes the most popular, or at least the most read. After all was said and done in 2010, here are the top five results for Ergonomics Today