Sad Farewell to Tom Waters, a Leader Behind the NIOSH Lifting Equation

I was very sad to hear that Dr. Tom Waters (Thomas Russell Waters, PhD) died last week following injuries sustained in a bicycling accident. Tom was a leading force behind the NIOSH Lifting Equation, and the ergonomics community has lost a great friend and tireless contributor.

I knew and interacted with Tom professionally on a number of occasions over the past 20 years or so. I keep a dog-eared copy of the Applications Manual for the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation within reach, because it’s the single most common source of questions we receive here at Ergoweb. When we’d receive a particularly interesting or challenging question about the method, I’d reach out to Tom for a chat and clarification, which he was always gracious enough to supply. Although I didn’t know him well on a social level, he always struck me as a dedicated, gentle and giving soul.

His legacy will live on for many years to come, and his work will continue to improve the quality of life for people around the world. He truly left this world a better place for many.

Please join Ergoweb as we offer sincere condolences to Tom’s friends and family. Rest in peace, Tom, we’ll miss you.

Link:  Tom Waters Obituary on legacy.com