Ergonomics Today™

Crutches for the Future

February 5, 2002
A new design for crutches hopes to eliminate common complaints. The new design distributes pressure, takes impact, and fits the human user better than traditional crutches.

Safe Patient Handling and Movement Conference

February 4, 2002
Ergonomic patient handling was the focus of the second annual Safe Patient Handling and Movement Conference held this January in Clearwater, Florida.

Opinion: The Bush Administration Will Regulate Ergonomics

January 30, 2002
Will the Bush Administration Regulate Ergonomics? That question is on the minds of employers and employees throughout the U.S.A. And the answer is …

Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics Launches Much Improved Web Site

January 30, 2002
The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) has launched a completely new web site that offers many enhanced features for visitors and certificate holders.

Ergonomics and the 2002 Winter Olympics

January 30, 2002
The primary thrust in the science of ergonomics is to improve human performance. Olympic competition is all about human performance. By virtue of location, Ergoweb is right in the middle of the upcoming 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Breast Feeding in Ergonomic Style

January 24, 2002
Breast-feeding encompasses some of the same MSD risk factors that are found in industrial and manufacturing tasks. A new product may provide more comfort for mom's aching neck and arms.

Ecommerce and Ergonomics: Does Your Website Have It?

January 21, 2002
Three travel websites were evaluated for usability. Ergonomics, or matching capabilities and limitations of users to their environment, might determine the success or failure of a consumer website.

Ergonomics a Priority for Safety and Health Professionals in 2002

January 18, 2002
A survey of health and safety professionals show that the majority put ergonomics as a priority for 2002.

OSHA Settles With Beverly On Citations Related to Lifting Nursing Home Residents

January 16, 2002
Ending 10 years of litigation, Beverly Enterprises agreed to adopt specific ergonomic measures to reduce injuries to employees performing patient lifts. Beverly will withdraw its contest of the citations and OSHA will withdraw proposed penalties.

Interpreting Toyota vs. Williams: Does it Impact Ergonomics?

January 14, 2002
The recent Supreme Court decision in Toyota vs. Williams has little impact on occupational ergonomics, but a very big impact on who qualifies as disabled under the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Bush Appoints Controversial Labor Nominee During Congressional Recess

January 11, 2002
In a move that is certain to sit ill with congressional Democrats, who currently hold the Senate majority President Bush signed in two controversial appointments included Eugene Scalia to the position of top legal adviser to the DOL.

Supreme Court Releases Decision Involving ADA and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

January 8, 2002
The decision in Toyota v. Williams, a case involving impairment due to carpal tunnel syndrome, helps clarify the meaning of “disability” and key ADA terminology including “substantially limit,” and “major life activity.”

Get A Grip- REVISED

January 7, 2002
Forceful, prolonged, and awkward grips have been linked to several MSDs. Learn about grip and what force is acceptable.

Ergonomics by Intuition or Design

January 4, 2002
The truth of why a machine or workspace was designed a certain way actually comes down to abstract issues like psychology, culture, and experience. These issues make up what we like to call 'common sense'.

Top 10 Ergonomics New Year Predictions--Satire

January 2, 2002
A light hearted and satirical top 10 list for ergonomics in 2002.

Medical Errors: Human or Design

December 31, 2001
Researchers believe that by first understanding and predicting human performance in the health care system, a more 'ergonomic' system can be designed that will reduce the number of medical errors, improving patient care and saving lives.

Data on CTS and Computer Work

December 28, 2001
A recent report on carpal tunnel syndrome from the Work Loss Data Institute shows prevalence of CTS increases by almost 60% in data entry/typing positions.

Control Strategies: Engineering, Administrative and PPE

December 26, 2001
The creation of control options depends on the experience and imagination of the analyst. Although specific solutions vary, there is a standard thought process that can be applied.

Ergonomics Resources for Musicians

December 26, 2001
Awkward postures and forces associated with playing instruments have led to MSDs. Learn about refeneces and resources to educate and prevent.

Labor Nominee Scalia May Get 'Recess Appointment'

December 20, 2001
If congress fails to confirm controversial labor appointee Scalia before the holiday break, Bush has the authority to make 'recess appointments' when Congress is on break.