Ergonomics Today™

New Study: Hands Free Mobile Phone No Safer When Driving

July 27, 2009
When it comes to unsafe driving, a new study sees little difference between using a hands-free cell phone and using a hands-on type.

Healthcare Workers, Others, Team Up Behind Safe Patient Handling Bill

July 20, 2009
For the third time, a bill that calls for safe patient handling throughout the national healthcare system is in the early stages of the legislative process. A coalition has formed to keep it on track.

Seeking Input to Improve ANSI/HFES 100, Human Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations

July 13, 2009
You're invited to share your ideas for improving the ANSI/HFES 100 standard, Human Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations.

Study: Virility Better Protected by No-Nose Bicycle Saddle

July 6, 2009
A recent study of nose-less bicycle seats should be good news for bicyclists who value their virility.

New Billboard Targets Cell-Phone-Using Drivers

June 29, 2009
Driving and cell phone use don’t mix. That’s the message from the National Safety Council in the United States, which is underlining its warning with a freeway “Death by Cellphone” billboard.

NIOSH Releases Work Injury and Illness Coding System

June 22, 2009
When the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety released its new tool for coding occupational injury and illness incidents, it omitted one of its biggest concerns—workplace musculoskeletal disorders. The omission wasn’t oversight.

The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics Announces New Certification Designations: Certified User Experience (CUXP) and Associate User Experience (AUXP)

June 17, 2009
The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) is pleased to announce the new CUXP and AUXP designations in response to growing market acceptance of User Experience as an additional and equivalent title to Ergonomics and Human Factors.

Adequate Time Off Between Shifts a Key to Reducing Fatigue Risks

June 15, 2009
A London consultancy recommends allowing adequate time off between shifts for workers to sleep well. It’s a particularly sound recommendation from a safety and health angle.

Physicians Add Cell Phone Elbow to List of Ills of Digital Age

June 8, 2009
Doctors say excessive gabbing on a cellphone risks Cell Phone Elbow. The good news is that simple changes can help avert the painful condition.

Campaigns Urge People to “Unplug” for Sanity

June 1, 2009
Sick of the cell phone, pager and e-mail? For spiritual and potential ergonomic benefits, heed the call of the “unplug” movement.

Researchers Recast Daydreaming As Useful Activity

May 25, 2009
A Canadian study says minds need to wander. The trick will be managing the need so safety, for one thing, isn’t compromised.

BCPE Certification Process Earns NCCA Accreditation

May 20, 2009
The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE) has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for its Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE)/Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) program.

Research: Drivers Overestimate Their Skills, Underestimate Risk of Distractions

May 18, 2009
A new study could help explain why the habit of using a cell phone behind the wheel persists despite research that shows it is risky business. Drivers tend to overestimate their own skills, and underestimate risks from distractions.

Science Beyond Fiction: High-Tech Ergonomics

May 11, 2009
A recent conference, Science Beyond Fiction, explores the frontiers of our interaction with our devices and machines. High-tech ergonomics was on display.

Work-Related Stress Can Be Costly

May 4, 2009
Some pressure at work is unavoidable and may even keep workers alert and motivated, but there is a harmful kind of work stress. A new report from the Canadian National Occupational Health and Safety Resource makes it clear that an organization's efforts to reduce work stress for employees can pay off at many levels.

Researcher Successfully Twitters His Thoughts Without Typing

April 27, 2009
Imagine thinking a post to the social network, Twitter. A researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has done just that, a breakthrough that holds great promise for people with certain disabilities.

Flying Laptop Kills Woman

April 20, 2009
The danger of death from a flying laptop computer was all but unknown until a recent accident in Canada, but the risk has always been there. The accident speaks to a need for the proper storage and transport of mobile workers’ laptops.

New “Bedside Test” Expected to Simplify and Improve Back Pain Diagnosis

April 13, 2009
Massachusetts General Hospital researchers announced a test in April that could make back pain less of a mystery, and lead to better treatment and diagnosis of the condition.

Equipois Launches zeroG2 for Payloads Under Ten Pounds

April 8, 2009
Equipois Inc., whose zeroG® technology allows tools, parts, and materials to be maneuvered as if weightless with unprecedented freedom of motion, has announced the launch of the zeroG2 product line for payloads under 10 pounds.

Australian Study Gives Thumbs-Up to Surfing the Net at Work

April 6, 2009
Millions are spent in the attempt to stop employees surfing the net at work. Employers could be wasting their money, according to a new study.