Ergonomics Today™

Keypad Usability Expert Designs for Faster Text Messaging

September 23, 2005
It can take all day to tap out a message or browse the Web on a cell phone, and fingers feel all thumbs.

ErgoSolutions: Milk, a Dozen Eggs and ‘Your Message Here’

September 21, 2005
A simple ergonomic solution designed to make plastic bag handling more comfortable and secure for shoppers also holds promise for brand promotion among retailers.

“Electrosmog” – Are We Getting Too Much?

September 19, 2005
We are bombarded with electromagnetic radiation from remote control devices, cell phones and other sources. But is it harmful? It depends who you ask.

Workplace May or May Not be the Villain in Lower Back Pain

September 16, 2005
When back pain strikes, most people blame their work. According to one expert on the disorder, they might be right, or they might be wrong.

Robot-Man Partners to Take the Stage in Washington DC

September 12, 2005
On September 16 robots will spend the day flying, hopping, scooting and just showing off in Washington DC at the invitation of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Study: Fatigued Doctors Might As Well Be Drunk

September 8, 2005
Appearances aren’t lying if the doctor you visit in hospital looks drunk, but don’t blame alcohol.

Study Dismisses Link Between Cell Phones and Cancer, But Hazard Question Still Open

September 7, 2005
Researchers in Britain reported in August that cell phones don’t cause cancer, but their conclusion is unlikely to end arguments about whether the devices are health hazards.

Two Thumbs Down to Increased Texting Among Teens

September 5, 2005
In August, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) warned the increase in text messaging, especially popular with today’s youngsters, may contribute to a rise in repetitive strain injury (RSI) in young thumbs.

Hand-pulled Rickshaw Ban in India Touches on Ergonomic Issues

September 2, 2005
From details gathered about the ban in the Indian press, it was clear the authorities had decided the sight of barefoot humans pulling other humans around the city was bad for Calcutta’s image.

Web Sites – One Sex Does Not Fit All

August 31, 2005
It appears that sex and web sites add up to more than pornography.

Factors Cited in Texas Explosion Point to Ergonomic Issues

August 29, 2005
In an unprecedented move, the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) issued an urgent recommendation on August 17 that requests BP create an independent panel to review the safety culture at the company's North American operations.

Safety Experts Consider Implications of Changes to Truckers' Hours

August 26, 2005
Regarded as a gift for the trucking and retail industries, the now 11-hour workday is three hours longer than safety experts recommend for drivers.

Mark Your Calendar - 5 Ergo Events for Fall

August 24, 2005
Ergonomics is a dynamic, growing field with no shortage of new research, training information and timely application studies. Now that summer is winding down and the kids are heading back to class, you can too.

New Study Recasts Cell Phones as Effective Teaching Tool

August 22, 2005
Most schools ban cell phones in the classrooms, and a new study suggests that may be a mistake.

New Device Could Help Individuals with Paralysis Maintain Fitness

August 19, 2005
A new device that helps a paralyzed Briton to keep fit illustrates two phenomena – consumers who don’t give in to their disability, and the ergonomic credentials of a device that gives more self sufficiency to a severely handicapped individual.

Back to Back Pain for Students?

August 17, 2005
Backpacks remain one of today’s hottest items among students, and come in a variety of sizes, colors - even the jersey of your kid’s favorite NBA team. But has backpack fashion left function behind?

Cell Phone Design Given a Failing Grade for Usability

August 15, 2005
Cell phone design recently received a failing grade from a prominent ergonomist, and reviews of the devices in technology magazines support his convictions.

OSHA Targets Ergonomics Settlement Agreements for Cancellation

August 12, 2005
In August the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor began canceling ergonomics agreements made with several major United States companies.

Celebrities Sexy, Slinky Slouch Invites Back Pain – and Worse

August 8, 2005
Call it the hunch or the slouch, the drooping hip-thruster walk of many celebrities is ergonomically incorrect and courts the United States’ Number One disability – back pain.

Ergonomics in Space - Vital for NASA Crews

August 5, 2005
NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery is about to head back to Earth, a natural cue for a guided tour of the ergonomic solutions aboard the orbiter.