Ergonomics Today™

World Usability Day-2009 Pairs Eco-friendliness with User-friendliness

November 2, 2009
World Usability Day-2009 couples usability and sustainability. It’s a timely combination – and all the more valuable when usability is not detached from ergonomics

Authorities Focus on Sleep Apnea after Pilots Overshoot Destination

October 26, 2009
Pilots overshot their destination airport, Minneapolis, on October 21, and aviation authorities sent out an alert about sleep apnea. But pilots can nod off for several common and often preventable reasons the authorities didn’t mention.

US Senator Al Franken Introduces Safe Patient Handling Bill

October 19, 2009
A Democratic US senator, Al Franken, has introduced legislation to make patient handling safer for nurses and patients alike. A companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Help your University Win $10,000 in Ergonomic Chairs from Neutral Posture!

October 16, 2009
Universities looking to benefit from proper ergonomic seating now have a chance to win $10,000 in ergonomic chairs from leading ergonomic seating manufacturer Neutral Posture, Inc. The "Support Your School" Facebook Promotion Runs October 1 through November 30, 2009.

Coming Soon -- 2009 National Ergonomics Conference & Exposition

October 16, 2009
Join Ergoweb at the 15th Annual National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, November 17 - 20. We've arranged an additional 10% discount off their lowest available registration rates for Ergoweb clients, followers and friends.

Upgrade Your CubeLife -- Ergotron Launches Sweepstakes in Celebration of National Ergonomics Month

October 12, 2009
Throughout October, Ergotron will offer a variety of online activities including "Work Fit Wednesdays"—a series of short, pre-recorded episodes that can be viewed anywhere, at any time. Ergotron is also launching the "Upgrade Your CubeLife" Sweepstakes for anyone looking to bring ergonomic adjustability into their daily computing.

Texting While Driving: Stop it by Design, or by Behavior?

October 12, 2009
A ban on texting while driving is gaining traction, and 93 percent of licensed drivers would support one. Meanwhile, at least two experts say it's better to curb the dangerous habit by design, rather than relying on behavioral approaches, like prohibition laws.

Environmental Group Advises Limiting Exposure to Cell Phone Radiation

October 5, 2009
Until more is known about the risks to health of long-term exposure to cell phone radiation, according to an environmental group, it’s a possible red flag that demands caution.

October is National Ergonomics Month

September 30, 2009
National Ergonomics Month is the kick-off event for service and outreach events that grow the public understanding of ergonomics / human factors / usability science and practice.

Days Numbered for High-heel Fashion in Some British Workplaces

September 28, 2009
Britain's Trades Union Congress recently launched a direct assault on employers who require high heels in the workplace, an assault with ergonomic aspects.

Michigan Chamber of Commerce Reiterates Warning Against Ergonomics Standard

September 21, 2009
Michigan legislators appear to have little thought to spare for the proposed mandatory ergonomics standard, which was, until January, winding its way through the state’s legislative process.

Distracted Driving Summit -- Leaders to Explore Solutions to Distracted Driving

September 17, 2009
Over 200 safety experts, researchers, elected officials and members of the public will gather in Washington, D.C. to share their experiences, provide feedback and develop recommendations for reducing the growing safety risk that distracted driving is imposing on our nation’s roads.

Brain-computer Advances Hold Promise for Enabling Technologies and Impaired Patients

September 14, 2009
Researchers express confidence that technology enabling a person to think an action will be an answer for many kinds of disability, and possibly even coma patients.

Author: Office Profits from “No-Gossip” Zone

September 7, 2009
A new book argues that banning gossip from the office fosters health and high performance in the workplace.

Researchers Take Multitasking to Task

August 31, 2009
Research has long suggested that multitasking is counterproductive, and a new study suggests media multitaskers might be paying a mental price for their juggling.

Bright Idea Could Improve Illumination in Bendy Displays

August 24, 2009
A new technique for manufacturing so-called bendy displays could be a bright idea for instrument panels and diagnostic tools.

New Study Could Help Improve Back-to-Work Programs for Musculoskeletal Disorder Patients

August 17, 2009
Quebec researchers explored several cases in a back-to-work program for musculoskeletal disorder patients and found factors that could reduce or prevent long-term disability.

Blind Volunteers to Test Walking Directions via MapQuest

August 10, 2009
AOL’s MapQuest and the American Foundation™ for the Blind hope to change the picture for direction seekers who are blind or visually impaired

Live from the IEA 17th World Congress on Ergonomics

August 10, 2009
Ergoweb principal Peter Budnick reports from Beijing, China, where ergonomics practitioners from around the world have gathered to participate in the International Ergonomics Association's 17th triennial conference.

Stress Contributes to Poor Decision Making

August 3, 2009
Stressed rats in a new study were stuck in a rut and made poor decisions. The findings hold lessons for employers interested in reducing errors and creating more flexible production systems, and for those looking for more than negative health evidence to combat workplace stress.