Ergonomics Today™

zeroG® Technology Selected as Finalist for New Product of the Year Award

November 11, 2008
Equipois Inc., makers of the zeroG® mechanical arm technologies that render heavy tools and equipment weightless for a range of applications involving human workers, has been selected by Plant Engineering Magazine as a finalist in its annual “New Product of the Year” competition.

Bionic Hand Ranked 14th in Top 50 Innovations of 2008

November 10, 2008
The i-LIMB Hand delivers real dexterity to amputees, a fact that impressed the jury of experts enough for them to rank it ahead of the Mars Rover on a list of the year’s best inventions.

FAA Issues Runway Safety Figures, Convenes Safety Council

November 3, 2008
In October the Federal Aviation Administration issued improved figures for serious runway incursions, and announced initiatives to keep the good figures coming.

Experts Identify Persistent Problems with U.S. Ballot and Voting System Usability

October 29, 2008
With a globally significant USA election only days away, many are wondering if our voting systems will accurately count voter intentions. On the heels of widely reported problems in the 2000 and 2004 elections, Americans have reason to be concerned. Fortunately, ergonomists and human factors professionals are stepping forward to help.

Amended Version of Americans With Disabilities Act in Force in January

October 27, 2008
More help is on the way for Americans with disabilities. An expanded version of the Americans With Disabilities Act comes into force on January 1, and both presidential candidates in the November 4 election support expanded disability benefits.

Mind Power and Artificial Connection Used to Move Paralyzed Limbs

October 20, 2008
Scientific breakthrough shows it is possible to direct brain signals, via an artificial correction, to make paralyzed limbs move.

October Is National Ergonomics Month

October 15, 2008
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) has declared October as National Ergonomics Month, with the goal of promoting the science, application, and profession through teaching, learning, networking, service and fun.

California Governor Vetoes Safe Patient Handling Legislation Again

October 6, 2008
A California bill aimed at protecting healthcare workers and hospital patients from pain, injury and disability associated with manual lifting failed to pass for a fifth time in as many years.

Texting While Driving Illegal in California From January 1

September 29, 2008
In September California became the eighth state to ban text messaging behind the wheel, a follow-up move to pin drivers’ attention on the road.

Finnish Experts Concerned with Growing Mismatch Between Their Population and the Design of Their Physical World

September 22, 2008
Two experts from Finland recently expressed concern that today’s design in that country doesn’t reflect size gains in the population, while accommodating an ever narrower range of physical characteristics.

New Invention Delivers Benefits of Virtual Weightlessness to Workplace

September 14, 2008
Tools, parts and equipment weigh “virtually nothing” when maneuvered with the new zeroG™ arm, according to its maker. The device addresses risk factors and efficiency in workplace.

Anti-Regulation Group Prepares for New Fight Against Ergonomics

September 9, 2008
The United States Chamber of Commerce will hold a Forum entitled “Ergonomics in the 21st Century: Toward a New Paradigm” on September 12, 2008, in Washington, D.C. The meeting will serve to re-energize an anti-regulation group and to report new research it believes strengthens their political positions.

Michigan Releases New Draft of Controversial Ergonomics Standard

September 8, 2008
Opponents are girding to do battle against Michigan's new proposed ergonomics standard. The see it as a drain on the state's bottom line.

Robotic Suit Offers Alternative to the Wheelchair

August 30, 2008
For people paralyzed from the waist down, a new robotic suit means functioning “legs.”

Researcher Developing Wearable Solar Charger for Handheld Electronics

August 25, 2008
Researcher Joe Hyneck wants to make life a little easier for people who can’t leave home without their electronics.

Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety Reorganizing, Expanding

August 18, 2008
Two prominent ergonomists have been brought in to head new centers at Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety

New Bandwidth Brings “Talking Car” System Closer for European Drivers

August 11, 2008
The European Union introduced a measure in August that promises to make driving safer and less aggravating in member countries.

Cancer Doctor Takes a Stand on Cell Phone Use: Advises Precautions

August 4, 2008
On the link between cell phone use and cancer, research findings are inconclusive. But analyzing recent studies, a prominent cancer researchers recommends caution with the devices.

Wrong Exercise Bras Can Damage Breasts

July 28, 2008
Exercise can damage a woman’s breasts. A team of British researchers has sounded an alarm about ill-functioning and ill-fitting exercise bras.

CarFit Aims to Make Roads Safer for Older Drivers

July 21, 2008
New program assesses whether older drivers' cars are properly and individually adjusted for safety.