Ergonomics Today™

“Internet postman” Delivers 21st Century to Isolated Villages

April 6, 2007
An “internet postman” brings 21st century communications to remote villages in several parts of the world.

Seventeen Recent Hospital Fatalities Highlight Superbug Risk

April 2, 2007
The widow of a recent superbug victim says secrecy is to blame for her husband’s death, and is suing the hospital. It is not the first time secrecy has been linked to the problem.

Multitasking Taken to Task, But Not by Everyone

March 30, 2007
The only thing about multitasking that experts can agree on is that it is here to stay.

FAA to Hasten Technology Designed to Cut Runway Accidents

March 26, 2007
The FAA is taking the “root cause” approach to cutting the number of runway accidents and near misses.

New Uses for “Devilish” Bar Codes

March 23, 2007
March brought news of more applications for the ubiquitous – and “devilish” – bar code.

Report: Computers in Scotland’s Schools Fail to Boost Performance

March 19, 2007
Scotland is galloping ahead with a program to bring computer technology to classrooms, but early results suggest the ergonomic groundwork is still at the starting gate.

Study: Deep Vein Thrombosis Lies In Wait for Some Deskbound Workers

March 16, 2007
March saw a new challenge to the long-held thesis that flying is the arch villain in deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

European Union Leaders Agree to Cut Red Tape

March 12, 2007
European Union leaders have pledged to turn Europe into the world’s most dynamic economy by 2010. Cutting red tape promises to be an ergonomic step in the right direction.

"Project Spectrum" Aims to Reduce Education Handicap for Autistic Children

March 9, 2007
Project Spectrum, developed by Coventry University researchers, brings could see autistic children sharing regular classrooms with children who do not have special needs.

New Findings Could Help Workers Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

March 5, 2007
A new study sets expands knowledge of risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome and suggests ways the painful condition can be avoided

Study Downgrades Repetitive Tapping as Risk Factor for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

March 2, 2007
Overuse of the hand and wrist has long been blamed for carpal tunnel syndrome. Not so, says American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Advice for Employers: Let Them Nap -- and Reap the Rewards!

February 26, 2007
Can new research persuade employers that allowing - even encouraging - employees to nap at work makes sound ergonomic sense? That remains to be seen.

Legislation Would Ban Virginia Teens from Cell Phone Use Behind the Wheel

February 23, 2007
Virginia legislators have approved a bill banning teens from using a cell phone while driving. Is it a first step or the last towards ridding the state’s roads of a recognized menace to safety.

Study Explores Benefits and Risks for Older Women Workers

February 19, 2007
To help out the British economy, the government wants more older people in the workforce. Answering the call could come at a price for women.

British Study Links Musculoskeletal Disorders in Women to Menstrual Cycle

February 16, 2007
A new British study, linking musculoskeletal disorders to a woman’s menstrual cycle, contributes to the fund of knowledge about gender differences in the workplace.

New Inserts Designed to Reduce Pain of Sexy High Heels

February 12, 2007
Nothing says “glamour” more than stilts and stilettos. Even more sober high heels add a touch of chic to any outfit. A US company has introduced show inserts that take a new approach to reducing the painful price of these fashion accessories.

More Thumbs Down for Diminutive Electronic Devices

February 9, 2007
The list of afflictions linked to use of small electronic gadgets grew recently, with the addition of “iPod finger” and “iPod oblivion.”

Researchers Take Virtual Look at Train Accident Risk Factors

February 5, 2007
The trouble with investigating train accidents is that the circumstances can’t be repeated easily and without endangering lives and equipment. Researchers at a university west London have found a way around the problem.

DEMO 07 Displays Products Designed to Dazzle, but What About Usability?

February 2, 2007
The ultra-high tech products on display at DEMO 07 are designed to be useful. But are they useable?

What Happened to MSD epidemic in Newsrooms? Maybe Nothing

January 29, 2007
An article in January’s Editor & Publisher asks whatever happened to the musculoskeletal plague of the 1980s and 1990s.