Study Identifies Association Between Certain Work Activities and Osteoarthritis
February 1, 2010
A large cross sectional study identifies certain common work activities as contributing to osteoarthritis (OA) at several body regions. Among the findings, significantly increases in knee OA risk where seen for jolting and stair climbing for men, and standing on a rigid surface for more than two hours a day for woman.

Is It Dangerous -- Even Deadly -- To Sit Too Much?
January 25, 2010
Ergoweb's Peter Budnick takes a closer look at a recent British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) editorial that has spawned international headlines like "sitting too much may be deadly". Is sitting really that bad, or has this editorial been misinterpreted, over-interpreted or over-blown? This article takes a deeper look at the research editorial and how it applies to ergonomics.

Study: Emergency Medical Services Professionals Show High Prevalence of Back/Leg Pain Among Emergency Professionals
January 18, 2010
Those who assist patients may be suffering as much as those they serve. Research conducted by The Ohio State University characterizes the problem.

Study: Behavioral Based Intervention Inneffective at Reducing Whole Body Vibration
January 11, 2010
A whole body vibration (WBV) safety program mostly comprised of administrative controls -- changes in work methods such as route selection, driving speed, and driving style -- was found to have little impact on median exposure to WBV in a European prospective cohort study.

Study: Lengthy Disability Seen in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cases
January 4, 2010
Although known to produce significant disability, this study puts some numbers on time loss duration and permanent partial disability for employees with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Study Quantifies Sleep Deprivation Effects
December 28, 2009
A recent Japanese study reveals that one night’s loss of sleep compromises several needed work skills including high-order cognitive function. Further, a surprising amount of rest is needed for recovery.

Study: Absenteeism and Presenteeism Increase with Perception of Danger by Low Back Pain Sufferers
December 16, 2009
A recent Swiss study indicates that Workers with low back pain (LBP) who feared work tasks were dangerous relative to their condition had a significantly higher incidence of lost work days (absenteeism) and reduced work productivity (presenteeism), according to a recent Swiss cross-sectional study of 670 subjects.

Will the Obama Administration Tackle Ergonomics?
December 9, 2009
OSHA has begun to change directions since the Obama administration took control. The Ergonomics Report looks at recent developments and OSHA statements, including changes to recordkeeping requirements, increased emphasis on enforcement, and increased attention to the general duty clause. These, along with "stealth" ergonomics-related regulations, suggest ergonomics may once again become political.

Relationship between Kneeling and Knee Arthritis an Underrated Concern
December 2, 2009
A Danish study suggests a causal and dose-response relationship between kneeling and knee arthritis.

Macroergonomics and Forever Open Roads
November 24, 2009
Two European projects are built around the idea that road design is about more than costs and materials. They look to the future, and consider the human factor a key part of the deliberations. The goal of "Forever Open Roads" could be macroergonomics in action.

Study: Workers’ Comp Pushing Costs to Private Insurers and Injured Workers
November 18, 2009
Workers’ compensation shifts costs to private health insurers and injured workers, according to a state of Washington study.

Hedge Explains Role of Ergonomics in LEED's ‘Greening’ of Construction
November 11, 2009
LEED certification answers the new focus on sustainability in the construction and property sectors. It has made space for ergonomics in the certificate requirements.

Be Careful Gripping That Hammer
November 4, 2009
How strong is the association between carpal tunnel syndrome and specific occupations? A French study lends support to a workplace public policy.

World Usability Day an Occasion for Message to Usability Community
October 28, 2009
World Usability Day on November 12 picked sustainability as its theme, sidestepping ergonomics and human factors, the pillars of usability.

Study: In-Person Office Ergonomics Assessments Produce Productivity Increase, Less Pain
October 21, 2009
A recent study indicates individual workstation assessments by qualified practitioners are essential for good results in a proactive office ergonomics program.

New Global Anthropometry Resource Nearing Roll-Out
October 14, 2009
The partners in the World Engineering Anthropometry Resource (WEAR) are almost ready to invite users around the world to share the benefits of this web-based tool.

Strong Causal Risk Factor/WMSD Evidence Remains Elusive
October 7, 2009
It’s déjà vu all over again. A review of recent epidemiologic studies reveals familiar risk factor/work-related musculoskeletal disorder relationships but no strong causal evidence.

Formula for Shutting Down Bullying at Work Hard to Find
September 30, 2009
Recent research describes workplace bullying and its impact on its victims without providing answers. That and prevalent attitudes could explain its pervasiveness.

Research: Changes In US Industry Employment Offers Some Benefits
September 23, 2009
Losing some industrial jobs can have an up side when considering injury/illness rates.

Haptics Sending a Buzz Through the Cell Phone Industry
September 16, 2009
Touchscreens go some of the way to delivering a better user interface on cell phones. The search is on to supply the missing factor - lively feedback for the user.