Blog

29 Apr, 13

1000 words – photography and ergonomics

As “seasoned” ergonomists, we have been using digital cameras for years – our first digital camera, purchased in 1995, cost $1500, took grainy black and white photos, had a non-replaceable battery, internal (only) memory, and held a  maximum of 20 photos. And yet, we were ecstatic to be able to put photos directly into our […]
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22 Apr, 13

Thoughts of summer…planning for heat stress season

Winter has finally left us in peace! Our minds are drifting to summer barbeques, beaches, and the fact that we won’t have to haul around a bulky jacket! It’s still only spring – is it too early to think about heat stress? In winter, no one would think twice before gearing up to go outside […]
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Ergonomics and pride of workmanship

From Wikipedia: “Workmanship refers to the quality of the work of an artisan or craftsman.” I had always thought of “workmanship” the domain of artists. A few years ago, I had an “aha moment.” I woke up after unexpected but thankfully minor surgery to find the doctor peering over me with a prideful smirk on […]
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21 Feb, 13

Move over, Goldilocks!

Our team meets every second Friday to share ideas, finish “one-off” projects, and learn about new methods. Each person has his/her own favourite spot to sit. But in between team meetings, we often run open enrollment training. So other people come in and sit in “our” seats. They make adjustments (especially in our office ergo […]
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21 Jan, 13

Shovel safely!

Winter brings out the ergonomist in us – Karen was recently watching with interest as her husband shovelled the driveway. In fact, she was so intrigued with the process, that she spontaneously launched a full scale ergonomics assessment! (Is it any coincidence that the analysis process required approximately the same time as it took for […]
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Christmas shopping, “ergonomically”

At this time of year, we are all susceptible to aching feet, legs, backs, and shoulders, as a result of prolonged hours of shoppping. (I do realise that not all of us consider shopping in the same category of “work”, or even “sport”, but I assure you that it does entail musculoskeletal demands!) Here are […]
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Business Man Texting
31 Oct, 12

Texting Thumbs & Shoulders & Neck &…

Ergonomists have been expecting it for years. In fact, we’re frankly quite shocked that it’s taken so long for the concerns to surface. Reports have associated smartphone use with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis and osteoarthritis. Research done at the University of Waterloo (UW) shows that heavy users of portable mobile devices report thumb, shoulder, and neck […]
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