Design

21 Jun, 21

What ergonomics isn’t

Some people think that ergonomics is about teaching people to sit up straight and lift with their legs. When we do an assessment, unless we explain very carefully that we’re hoping to see people working the way they normally do, we’re sometimes entertained by a “show” of what people think we want to see. When […]
Read more
19 Apr, 21

Will an ergonomist recommend slowing down production?

Every ergonomist considers the effect of production rate on injury risk. In school, we learn that injury risk is related to repetitive or sustained exposure to forceful, awkward postures. Presented with forceful, awkward tasks that seem impossible to change, the logical suggestion is to limit exposure by slowing things down. Reducing the work rate gives […]
Read more
20 Feb, 21

Leaning in, literally

Although I was a huge fan of Sheryl Sandberg’s book, “Lean In” has a more literal meaning for ergonomists. Most of us have leaned against something dusty or wet and then walked around not realizing that a sleeve, shoulder, back, or butt was dirty. Have you ever considered why people lean on things? If you’re […]
Read more
Cart