07
Dec, 20
Can workers exert maximum strength at work?
Workers who exert more than their own maximum strength are at risk of accident or injury.
16
Nov, 20
Changing your tires? Which wrench is right?
If you’re having trouble loosening the lug nuts on your summer tires, a longer wrench will give you an advantage. The physics behind the “lever” wasn’t exciting in 6th grade, and surely would not compel you to read this article. However, the “longer wrench” solution is so effective that it’s tempting to simply use the […]
16
Jul, 20
Beat the heat!
Summer is here, and many Canadians have flipped the switch from complaining about the cold, to complaining about the heat! After enduring long months of winter, relaxing outdoors might feel great. Unfortunately, working in that same heat can be uncomfortable and possibly even dangerous. Here are some ways to beat the summer heat while working […]
16
Oct, 19
Design, so they don’t reach for it!
If you’re familiar with ergonomics design guidelines, then you are aware of the CSA guideline (CSA Z1004-12) that provides recommended reach guidelines for “frequent”, “infrequent”, and “occasional” work. What do these guidelines represent? For reach, we usually are most concerned with a smaller worker, because a larger worker could stand further back, and achieve the […]
23
Apr, 19
A force gauge is an ergonomist’s best friend!
Force gauges are used by ergonomists to collect quantitative data for PDAs and ergonomics assessments of pushing, pulling, and lifting tasks. We often take measurements 5-6 times, to ensure we are collecting the most accurate data possible, so it’s important to have a force gauge that can “measure” up to the task. A variety of […]
03
Jan, 19
How well do your employees understand ergonomics?
Ergonomics is not new; in fact, it has been around for over 150 years (See our blog: 150 years of Ergonomics). However, even within companies with well-established ergo programs, employees often don’t really know what ergonomics is, or what it should do for them. If people don’t know what it is, they probably can’t benefit […]
23
Jul, 18
Dog days of summer
Stay cool, even without air conditioning (Read time 2:30) Last year Ursa, our Border Collie puppy, was too young to run with us, but now she’s acting the part of a herding dog, motivating our 5 k runs. Ursa loves to run no matter what…hot or cool. But when it started to warm up outside, […]
16
Jul, 18
How can we get employees to use “ergonomic” work practices?
Most employers want employees to use “ergonomic” work practices, and sometimes they are frustrated when employees choose methods that seem “obviously” un-ergonomic. Employees may have the option to push straight on, but they push sideways because it’s faster. Or maybe they don’t use the lift table that has been provided. In offices, the purchase of […]