Measurement Based Methods In Ergonomic Product Design: Workshop
Monday March 12, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Instructors: Kevin J. Costello, President, United States Ergonomics; Chandra Nair, Sr. Human Factors Specialist,
Motorola

Level: Intermediate / Advanced

Sponsors: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)

Description:
This seminar emphasizes the ergonomics product design process and techniques used to quantify ergonomics performance. The purpose is to provide an insight as to how a human factors practitioner would interact with a product design team throughout the various stages of product development, with an emphasis on problem solving and validation. This session would include several case studies and hands-on, interactive demonstrations. A variety of measurement tools and equipment will be demonstrated (such as EMG, goniometry, force sensors, pressure mapping, vibration, etc). Published criteria and generally accepted thresholds and guidelines will be used as reference thresholds.


Posture and Equipment Setup Can Influence Comfort/Discomfort
Tuesday March 13, 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Presenters:
Kevin Costello, United States Ergonomics, Scott Openshaw, Allsteel, Inc.

Description:
An ergonomic assessment of 325 individuals at 15 different companies across the United States was done to observe ergonomic issues among office workers. Measurements were taken of subject anthropometry, tools being used in the office, and environmental conditions. Correlations and relationships were found between some of the postures of office workers and their comfort and discomfort. Additionally, the setup of office accessories and equipment affected the comfort and discomfort of workers. Understand how relationships were determined between posture and setup and comfort/discomfort. Suggestions will also be made on how to improve comfort of office workers.


Environmental Factors that can Influence Comfort/Discomfort
Thursday March 15, 8:00 am – 8:30 am

Presenters:
Kevin Costello, United States Ergonomics, Scott Openshaw, Allsteel, Inc, Erin Taylor, Allsteel, Inc.

An ergonomic assessment of 325 individuals at 15 different companies across the United States was facilitated to observe ergonomic issues among office workers. Measurements were taken on the subject of anthropometry, tools being used in the office, and environmental conditions. Correlations and relationships were discovered between some of the environmental conditions in the office and the comfort and discomfort of office workers. Understand how the relationships were determined and what environmental conditions and tools can affect worker comfort/discomfort. Learn now ways to improve the comfort of office workers at your company.

 
MASTER PANEL: Injury Prevention: Tomorrow’s Best Practice
Thursday March 15th, 9:45 am – 11:15 am

Panelists:
Kevin Costello, CPE, United States Ergonomics
Woody Dwyer CPE, CIE St. Paul Travelers
Kim Lopez, CEO, Remedy Interactive
George Carpenter, CEO, Workwell Systems, Inc.

Moderator:
Dan Cannon, Director, Workplace Productivity Institute

Workplace injuries of any sort can put a dent in a company’s productivity. This and the fact that prevention is a far more cost effective strategy than expending resources on injuries and claims is a big reason why employers are paying more and more attention to preventing injuries in the workplace.

The panel will discuss:

• What leading edge companies are doing in injury prevention?
• A current model for financing corporate injuries: who pays what to whom?
• Opportunities created through injury prevention
• How companies are measuring results
• How do current market forces make now the right time for changes in the injury prevention model?
• What will be the future best practices in injury prevention?