What Ergonomists Are Talking About

Some interesting developments have recently taken place in Canada and the United States which may affect your Ergonomics efforts. We have provided a brief summary of some of the items that have hit our ergonomists desks or inboxes this month.

In the news

USA

OSHA has extended its deadline to March 30, 2010 for comments on the proposed recordkeeping rule which would add “work related musculoskeletal disorders” to the OSHA 300 log. Go to http://www.regulations.gov to have your say.

CANADA

The Ministry of Labour released a new online tool (February 26, 2010) to educate Ontarians on Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).  Visit http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/pains/pains_strains.php to learn more about the Pains and Strains in the Workplace Tool.

Ontario’s Office of the Employer Advisor has reported that Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will no longer be offering specialized ergonomics services and has eliminated all 29 ergonomics specialists’ positions. Employers requiring these ergonomic services will need to hire and pay the associated costs of a private sector Ergonomist. Go to http://www.employeradviser.ca/html/inthenews.html#_WSIB_Ergonomist_positions for further information.

Research/ Publications

In January 2010, NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) released a publication entitled “A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Training & Education for the Protection of Workers”. If you are responsible for OH&S related training at your facility – it could be worth a read. Go to http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-127/ to download a copy.

Have you ever visited the Institute of Work and Health (IWH) website at www.iwh.on.ca?  Currently they have free downloads which are “How To” Guides on reducing musculoskeletal hazards. This may be another way to add value to your ergonomics program.

Here’s What Sandalwood is up to This Month:

Applied Ergonomics Conference, San Antonio, TX March 22-25. On Monday March 22, Sandalwood’s Mardy Frazer, PhD, will be conducting a pre-conference workshop on “Job Rotation as a Strategy to Reduce Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders" Visit us at Booth 315 to introduce yourself to Catherine Rae and Pam Dwyer.

Catherine and Pam look forward to meeting with you, discussing ergonomic issues and to hear your topic ideas for future issues of the Ergo Tip of the Month!  You can also enter our drawing to win an Ergonomic Tool Kit (valued at $1,100.00).

Check out the Hose Connector Acceptability Rating (HCAR) Process Ergo Cup booth presented by Ford Motor Company and Sandalwood’s Rico Fiacco.  Take part in some of the interactive demonstrations available and be immersed in a virtual environment.

As always, let us know what you think and what news you have to share!