Human Factors and Ergonomics

11/15/2023: Assessing the Relationship between Job Tasks and Musculoskeletal Pain in Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers

About the webinar:

In an age where 1.71 billion adults globally suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, this study delves deep into the lives of two integral pillars of society: Firefighters (FFs) and Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs). Recognizing that these professionals are at heightened risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), possibly due to the rigors of their occupation, the Rocky Mountain Cetner for Occupational and Environmental Health undertook comprehensive research to examine the connection between job tasks and the prevalence of MSDs. Over 380 professionals, including 214...

02/01/2024 - 02/02/2024 - Hot, Dusty, and Smoky: Navigating Extremes, Climate Change Impacts on OEH

Thursday, February 1 (Online) &
Friday, February 2, 2024 (In-Person | Berkeley, CA)

Climate change is pressing public health crisis that is already impacting the world of work. Join the Northern California Centers for Occupational and Environmental Health for a deep dive into the chemical, biological, and physical hazards of navigating climate extremes. Learn about the rising prevalence of Valley Fever, a fungal infection caused by inhaling dust or soil particles, particularly in drought-affected regions. Discuss the impacts of rising temperatures on worker safety, heat-related...

10/18/2023: Design and Safety: Sizing Considerations for Personal Protective Equipment

About the webinar:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a vital safety tool in many industries and workplaces. PPE can provide protection to the wearer in many ways, such as shielding the body from impact (i.e., helmets), making the body more visible (i.e., high-visibility clothing), changing the temperature of the body (i.e., moisture-wicking clothing), or even preventing internal exposure (i.e., respirators). Some workers, such as firefighters and astronauts, require very industry-specific protective equipment. Traditionally, PPE has been designed and sized for the average male body....

Do the Change with Brandon Phillips, MS

Join us for this episode with Brandon Phillips, MS, a second-year ergonomics student at UC Berkeley. Tune in to hear about Brandon's journey in the field and his thoughts on the importance of practical experience, creativity, and diversity in ergonomics. His journey includes a summer practicum he discovered through the power of social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), demonstrating how social media platforms can be instrumental in securing internships and connecting with others in your area of interest.

09/20/2023: Workplace Design Considerations for the Aging Workforce (and for all!)

About the webinar:

As people age, they may experience changes in physical abilities, sensory perception, and cognitive functions. They may also experience chronic pain. Demographic trends highlight the importance of designing workplaces that address the needs of an aging workforce, especially if an organization’s goals are to promote employee well-being, productivity, work retention, and reduce the risk of injuries. Drawing from a broad Total Worker Health® perspective and recent human factors / ergonomics publications, this presentation offers an overview of key workplace design...

08/16/2023: How World Class Ergonomics Programs Are Using Technology

About the webinar:

The field of ergonomics is currently seeing a migration towards the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), computer-vision, wearable technology, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and advanced data analytics to evaluate workplaces, train the workforce, and make more informed decisions. While vendor options are rapidly growing, concerns remain around the data being collected as well as data accuracy. This webinar will discuss the technologies currently being adopted by world class ergonomics programs in industry, the challenges and opportunities with implementation...

ERG100 | 08/07 - 10/01/2023 | Foundations for Cognitive, Macro and Physical Human Factors and Ergonomics

This course presents fundamental concepts from multiple disciplines that are essential to practicing ergonomics. The course begins with core topics from anatomy, kinesiology and the physiology of work as applied to human abilities and limitations. The class continues with an exploration of biomechanics, anthropometry, physical and psychosocial ergonomic risk factors and analytic methods to mitigate risk exposure. Finally, cognitive and macro ergonomics models are introduced along with considerations for the professional ergonomist. Learners will also evaluate different environments based...

ERG120 | 10/09 - 12/10/2023 | Physical Human Factors and Ergonomics

Learn how to identify the components of occupational tasks that can contribute to musculoskeletal injury and/or fatigue, quantify the risks using the most relevant ergonomics assessment tools, and integrate that information into conclusions regarding the acceptability of risk. This course will use physical ergonomics as an example of evidence-based practice by not only covering analysis tools, but also explaining their scientific basis and outlining their strengths and limitations for various work scenarios. You will also be introduced to the concepts of optimal task design and gain...

ERG150 | 05/20/2024 - 7/14/2024 | Macroergonomics: A Systems Approach to Human Factors and Ergonomics

This 8-week, asynchronous online course presents fundamental concepts from multiple disciplines that are essential to understanding and implementing macroergonomics principles. The course begins with introducing core topics from systems theory, socio-technical systems approach, organizational behavior and design, participatory ergonomics, and implementing integrated organizational interventions. The class continues with an exploration of various case studies where macroergonomics interventions occurred along with recognizing successful factors in designing and implementing organizational...

Become an Ergonomist with Meg Honan

Meg Honan is a consulting ergonomist for the UC Ergonomics Laboratory and course instructor. She was the Ergonomics Program Manager for Genentech’s South San Francisco site until 2018, where she engaged leadership at all levels, and interdisciplinary teams through participatory ergonomics.