Human Factors and Ergonomics

Research in the field of ergonomics, and its associated research methods such as motion capture, may appear abstract, with limited direct application outside of academia. However, when integrated into a research-to-practice design philosophy, ergonomics and biomechanical research methods can be employed to improve overall satisfaction with devices and workplaces. Occasionally, products are released onto the market without full consideration of user needs and wants. User-centered design (UCD), often by way of methods including surveys or task analyses,...

If you ask most about proper lifting technique, they will tell you to “lift with your legs, not with your back.” However, this simple rule may be doing more harm than good. There are many barriers to applying this principle, and the scientific literature and principles of biomechanics show that this is in fact the wrong way to approach the problem. Our current efforts to reduce back injuries are not making much of a difference. We need to take a step back, think outside of the box, and change the lifting scenario—not the lifting technique. In this presentation,...