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Humantech ergonomist Blake McGowan explains the results of a study that examined the mechanisms that reduce muscular force following static stretching in this month’s video. The results include: Changes are unlikely to occur in the muscle. Changes are likely to occur in the nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Last month, McGowan explained how… read more

We’ve been working with a major transportation company recently that has experienced a great deal of challenges in its packaging department. They just couldn’t seem to get a handle on how to mitigate the difficulties of banding large containers without complaints of discomfort or notices of absenteeism throughout their shipping/receiving staff. Fortunately, our team discovered… read more

A colleague said something to me over a decade ago, and it sticks with me today: “A company that is willing to do the little things is capable of doing the big things.” I love that phrase and have been thinking about it  a lot lately, as I discuss our process, tools, and expected outcomes… read more

Does your team ever complete a great fix, only for it to be forgotten about shortly after? We often see ergonomics teams struggle with how to gain traction and encourage employee engagement. Once your team starts implementing great fixes in the workplace, it’s important to communicate that success. Improving the visibility of your ergonomics initiatives… read more

One of the ongoing discussions in the workplace is the comparison of different office workstation setups, specifically with the multitude of options available today; from various keyboard structures and angled mice, to monitor sizes and layouts. Working with multiple desktop monitors has been increasing recently, in an effort to enhance productivity and efficiency.  On the… read more

The chair is the most frequently used piece of office equipment, and is often not adjusted properly. To work comfortably and avoid injury, watch the video below. These tips will ensure your chair is adjusted to fit you. With your feet flat on the floor, adjust the seat height to ensure your knees and hips maintain a… read more

 In the series ErgoU:  Ergonomics Research Notes from the Field, Humantech ergonomist Blake McGowan meets with ergonomics researchers from leading universities and associations across the country to share their latest findings.     Field Notes:  Blake had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Emile Tompa from the Institute of Work & Health in Toronto, Canada to… read more

Humantech ergonomist Blake McGowan shares the findings of a systematic review of literature that determined the impact of stretching on human performance in this month’s installment. The results include: Stretching reduces strength capabilities and the ability to generate force. It reduces speed and agility. Stretching has no impact on muscular endurance. Peck E, Chomko G, Gaz… read more

At Automation Alley’s TECHTakeover I explored the future of manufacturing at the presentation on collaborative and autonomous robotics. The technology presented was astounding, and opened my “ergo eyes” to a whole new dimension for the field of ergonomics. In ergonomics, there are four main risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); posture, force, frequency and duration…. read more

Operations and Safety don’t always speak the same language, not because Operations isn’t committed to keeping people safe at work or Safety isn’t concerned with meeting operational goals, but rather because each area has its own methods, processes, and measures. This communication gap can increase when ergonomics is added to the mix. Ergonomics is often… read more