Blog

16 Jul, 14

Sharp knife requires less effort

Years ago, I would have been disappointed to receive kitchen utensils as a birthday gift, but this year, when I was given a set of new knives, I was quite excited. In the past few months, I’ve noticed that cutting is more work than it used to be – I worried that this was a […]
Read more
27 Jun, 14

29 ways to an “ergonomic” vacation

If we can loosely define “ergonomic” as “comfortable, safe, pleasant, high quality, and productive”, then these tips should legitimately improve your next vacation, ergonomically! Assuming your vacation starts in your vehicle: If possible, optimise seat height so you can see well, and adjust suspension to minimise shock and vibration Optimise seat fore-aft seat position so […]
Read more
19 Jun, 14

What is “repetitive”?

We are often asked to define the term “repetitive”. When it comes to an injured worker, the definition should come from the employee’s health care provider.   Each worker’s injury is unique, and one health care provider might have a unique idea of what “repetitive” means for his/her patient. (No matter what you’ve heard, there is no gold standard.) If the health […]
Read more
02 Jun, 14

Barista-Back

A recent article in the National Post highlighted the back and shoulder MSD hazards associated with barista work. The article highlighted a study from Wilfrid Laurier University, which showed that baristas have high rates of back and shoulder pain. The researchers did a great job of collecting survey, postural, and force data, and showing that the […]
Read more
09 May, 14

Ergo on the golf course

Warmer weather means golf season is finally here! Whether you pick up a bucket at the driving range, or opt for the full 18-holes, golf is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few “ergo thoughts” regarding this sport. Golf apparel has changed greatly over the years. (See Global Golf’s website for a brief […]
Read more
10 Apr, 14

Ergonomically designed, or marketed?

We’ve all seen items marketed as “ergonomically designed”, which typically means that a coat of rubber has been slapped around the handle, or the item is bent or angled in some way that makes it more comfortable to use. (Consider pens, shovels, keyboards, etc.) We recently came across an ad in the Toronto Star that […]
Read more
24 Feb, 14

The screen vs. paper stand-off

Does your brain prefer paper? In our office, we’ve discovered a “gender gap”. Karen and Carrie prefer to print documents and edit with pen on paper. We find this practice more comfortable, and faster. However, the younger generation prefers to read documents on the screen, and track changes electronically.  I have an e-reader, which I […]
Read more
Cart
X