engineering – Taylor'd Ergonomics

26 Sep, 22

engineering, Industrial, News, productivity

What do Lean and Six Sigma have to do with Ergonomics?ost

Turns out, a lot. Ergonomists often talk about how companies could save money by implementing ergonomics improvements. Usually, we’re referring to how workers’ compensation claims could be avoided. We have statistics! The average sprain/strain injury claim costs about $5000 in Ontario, and strains/sprains are the leading ”nature” of injury (and have been for as long […]

01 Aug, 22

anthropometry, Design, engineering, Industrial

Just one quick question: What height…?

What height should this work bench be? This is a simple enough question, but getting to the answer is remarkably complex. The best height for a task depends on: The effort required. Heavier work should be lower than elbow height, whereas lighter work should be at elbow height. The precision required. If you need to […]

11 Jul, 22

best practices, Design, engineering, Ergo at home, Manual handling, News

There once was an ergonomist, who lived on a hill

I vacationed last week at a cottage which, like many lakeside island properties, was elevated from the lake. We’ve spent quite a lot of leisure time at this property, and so we’ve come to appreciate the view that the elevation provides. We also try to appreciate the exercise that is associated with hauling groceries, water, […]

21 Mar, 22

assessment, Design, engineering, ergo program, Industrial, injury, News, productivity

We’re building a new line. We don’t want to repeat the problems of the old line. How can we build for our workers?

Facilities using equipment that “can’t be changed” still, somehow, manage strain/sprain injury risk – we provide platforms, improve tools, use job rotation, and explore the possibility of using exoskeletons. The news that we’re “building a new line” creates a spring of hope that we’ll have an opportunity to eliminate the problems of the old line. […]

assessment, Design, engineering, ergo program, Industrial, Manual handling, News

Our stories: Ergonomics case study in manufacturing

This is a story about how our ergonomists helped employees at a brand new line in a light assembly setting. Before we were brought in, several employees had reported discomfort in the back, neck, shoulder, and hand/arm areas. The EH&S Manager (we’ll call her Sonya) asked us to investigate and provide recommendations. Analysis method Josie […]

25 Oct, 21

assessment, CDA, Design, engineering, ergo program, Industrial, injury, PDA, productivity, return-to-work, training

12 questions to help you identify ergo program goals for 2022

It’s planning time, so we’ve put together a dozen questions that will help you to focus your ergonomics initiatives in the coming year. We audit ergonomics programs, so if you’d like more help setting some 2022 ergo goals, give us a call. Of all the injuries that happen in your facility, what percentage were strains […]

19 Apr, 21

Design, engineering, Industrial, Manual handling, mentor, mentor, mentors, productivity

Will an ergonomist recommend slowing down production?

Every ergonomist considers the effect of production rate on injury risk. In school, we learn that injury risk is related to repetitive or sustained exposure to forceful, awkward postures. Presented with forceful, awkward tasks that seem impossible to change, the logical suggestion is to limit exposure by slowing things down. Reducing the work rate gives […]

16 Nov, 20

best practices, Driving, engineering, Ergo at home, Industrial, techniques, tools, training

Changing your tires? Which wrench is right?

If you’re having trouble loosening the lug nuts on your summer tires, a longer wrench will give you an advantage. The physics behind the “lever” wasn’t exciting in 6th grade, and surely would not compel you to read this article. However, the “longer wrench” solution is so effective that it’s tempting to simply use the […]