ACE 2005 Conference

"ACE 2005 Conference, 2005-08-15 to 2005-08-18, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Association of Canadian Ergonomists' 2005 conference, "Charting the Human Factor", will explore the path taken to date by ergonomics and its future prospects based upon the diversity and modern demands on the Human Factor. The exploration of human factors in terms of cognitive, physical ergonomics and design will be highlighted by our keynote speakers. Currently confirmed are Dr. Barbara Silverstein PhD MPH CPE, Washington State Department of Labor and Health; Mike Greenley MSc PMP, President of Greenley and Associates Inc., Chris Brooks M.D., Survival Systems Ltd. and Dr. Jean-Pierre Brun PhD, Director of the Chair in Occupational Health and Safety Management, Laval University"   continued ...   (Via )

IT can cripple you

If you are on the computer all day - look out ...

"Of late, there has been an increase hike in the number of IT professionals seeking medical help with a variety of complaints", Dr Bhaktiyar Choudhary, sports medicine consultant, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad and consultant to Microsoft India, told PTI.

"We have recorded data over a period of eight years to study the relationship of posture and occupation. IT and ITEs staffers are prone to forward head posture which can lead to serious compression of cervical nerve roots", he said.

There is another threat in the form of Straight Spine Syndrome (SSS), he said adding what is alarming is these problems can begin at a young age, say three to four years after joining in a gruelling job."   continued ...   (Via Express India)

New rules will make more cellphones available to hearing-aid users

An assist for hearing impaired phone users ...

"Hearing-aid users who’ve had trouble using cellphones because of electrical interference are about to get a break. Beginning this September, FCC regulations will require cellphones sold in the U.S. to include info on the level of interference callers with hearing aids can expect. Additionally, carriers will be required to offer hearing-aid compatibility on at least four different models, or 25% of their product lines—whichever is greater. By 2008, half of all cellphones sold will need to be low-interference, hearing-aid compatible models. Of course, once they get their compatible phones, hearing-aid users might be a little surprised to discover that they still have trouble hearing calls, due to overtaxed networks. So far, though, no legislation is planned to address that."   continued ...   (Via Engadget)

Can You Hear Me Now?

Another article pointing to cognitive time-sharing ...

"Emerging technology may add to drivers' distractions: Already, 8 percent of drivers say they have adjusted a DVD player for passengers while driving, 6 percent say they consulted a global positioning system and 6 percent say they have read or sent a text message while driving.

That's only likely to grow: The youngest drivers, ages 16-20, were far more likely to talk on a cell phone while driving (64 percent compared to 43 percent of all drivers) and even to read or send text messages while driving (32 percent compared to 6 percent of all drivers.)

"The bottom line is that attention is a zero sum game," said Dr. Steven Yantis, a professor at Johns Hopkins University's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. "If you shift attention from one area of perception, you will pay a price in another. Behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, that price may be extremely high if attention is diverted at the split second that the driving conditions change, for instance, when the driver in front of you hits the brakes.""   continued ...   (Via Occupational Hazards)

Selecting Healthy Hand Tools

A good article about the selection and use of hand tools ...

"Ergonomics often is described as matching human capabilities (physical, psychological, physiological and biomechanical) to the demands of a specific task. When there is a mismatch in some of these requirements, one of the consequences may be the development of musculoskeletal injuries.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), also called cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive stress injuries, are injuries that occur over a period of time due to repeated exposure to risk factors. Examples of MSDs include tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, thoracic outlet syndrome, ganglion cysts and De Quervains.

Common occupational risk factors for the development of an MSD are the application of excessive force, high repetition, awkward postures, long task durations and static loading of the muscles. The level of injury risk depends on both the frequency and severity of risk factors present in a task. The risk-injury relationship often is described as an exponential relationship. Using ergonomics principles to reduce job risk factors not only decreases the injury risk but often increases the efficiency and quality of a job and improves the overall productivity.

Hand tools are an extension of one's hands. In a manufacturing or small assembly setting, MSD risk factors are significantly influenced by the type of hand tools selected. This article will review some important factors to consider when selecting hand tools."   continued ...   (Via Occupational Hazards)

White lies help stressed computer users

I suppose this is one way to relieve workplace stress ...

"Gadgets these days are full of surprises, and not just in the 'gee whiz' sense of unexpected possibility, but also in their growing powers to manipulate or deceive.

Simple tricks allow one to appear to be hard at work in the office while actually forwarding calls, e-mails and instant messages to your mobile phone. One can backdate e-mails through rolling back a computer's built-in clock or use background phone noises to concoct convincing excuses not to go to work.

Saltzman says computer trickery has become mainstream as the not-super-tech savvy people seek ways of coping with a 24x7 work culture and the increasing inability of people to dodge uncomfortable questions in an era of "always-on" broadband, mobile phone and instant messaging connections."   continued ...   (Via PluggedIn)