Dangers of working in a pub

Being a bartender has its health risks as well ...

"Too much time in the tavern can be hazardous to your health--and not just for the drinkers bending their elbows or scrapping with the bouncer, according to a new study done in part at the University of Alberta.

A joint study published in the September edition of Applied Ergonomics by the University of Alberta and Napier University of Scotland, shows that servers, cooks and bartenders risk serious injuries while doing their everyday jobs serving up suds and finger foods.

"The image of a pub environment conveys a homey, intimate atmosphere, but the physical demands associated with occupations in a pub have had little attention," said Dr. Shrawan Kumar, professor of physical therapy at the University of Alberta. "Working in a pub involves tasks that pose risk to workers, and changes are required."   continued ...   (Via Medical News Today)

Bartenders at risk.

Managing Global Safety: The Power of One

A good article on the trend toward a corporate global safety program ...

"Why are a growing number of companies with international operations adopting corporate-wide global health and safety management systems?

Global companies face global safety risks. That's one of the lessons learned after the 1984 disaster in Bhopal, India, affected Union Carbide's worldwide operations.

In part because of this global risk, but for a variety of other reasons as well, health and safety professionals with international experience say one of the most important recent trends sweeping through successful multinational companies is the shift to a single safety management system that applies to all their operations throughout the world. While the example of Bhopal revealed the risks of safety failures, experts emphasize that taking a global approach to safety and health isn't only about avoiding problems: It also opens up a wealth of opportunities to improve performance."   continued ...   (Via Occupational Hazards)

Global Implications.

Leadership and Communication Skills for the EHS Professional

A good article about what it takes to be an EHS professional ...

"Most EHS professionals are not trained in the so-called "soft skills" such as basic leadership, written and oral communication and listening. I can vouch for that. I accumulated three science-oriented degrees (B.S., M.S. and Sc.D.) and was well prepared in the technical aspects of occupational health and safety, but terribly wanting in the soft skills or "sales skills" I needed to leverage my technical expertise. I was well-positioned to work and communicate with my EHS peers, but not well-equipped to work effectively with my customers, such as labor reps, workers, plant managers and general management.

This article is intended to discuss the non-technical skills so essential in optimizing our effectiveness. Our technical skills give us the right to succeed, but it is our personal leadership and communication skills that provide the way we succeed."   continued ...   (Via Occupational Hazards)

The EHS Professional.

Global workplace deaths vastly under-reported

Some big numbers for workplace fatalities ...

"The International Labout Organisation (ILO) has said that nearly 2.2 million people die of work-related accidents and diseases each year, adding that this number may be vastly under estimated due to poor reporting and coverage systems in many countries.

While the number of work-related illnesses and deaths has lessened somewhat in the industrialized countries, the ILO report said the number of accidents – in particular fatal accidents – appear to be increasing, particularly in some Asian countries due to poor reporting, rapid development and strong competitive pressures of globalization.

“Occupational safety and health is vital to the dignity of work”, said ILO Director-General Juan Somavia. “Still, every day, on average, some 5,000 or more women and men around the world lose their lives because of work-related accidents and illness. Decent Work must be safe work, and we are a long way from achieving that goal."   continued ...   (Via OneWorld South Asia)

World Map.

Firms urged to back design talent

Excellent ergonomic designs for everyday problems ...

"Design students who create products for disabled people are hoping to attract the attention of manufacturers at an exhibition in London this week.

Among the ideas are user-friendly central heating timers and phones, and storage for those with limited reach.

Mr Goodland conducted research among people aged over 65. He found that items which were the most difficult to use were video recorders, vacuum cleaners, central heating timers and telephones. He decided to concentrate on timers and phones because both are vital to a person's well-being. Among telephone users, he found the most common problem was dialling.

In order to overcome this he designed a photo frame holder into which pictures of the person whose number is required can be inserted. The user simply has to tap the photo or the holder in order to dial the correct number."   continued ...   (Via BBC NEWS)

Picture Phone.

Many office workers suffer constant neck and shoulder aches

Singapore finds 80% of population has neck and back pains ...

"Like many other desk-bound office workers, Kate Wong experiences constant neck and shoulder aches from sitting long hours in front of computer screen. The 28-year-old office executive said that the pains exacerbated, until "my shoulders got so painful and numb that I could not bear to even turn my head".

Wong's experience is not unique. According to a Singapore General Hospital (SGH) survey of 325 office workers last year, seven in 10 office workers put up with aches in at least one part of the body, with the top incidence of aches in and around the neck, shoulder and lower back.

According to the Back Society, 80 per cent of the adult population in Singapore will suffer from neck or back pains."   continued ...   (Via Channelnewsasia)

Stretching.

Microsoft Takes Comfort to a New Level With Advanced Ergonomics

Taking the split keyboard to a new level ...

"Continuing its commitment to delivering the most comfortable peripherals available, Microsoft Singapore today launched three new products designed to make time on the PC more comfortable than ever. A revolutionary ergonomic keyboard design, a sleek Comfort Curve Keyboard and an affordable High Definition optical mouse showcase the latest innovations in ergonomics and make time spent on the PC more enjoyable.

Microsoft has a more-than-20-year history of delivering comfortable products, including the first affordable split keyboard in 1994, which is the No. 1 best-selling1 Natural keyboard layout, and the Comfort Curve keyboard design introduced in 2005 — which, when tested in internal focus groups against other keyboards, was chosen 3-to-1. Microsoft ergonomists are continually looking for ways to make PC experiences more comfortable, and the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 and Comfort Optical Mouse 3000, all introduced today, take comfort to a new level."   continued ...   (Via hardwarezone)

Natural Keyboard 4000.

No Hands Mouse

Perfect for Carpal Tunnal Syndrom or arm/hand disabilities ...

"When I first saw this, I thought it was some foot pedal accessory for a driving game. But then I read further, and I find that this is actually a mouse. That’s right, this is a mouse that you control with your feet. One foot pedal controls movement, another controls clicking. This sounds rather nightmarish — it totally takes me back to my first time driving a stick shift. But I guess if you have some serious Carpal Tunnel going on, this could be a solution. Then again, at $316 per foot pedal mouse, I think I can live with just slipping my hand in a wrist splint."   continued ...   (Via Gizmodo)

No Hands Mouse.