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In the new series, Ergo U:  Ergonomics Research Notes from the Field, VelocityEHS ergonomist Blake McGowan meets with ergonomics researchers from leading universities and associations across the country to share their latest findings. Field Notes:  Recently, Blake met with Dr. Daniel Ferris from the School of Kinesiology and Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University […]

A recent article published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) recapped an important panel discussion which took place at the 2017 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston earlier this month. A group of industry EHS professionals and government regulators had gathered to discuss the effects of continued low oil prices on worker safety in the […]

Triclosan and its Uses Triclosan is a solid crystalline chemical used primarily as an antibacterial agent in a variety of consumer products. Originally used as a cleaning scrub in hospitals in the 1970s, triclosan is now present in soap, detergent, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, surgical cleaners, pesticides, and even toys, although its efficacy and safety have […]

The computer keyboard is not a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment. Using the wrong size may cause shoulder or wrist discomfort. Most people don’t know which style is right for them. Here are a few tips to help you choose: The standard (flat) keyboard is the most common, but isn’t the best choice for the non-number […]

According to OSHA, over 43 million workers in the United States are exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace each year. Employers are responsible for providing these workers with barrier-free access to safety data sheets (SDS) — in their work areas, during their work hours — for every hazardous chemical kept on-site. OSHA’s alignment of […]

If your coworkers rush to work each morning to snag the highly coveted office chair, it may be time to go shopping so that there are a few more chairs like it to pick from. Chances are the “favorite chair” isn’t the most-liked because it’s expensive, it’s because it’s adjustable! Here are some must-have features […]

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” These are the wise words of Peter Drucker.  And they are true for many aspects of life; your personal finances, your career path, operation of a business, and yes even ergonomic improvements. The challenge is using the right measures to drive and manage your ergonomics improvement […]

What do you look for in a car? Many people look at the size of the engine, some believe luxury is all that matters, and others value the safety features. Auto manufacturers are continuously trying to capture our attention with new features and functions. But what does this do to the ergonomic aspects of a […]

All good safety professionals know to pursue the hierarchy of controls when eliminating or reducing exposure to safety hazards. The same hierarchy can be applied to managing and controlling the risk factors which cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).  The proof and effectiveness has been demonstrated in several recently-published studies. It is interesting to note that there […]

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published a fact sheet to help employers develop effective strategies for Process Safety Management (PSM). The fact sheet identifies and discusses the ways that facilities enrolled in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), and who therefore have been recognized by OSHA for safety performance above industry average, use […]