Ergonomics Newsletters
The DoD Ergonomics Working Group electronic newsletter provides timely ergonomics news on a monthly basis, covering topics as wide-ranging as program assistance, success stories, education and training opportunities, and new publications. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, click here and enter your email address.

 

Issue 84

Ergonomics: The DoD Perspective
Issue 84, October 2008


Get all the details on the DoD Ergonomics Track--13 presentations and a best practices roundtable--being offered at the Applied Ergonomics Conference and Expo on 24-25 March 2009.

Issue 83

Ergonomics Fact Sheets Updated
Issue 83, October 2008


In recognition of National Ergonomics Month, all 21 of our fact sheets have been updated. Written for both supervisors and workers, these fact sheets provide basic information on ergonomics.

Issue 82

Return-on-Investment: The Economics of Ergonomics
Issue 82, September 2008


Learn how to perform a return-on-investment calculation using productivity improvements and injury aversion.

Issue 81

Applied Ergonomics Conference and Expo 2009
Issue 81, July 2008


Get the information you need to submit an abstract or enter the Ergo Cup® competition at the 2009 AEC in Reno, Nevada.

Issue 80

Ft. Lewis Best Practice
Issue 80, June 2008


This article details the inventive yet simple and inexpensive ergonomic solution created and produced at Ft. Lewis, Washington, to improve height and reach for a common work task.

Issue 79

CBT Ergonomics Module
Issue 79, May 2008


This article announces FREE computer-based ergonomics training for all DoD employees.

Issue 78

Ergo Cup® Competition
Issue 78, April 2008


This article highlights FRC East's participation in the 2008 Ergo Cup® Competition with their innovative workplace solution—the electrical adjustable sawhorse.

Issue 77

Virtues and Vices of Handheld Devices
Issue 77, March 2008


This article discusses some of the ergonomic challenges that could result from handheld technology, and recommends strategies to control musculoskeletal disorders from using these devices.

Issue 76

Applied Ergonomics Course
Issue 76, February 2008


The 40-hour Applied Ergonomics Course, offered by the USACHPPM Ergonomics Program, is being held in Myrtle Beach, SC, March 25-28, 2008.

Issue 75

Navy Ergonomics Risk Assessments
Issue 75, February 2008


Three Navy ergonomics risk assessments have been added to the EWG website: Ground Electronics Operations, Hull Repair, and Security.

Issue 74

Advanced Ergonomics Course, April 2008
Issue 74, February 2008


The Advanced Ergonomics Course is an intensive session packed with practical skills-based training. Registrants must have completed the Army or Navy Applied Ergonomics Course.

Issue 73

Ergonomics 2008
Issue 73, January 2008


Take a look at the ergonomics training, programs, and events being offered in 2008.

Issue 72

Psychosocial Factors and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Issue 72, December 2007


Addresses the value of considering both work-related and non-occupational (psychosocial and others) sources of exposure when conducting an occupational ergonomic analysis or a study of affected workers.

Issue 71

AAFES Ergonomic Risk Assessment
Issue 71, November 2007


This newsletter is a follow-up to Ergo News #52, published in May 2006, that discussed the need for ergonomic risk assessments at West Coast (WCDC) and Dan Daniel (DDDC) Distribution Centers. Findings, conclusions, and recommendations are provided.

Issue 70

Advanced Ergonomics Course Offered
Issue 70, October 2007


The Advanced Ergonomics Course is designed for installations that (1) already have a well-established ergonomics program and are looking to sharpen analysis skills, (2) need help jump-starting a new program, or (3) are looking for guidance on the next step in the injury reduction process.

Issue 69

EWG Website Updated
Issue 69, September 2007


Just in time for National Ergonomics Month, the workling group website has been updated and features new posters, assessment studies, and tools.

Issue 68

Deliver with Care: Ergonomic Advice for Pregnancy
Issue 68, September 2007


A downloadable poster addresses maintaining neutral postures, performing less physically demanding activities, and engaging in lower impact activities.

Issue 67t

Office Chair Selection
Issue 67, August 2007


Detailed guidelines, developed by the Navy Ergonomics Task Action Team, are provided for office chair selection.

Issue 66

Computer Workstation Posters
Issue 66, July 2007


Two newly revised computer workstation posters are available free of charge from the USACHPPM Ergonomics Program.

Issue 65

Naval Hospital Success Story
Issue 65, June 2007


The Navy's successful solution to ergonomic and safety challenges in a hospital operating room in Rota, Spain.

Issue 64

Ergonomic Protection for Expectant Mothers
Issue 64, May 2007


Proper application of ergonomics principles can diminish the probability of pregnancy-related musculoskeletal injuries.

Issue 63

Exceptional Equipment Interventions
Issue 63, April 2007


Cherry Point, NC, Fleet Readiness Center East‚s successful ergonomic interventions are featured: motorized tilt table, scissor lift, and Lazy Susan table.

Issue 62

CAP Process
Issue 62, March 2007


The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) works to ensure that people with disabilities, and those that become disabled, have equal access to the information environment and opportunities in the Department of Defense and throughout the Federal government. This newsletter details the process to follow to apply for CAP assistance.

Issue 61

New Assistive Technology
Issue 61, February 2007


GSA's Center for Information Technology Accommodation (CITA) announces a demonstration of Microsoft Vista--a new assistive technology operating system.

Issue 60

2007 Ergonomics Training
Issue 60, February 2007


Information about Air Force, Army, and Navy training programs for 2007 is provided.

Issue 59

DESC Best Practices
Issue 59, January 2007


DLA's Defense Energy Support Center makes ergonomics a number one priority at all their employees' computer workstations.

Issue 58

Celebrate National Ergonomics Month
Issue 58, October 2006

 

Use these 52 weekly ergonomics tips to celebrate ergonomics month all year long.

Issue 57

The Army Ergonomics Program has a New Website!
Issue 57, September 2006

 

Go to http://usachppm.apgea.army.mil//ergopgm/ and see what the Ergonomics Program at the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) has to offer.

Issue 56

Ergonomics Month is Coming!
Issue 56, September 2006

 

Ideas and resources to help educate and inspire workers during National Ergonomics Month.
 

Issue 55

Hand-Arm Vibration Threshold Limits
Issue 55, August 2006

 

Measuring exposure levels of hand-arm vibration is a complicated process. Which document an assessor uses will determine what values are needed to assess the amount of hand-arm vibration exposure.
 

Issue 54

Call for Ergonomics Policies & SOPs
Issue 54, July 2006

 

USACHPPM calls for installations to provide their ergonomics policies and SOPs to create an archive for use in assisting installations in developing their documentation.
 

Issue 53

Working Smarter Together
Issue 53, June 2006

 

The successful teaming of the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command to reduce WMSDs.
 

Issue 52

AAFES Ergonomics
Issue 52, May 2006

 

Reducing work-related injuries and illnesses at Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Distribution Centers.
 

Issue 51

Pentagon Ergonomics
Issue 51, April 2006

 

Ensuring ergonomic workplaces for more than 60,000 military and civilian personnel in the Pentagon and other facilities managed by the Washington Headquarters Services.
 

Issue 50

Navy Success Story
Issue 50, March 2006

 

The Navy successfully treats awkward postures encountered when performing propeller repairs.
 

Issue 49

Air Force Laser Assessment
Issue 49, February 2006

 

The Air Force Institute for Operational Health's assessment of a handheld laser de-paint system.
 

Issue 48

NEHC Conference 18-23 March 2006
Issue 48, February 2006

 

The Navy Environmental Health Center's 45th Navy Occupational Health and Preventive Medicine Workshop.
 

Issue 47

2006 Ergonomics Training Programs
Issue 47, January 2006

 

Air Force, Army and Navy training programs for 2006 are detailed.
 

Issue 46


New EWG Chair & Army Ergo Program Manager
Issue 46, January 2006

 

LTC Myrna Callison brings just the right mix of work experience and academic achievement to her new leadership role in the ergonomics community..
 

Issue 45

Ergo Program Assessment Services
Issue 45, December 2005

 

Ergonomists with the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) offer a variety of assessment services to meet your needs, budget and time constraints.
 

an image of Simply Wonderful Ergonomic Intervention Issue 43, September 05


Vibration Exposure Calculators Available Online!
Issue 44, November 05

 

Use these calculators to determine hand-arm and whole-body vibration exposures.
 

an image of Simply Wonderful Ergonomic Intervention Issue 43, September 05


"Simply Wonderful" Ergonomic Intervention
Issue 43, September 05

 

Congratulations to Lawrence Mullen, an electronics mechanic at NAVAIR Depot Jacksonville, the winner of the 2005 DoD Workplace Safety and Health Forum’s Success Story Competition.
 

an image of Taking a Bite Out of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders A Guide for Dental Care Providers Issue 42, August 05


Taking a Bite Out of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Guide for Dental Care Providers
Issue 42, August 05

 

A new USACHPPM publication. This full-color, 20-page booklet provides dental care providers with the information they need to recognize the symptoms of various work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), their causes, and their consequences.
 

an image of Spotlight on an Advanced Ergonomics Course Issue 41, March 05


Spotlight on an Advanced Ergonomics Course
Issue 41, March 05

 

Announcing USACHPPM's new 2-day Advanced Ergonomics Course designed to enhance installation ergonomics committees' expertise in ergonomics.
 

an image of Spotlight on International News Issue 40, January 05


Spotlight on International News
Issue 40, January 05

 

How Canada, Norway and Great Britain are solving ergonomics problems.
 

an image of Spotlight on Back Belt Guidance Issue 39, January 05


Spotlight on Back Belt Guidance
Issue 39, January 05

 

Back belts get no "support" from The Surgeon General or DoD.
 

an image of Spotlight on Robins AFB Issue 38, October 04


Spotlight on Robins AFB
Issue 38, October 04

 

Results of a successful ergonomic intervention at the Wheel and Tire Shop.
 

an image of Spotlight on Fort Bragg Issue 37, October 04


Spotlight on Fort Bragg
Issue 37, October 04

 

Results of an ergonomic assessment of the range maintenance operations and the recommendations quickly implemented.
 

an image of New Fact Sheets Issue 36, September 04

New Fact Sheets
Issue 36, September 04

 

The DoD Ergonomics Working Group announces three new publications in the fact sheet series. Written for both supervisors and employees, these new fact sheets address ergonomic concerns of laptop users, office workers, and childcare workers.

an image of A Wealth of Information Issue 35, September 04


A Wealth of Information

Issue 35, September 04  

 

The DoD Ergonomics Working Group has over 150 Army, Navy, and Air Force ergonomics studies and assessment reports on its Web site.

an image of The Air Force Zeroes in on the Top Causes of Lost Workday Injuries Issue 34, August 04

The Air Force Zeroes in on the

Top Causes of Lost Workday Injuries
Issue 34, August 04

 

Up to this point, military medical data has provided us with a picture of the magnitude of the injury problem and the types of workday injuries, but we haven’t had good information on the causes of these injuries. The Air Force report, Descriptive Epidemiology of USAF Lost Workday Injuries, FY93-FY02, fills that void. This is the best effort thus far at identifying injury causes—a detailed effort that can guide us in creating prevention programs and meeting Secretary Rumsfeld’s 50% reduction challenge.

an image of EWG Web Site Unveiled Issue 33, June 04

EWG Web Site Unveiled
Issue 33, June 04


Take some time to explore the working group’s new Web site.  When you see what we have to offer, you’ll make our site a “favorite” on your Internet browser.

an image of Time to Make a Change: Creating a New Culture in Your Organization Issue 32, May 04

Time to Make a Change:
Creating a New Culture in Your Organization
Issue 32, May 04


What is an organization's "culture"? How do you know when a culture change is needed in your organization? What do you need to make change happen? What are the keys to successful change?

an image of CAP's Healthy Work Practices Program- Making an Ergonomic Difference Issue 31, May 04

CAP's Healthy Work Practices Program-
Making an Ergonomic Difference
Issue 31, May 04


Changes in technology and the information environment present new challenges and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The DoD established the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) to provide assistive technology to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to the computer and telecommunications environments.

an image of DoD Military Injury Lost Duty Time Application: System Overview Issue 30, April 04

DoD Military Injury Lost Duty Time Application:
System Overview
Issue 30, April 04


The Lost Duty Time Application supports the readiness implications of the Secretary of Defense's initiative to capture the Departments' lost time for injuries. This Web-based application displays active duty military injury metrics and lost duty rates generated from data contained within the Defense Medical Surveillance System. Accessible "real time" data displayed by the Lost Duty Time Application provides commanders and policymakers with a critical tool in the development, implementation and management of the DoD's safety initiatives.
 

an image of How Does Overtime Impact Workers? Issue 29, March 04

How Does Overtime Impact Workers?
Issue 29, March 04


Worker fatigue from overtime hours is very costly in terms of worker health, performance, and morale.

an image of 43rd Navy Occupational Health and Preventative Medicine Workshop Issue 28, Jan 04

43rd Navy Occupational Health

and Preventative Medicine Workshop

Issue 28, Jan 04

 

“Occupational Vibration in the Navy” and “Advanced Ergonomics Methods” offered at NEHC's 43rd Navy Occupational Health and Preventive Medicine Workshop.

an image of President Bush's Safe Workplace Initiative Issue 27, Jan 04

President Bush's Safe Workplace Initiative

Issue 27, Jan 04

 

On 9 January 2004, President Bush announced SHARE: Safety, Health, and Return-to-Employment Initiative, a safe workplace initiative for fiscal years 2004-2006. The initiative's four goals cover the most important elements of a strong safety and health management program: lower workplace injury and illness case rates, lower lost-time injury and illness case rates, timely reporting of injuries and illnesses, and fewer lost days resulting from work injuries and illnesses.

 

an image of Ergonomics Solutions, Issue 26, Nov 03

Ergonomics Solutions

Issue 26, Nov 03

 

As we all work toward meeting Secretary Rumsfeld's challenge to reduce preventable accidents by 50%, one of the best ways we can meet this goal is to present ergonomic solutions that have been tested and proven successful.  

 

an image of Reducing Accidents by 50% Issue 25, Sept 03

 

Reducing Accidents by 50%

Issue 25, Sept 03

 

Four champions of safety best practices share their perspectives from Navy, Department of Defense, and private industry experience on how to reduce accidents by 50% in two years.

an image of Conference Key Note Speakers Issue 24, July 03

Conference Key Note Speakers

Issue 24, July 03

 

Raymond J. Fatz, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, and Connie DeWitte, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Safety announced as Ergo Conference keynote speakers.

an image of Challenge from Secretary Rumsfeld Issue 23, June 03

 

Challenge from Secretary Rumsfeld

Issue 23, June 03

 

Ask yourself:  How can an Effective Ergonomics Program at my installation address Mr. Rumsfeld's directive to “reduce the number of mishaps and accident rates by at least 50% in the next two years”?  And then Ask the Experts!

an image of DoD Ergo Conference Agenda Issue 22, May 03

DoD Ergo Conference Agenda

Issue 22, May 03

 

The Ergonomics Conference presents 55 sessions in the areas of Program Management, Tools and Innovations, and Medical Case Management. 

an image of Call for Posters Issue 21, Mar 03

 

Call for Posters

Issue 21, Mar 03

 

The Force Health Protection Conference provides military and civilian members of the force health protection community the opportunity to share their experiences, ideas, and research with others. In addition to platform presentations, short courses, meetings, and exhibits, conference participants may view posters prepared by their peers.

 

an image of Alternative Keyboards Issue 20, Feb 03

Alternative Keyboards,

issue 20, Feb 03

 

Do alternative (“ergonomic”) keyboards REALLY reduce carpal tunnel?  What is the hard evidence that these keyboards are money well spent to reduce office injuries?

an image of Office Chairs Issue 19, Feb 03

Office Chairs,

issue 19, Feb 03

 

Compares options for updating this essential piece

of office furniture to ensure maximum comfort in

the workplace.

an image of 2003 Department of Defense Ergo Conference, Issue 18, Jan 03

 

2003 Department of Defense Ergo Conference,

issue 18, Jan 03

 

Previews the forthcoming Force Health Protection Conference to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico,

11 - 17 August 2003, at which the Department of Defense Ergonomics Working Group will host the ergonomics track.

an image of Patient Handling Study Details, Issue 17, Jan 03

Patient Handling Study Details,

issue 17, Jan 03

 

Reports on findings of the recent investigation

into patient handling risks at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

an image of In-the-Desk Monitors, Issue 16, Jan 03

In-the-Desk Monitors,

issue 16, Jan 03

 

Examines the use of in-the-desk monitors, a unique style of computer furniture.

an image of Computer Break Poster, Issue 15, Nov 02

Computer Break Poster,

issue 15, Nov 02

 

Full details of this attractive poster, a useful tool to display in the workplace for the overall prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

an image of CRT Monitors vs. LCD Monitors, Issue 14 Nov 02

CRT Monitors vs. LCD Monitors,

issue 14, Nov 02

 

Reports on the benefits of liquid crystal display monitors for computers.

an image of Laptop Usage, Issue 13, Oct 02

Laptop Usage,

issue 13, Oct 02

 

Gives several practical tips for laptop computer use.

an image of Back Belt Study, Issue 12, Aug 02

Back Belt Study,

issue 12, Aug 02

 

Confirms through NIOSH findings that back belts are not useful in preventing back injury.

Anniston Army Depot Hand Tool Study, Issue 11, Aug 02

Anniston Army Depot Hand Tool Study,

issue 11, Aug 02

 

Reports on the positive results of the use of ergonomically designed impact wrenches.

an image of Free Scanners Still Available, Issue 10, June 02

Free Scanners Still Available,

issue 10, June 02

 

Avail of this special offer on NCS Opscan 5 scanners

for ergonomic surveys while stocks last.

an image of Patient Handling Study, Issue 9, June 02

Patient Handling Study,

issue 9, June 02

 

A two-page report giving details of this important investigation into nursing risk and injury.

 

an image of Army Ergo Regulation Extended, Issue 8, May 02

Army Ergo Regulation Extended,

issue 8, May 02

 

Announces the implementation of HQDA Ltr 40-00-01, which prescribes the goals and responsibilities for the Department of the Army Ergonomics Program.

an image of Conference Presentations Available, Issue 7, May 02

Conference Presentations Available,

issue 7, May 02

 

Reports on the Forging Ahead Conference held in

April 2002.

an image of Free Scanners, Issue 6, Apr 02

Free Scanners,

issue 6, Apr 02

 

A special offer of free scanners designed to scan

JR/PD ergonomic surveys.

an image of Rucksack Packing and Fitting Tips, Issue 5, Apr 02

Rucksack Packing and Fitting Tips,

issue 5, Apr 02

 

Gives details of the publication of this practical brochure, available in PDF format.

an image of Ergo Fact Sheets, Issue 4, Mar 02

Ergo Fact Sheets,

issue 4, Mar 02

 

Announces the publication of 21 comprehensive Ergonomic Fact Sheets, published by the DoD Ergonomics Working Group and available in

PDF format.

 

an image of Conference Keynote Speaker, Issue 3, Mar 02

Conference Keynote Speaker,

issue 3, Mar 02

 

Profiles Margaret M. Seminario, Director of Occupational Safety and Health Administration, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Relations, keynote speaker at the Forging Ahead Conference.

an image of Conference Keynote Speaker, Issue 2, Feb 02

Conference Keynote Speaker,

issue 2, Feb 02

 

Profiles Gary L. Visscher, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, keynote speaker at the Forging Ahead Conference.

an image of Forging Ahead Conference, Issue 1, Jan 02

Forging Ahead Conference,

issue 1, Jan 02

 

Previews the 2nd Annual DOD Ergonomics Conference held in Virginia, 29-30 April 2002.