Worksite International Blog

When a workers' compensation claim lands on your desk tied to a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), the quality of the ergonomic worksite analysis (EWA) behind it can determine whether that claim resolves quickly or escalates into litigation.

I recently returned from another fabulous Human Factors and Ergonomics Conference in Tasmania, Australia (HFESA December 1-3, 2025). I’ve shared in the past how much I enjoy an international ergonomics perspective and endeavor to attend global ergo summits for the camaraderie, perspectives, and learnings these events offer. This one did not disappoint! I was fortunate to present my latest research on chairs as a system and the Chair Assessment System (CAS). 

What I found most interesting this year is the continued focus on psychosocial risk at work, a recognized global problem.  New methods are now available to

As the holiday season draws near, it's essential to recognize the potential stress and physical strain it may bring. This can lead to discomfort in the back and body. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being. Share these holiday safety tips with loved ones and colleagues. By taking care of yourself, you can start the new year with a healthy and happy back.

Employees who feel well physically and emotionally perform at higher levels, so it's important to support their wellness throughout the year. 

Business owners and their board of directors are embracing technology and AI designed to boost productivity. These technological advances are changing how warehouse workers work side by side with robots and computers to ensure businesses maximize production.

However, employers may be missing the ensuing trade-offs on their employee's physical health and mental well-being. 

To Headrest or Not to Headrest

If you are shopping for a chair with a headrest, it’s probably because you feel like you need more support for your head, neck, and back at the computer. If this is the case, before you shop, learn about headrest ergonomics, design, and its relation to computer use.

As a Chair Assessment Specialist, I’m often asked whether I recommend headrests on office ergonomic chairs. Most of the time, I don’t feel they are necessary. However, there are times when they are useful and important for seated comfort.

Pre-Pandemic Workforce Trends 

The impact of the pandemic as a societal change agent has been powerful. In fact, nothing in the last few decades has had more influence on the impact of women at work. There are numerous studies implicating the differences in how the pandemic has affected men and women differently over the last two years. In reality, many of these societal/cultural changes started long before the pandemic.

As a Physical Therapist, I’ve treated people with occupational and non- occupational musculoskeletal injuries for the last 30 years. Many of the employees I’ve helped in the workplace reported experiencing early discomfort but chose to wait to report their concerns to their employer. By the time they reported their problem, they had a full blown (neuro) musculoskeletal disorder requiring weeks of medical care and even time off from work. With knowledge of self-care, many of these disorders could have been prevented!

Teacher Retention Essential for this School Year

The return to in-person learning, mask debates, increased gun violence and political arguments over what can and can’t be taught have all played a role in teacher retention.

And these pressures are putting a strain on teachers that are already burnt out from the staff shortages, especially in math, science, special education, and early childhood education.

Early on in my career as a certified professional ergonomist, I became fascinated by the value of ergonomics as a process change agent and influencer on many aspects of organizational design and management. There are several key concepts and people who helped me to formulate the Worksite International Ergonomics Process as it is today as reflected in the Ergonomics Process Influence Model. 

Over the last year, we've all adapted to working from home. This fact has got me thinking, how many of our new habits, are good habits? This includes our work postures.