Ergonomics and education: fad, failure or fraction of back injury prevention?

Issue title: Assessment & Planning in Vocational Rehabilitation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Isernhagen, Susan^; | Hart, Dennis | Matheson, Leonard

Affiliations: Isernhagen Work Systems, 1015 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author.

Abstract: Ergonomics, in the traditional definition, is the science of design of work sites and work methods which influence production performance. In recent years, worker complaints and reports of injuries have caused evaluation of the effect of work stressors on workers. Currently, the rehabilitation specialist plays a pivotal role in both prevention and management of physical work related complaints. Rehabilitation ergonomic practitioners combine a scientific background in function and pathology with the act of developing preventive or restorative remedies. A volunteer group of sixteen rehabilitation professionals who utilize ergonomic principles in the workplace developed a document, identifying job functions of the newly defined field. This paper presents philosophy and a model for educational development and potential credentialing areas for rehabilitation ergonomists.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Rehabilitation, Work sites, Cumulative trauma disorders, Pathology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1998-10310

Journal: Work, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 293-297, 1998