Affiliations: Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes, Knoxville, TN, USA | Hart Ergonomic Consulting, Great Falls, VA, USA | Isernhagen Work Systems, Duluth, MN, USA | Washington University School of Medicine, Program in Occupational Therapy, St. Louis, MO, USA
Abstract: Three of the more pertinent legal cases in the United States concerning the performance of ergonomists are summarized. The results of the cited cases have impact on the validity of the NIOSH lifting formulae, the lack of scientific evidence relating performance of jobs with alleged ergonomic stressors with specific medical pathology, and the gold standard for expert witness testimony. The cases, taken together, should act as a catalyst for ergonomists to improve their level of scientific justification for their work and conclusions.
