The conference will focus on the following key topics:
Innovative Technologies for Safety: Exploring cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance safety in the workplace. We invite papers discussing new solutions that improve safety during work activities or reduce risks through design innovations.
Safety of Innovative Products: Examining the safety aspects of new technologies integrated into products such as machinery, plants, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Submissions should address how these innovations comply with safety regulations and identify gaps in standardization.
Innovative Systems for Specialist Training: Evaluating new training systems, including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality tools. We seek papers that analyze these technologies’ effectiveness compared to traditional training methods and discuss various national protocols and guidelines.
Workspace Safety: Addressing the design of workspaces to ensure safe working conditions. We welcome papers that present innovative design solutions and examine how workspace design influences worker behaviour and skills.
Safety of Living Environments and Human Settlements: Investigating methods for detecting and mitigating pollution and predictive control of structures and facilities to prevent widespread risks. Papers should focus on innovative techniques for monitoring and controlling human settlements and living environments.
Systems for Inclusive Safety: Focusing on creating inclusive safety systems that accommodate diverse needs, including gender differences, an ageing population, and disabilities. We encourage papers that explore technical solutions and design strategies for tools, equipment, and training that promote safety and inclusion in the workplace.
The first deadline for abstract submissions is August 30th, 2024. For further information on the topics and the Call for Papers, please visit INAIL’s event page.
We are pleased to inform you about a valuable resource from The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) that can significantly enhance your knowledge and practices in workplace ergonomics. OHCOW is a prominent organization dedicated to improving workplace health and safety in Ontario, Canada, and its focus on ergonomics provides critical insights and practical solutions to prevent occupational injuries and diseases.
Injury Prevention through Ergonomics
OHCOW’s Injury Prevention page is an excellent resource highlighting the importance of ergonomics in the workplace. Poor ergonomic practices are a leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and OHCOW provides comprehensive information to help mitigate these risks. The page covers:
Ergonomic Risk Factors: Identification of repetitive motions, awkward postures, and excessive force as key contributors to MSDs.
Practical Solutions: Guidelines for proper workstation setup, tool and equipment adjustments, and safe manual handling techniques.
Ergonomic Assessments: Expert evaluations of workplace setups with tailored recommendations for improvement.
Educational Materials: Brochures, guides, and checklists that serve as useful references for ongoing ergonomic enhancements.
These resources are designed to help workers and employers create safer and more comfortable work environments, reduce the incidence of MSDs, and promote overall workplace health.
Ergonomics Podcasts
OHCOW also offers an engaging podcast series featuring several episodes specifically on ergonomics. These podcasts provide in-depth discussions and practical advice from experts in the field:
Ergonomics in the Workplace This is an overview of workplace ergonomics, including the importance of ergonomic design, proper posture, and regular breaks to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
Office Ergonomics: Creating a Healthy Workspace Tips for setting up an ergonomic office environment, addressing the correct placement of computer monitors, keyboards, and chairs, and the impact of prolonged sitting.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics There are strategies for minimizing injury risks in manual handling jobs, including proper lifting techniques, the use of assistive devices, and the importance of training.
Ergonomic Solutions for Remote Work This article provides advice on setting up a home office to address the unique ergonomic challenges of remote work. Emphasis is placed on selecting ergonomic furniture and equipment and incorporating regular breaks and physical activity.
These podcasts are an excellent way to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in ergonomics, helping you create safer and more comfortable work environments.
The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW) provides essential resources that can benefit all members of the Federation of European Ergonomics Societies. Their comprehensive injury prevention programs and engaging podcasts offer valuable information and practical solutions to enhance workplace health and safety. We encourage you to explore these resources and integrate their insights into your practices.
For more information and to access these resources, please visit OHCOW’s website.
Digitalisation is revolutionising the workplace, bringing opportunities and challenges requiring new ergonomics / human factors solutions to update occupational safety and health (OSH). With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, collaborative robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), algorithms, digital labour platforms, and increased remote work, workers and employers face new risks and opportunities. The key to addressing these challenges lies in how these technologies are applied, managed, and regulated within current social, political, and economic contexts.
EU-OSHA’s Efforts and Campaigns
EU-OSHA’s Healthy Workplaces Campaign, “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age” (2023-2025), aims to raise awareness about the implications of digital technologies on workplace safety and health. This campaign underscores the importance of a human-centred approach in designing, implementing, managing, and using these technologies to ensure they are safe and productive. The priority areas:
Advanced Robotics and Automation – Key Considerations for Human Interaction and Trust
According to the Agency’s recently published Policy Brief, “Advanced robotics and automation: Key considerations for human interaction and trust“, the growing autonomy in advanced robotic systems necessitates a shift in the terminology from ‘use’ to ‘interaction’ between humans and robots. The quality of this interaction significantly impacts occupational safety and health (OSH) factors. Various aspects of robotic interaction design, such as cognitive ergonomics, outward appearance, embodiment, robot behaviour, and communication styles, are linked to OSH risks and opportunities. The primary objective is facilitating smooth and natural interactions, enhancing well-being, acceptance, trust, and user experience while mitigating stress and other adverse outcomes.
Anthropomorphic Robot Design
Appearance and Behavior: Human-like features (e.g., eyes, facial expressions) can enhance natural interaction and acceptance, especially in social robotics. However, excessive human likeness may cause negative emotions due to the “uncanny valley” effect.
Expectation Management: Anthropomorphic features may lead to unrealistic expectations about a robot’s capabilities, potentially impacting task performance and safety. For example, workers might erroneously attribute visual or auditory perception to robots with eyes or ears.
Task-Relevant Design: In industrial settings, anthropomorphic movements can improve workflow and task accuracy but must be carefully designed to avoid misinterpretation and potential hazards.
Interaction Principles and Transparency
Design Principles: General ergonomic design principles, such as those in EN ISO 9241-110, apply to robotic systems, improving usability and user experience.
Cognitive and Sensorial Aid: With increasing robotic autonomy, interaction design must provide mental and sensory aids to prevent information overload and ensure effective decision-making.
System Transparency: Adequate transparency is crucial for users to understand robotic actions and intentions, fostering trust and reliability. However, too much information can overload and hinder critical information processing.
Trust in Human-Robot Interaction
Calibrated Trust: Appropriate trust in robotic systems is essential for effective collaboration. Over-reliance can lead to complacency, while insufficient trust can result in underutilisation. Trust must be calibrated to match the robot’s capabilities.
Influential Factors: Trust is influenced by human-related factors (e.g., user satisfaction, comfort), robot-related factors (e.g., reliability, anthropomorphism), and context-related factors (e.g., team collaboration task difficulty). Reliable and empathetic robots foster higher trust levels.
Risks and Recommendations
Privacy and Control: Collecting and analysing data for personalised interaction can raise privacy concerns and feelings of alienation. Ensuring transparency and adhering to data protection regulations is critical.
Training and Adaptation: Training on automation bias and system capabilities can mitigate trust miscalibrations. Continuous adaptation to user preferences and task requirements enhances interaction quality.
“Napo in… robots at work”
“Napo in… robots at work” animation provides an overview of safety considerations related to workplace robotics. The film outlines various emerging robotic technologies, associated accident types, key hazards, and control measures.
Production line workers face the highest risk, followed by maintenance workers. Most injuries result from poor workplace design and human error. Technological advances, such as fixed robots, collaborative and mobile robots, and exoskeletons, can enhance working conditions and introduce new hazards in manufacturing environments.
Join the Campaign
The Federation of the European Ergonomics Societies is one of the few EU-OSHA “Safe and Healthy Work in the Digital Age” campaign partners. Ergonomists have a crucial role in creating healthy workplaces and improving performance and user satisfaction.
Please learn more about ergonomics, human factors and occupational health in the digital age. Visit the campaign’s new “Automation of Tasks” Priority Area for more information, resources, materials, insights and practical tools to ensure safe and healthy work environments in the digital age.
The University of Antwerp’s Centre for Health and Technology (CHaT) is excited to announce the Summer School in Digital Human Modeling and Simulation 2024. This event offers an international platform for researchers and professors to share and teach the latest innovations, discuss the state-of-the-art in the field, and exchange ideas and visions in all areas of digital human modelling research and applications.
Event Details
Dates: Monday, 23rd September to Wednesday, 25th September 2024
Location: University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Building R
Format: Hybrid (both online and onsite participation available)
Registration Fees
Academics (Online and Onsite): €300
Non-Academics (Online and Onsite): €600
Discount: Members of the Belgian Ergonomics Society or other Ergonomics Societies receive a €50 discount.
Program Schedule
23rd September
10-11 AM: Introduction to DHM, Prof. Sofia Scataglini
11-12 AM: Comfort and Discomfort, Prof. Xuguang Wang
Lunch Break
1-2 PM: Extended Reality in Medicine, Prof. Marco Mandolini
2-3 PM: Modelling the Hand, Prof. Esteban Peña Pitarch
3-4 PM: The Role of Diagnostic Imaging (in silico medicine), Prof. Francesco Feletti
4-5 PM: Design and Analysis of Mechanical Devices with Musculoskeletal Models, Prof. Michael Skipper Andersen
5-6 PM: Biomechanical Perception Models Predicting Motion Comfort and Sickness in Automated Driving, Prof. Riender Happee
24th September
10-11 AM: Neuroergonomics, AI and Passive Brain-Computer Interface (pBCI) for Enhanced Human Performance, Prof. Umer Asher
11-12 AM: Computer-aided Technologies (CAD/CAM/CAE) for Prosthetics, Prof. Gregor Harih
Lunch Break
1-2 PM: DHM in the Product Realization Process, Prof. Dan Hogberg
2-3 PM: Human-Centred Robotics, Prof. Giacomo Palmieri
3-4 PM: Inclusive Design in DHM, Prof. Silvia Imbesi
4-5 PM: Human-Autonomous Systems, Prof. Simone Borsci
5-6 PM: DHM and EEG, ECG, Posturography Affection, In-Cockpit Motion Modeling, Pilot Studies, Prof. Vladimir Socha
25th September
10-11 AM: Modeling and Simulation of Movement for Stroke, Prof. Redha Taiar
11-12 AM: DHM and Anthropometry, Prof. Erik Brolin
Lunch Break
1-2 PM: DHM for Human-Centric Engineering and Medicine, Prof. James Yang
2-3 PM: DHM and Infrared Thermography, Prof. Ameersing Luximon
3-4 PM: Digital Work Planning: Integrating Ergonomics, Productivity, and Age-Appropriate Production Design using ema Work Designer, Michael Spitzhirn
Evidence suggests that psychosocial risks and musculoskeletal disorders are so closely related that they are best treated together. The consensus is that many factors contribute to the development of MSDs at work, especially physical aspects (awkward working positions, vigorous movements, repetitive tasks, etc.).
Although physical risk factors are usually the primary work-related influence on the risk of MSD, psychosocial factors at work can significantly contribute to the risk of developing MSD and exacerbate an existing problem. Psychosocial factors may also hinder the return to work (or finding work) for patients with chronic MSD. In addition, MSD (especially when it leads to chronic pain) can lead to psychosocial problems such as depression and stress.
Psychosocial factors associated with MSDs
excessive workloads,
conflicting demands and lack of clarity over the role,
lack of involvement in making decisions that affect the worker and lack of influence over the way the job,
poorly managed organisational change,
job insecurity,
ineffective communication,
lack of support from management or colleagues,
psychological and sexual harassment, third-party violence,
low job satisfaction.
Possible pathways from psychosocial risk factors to musculoskeletal disorders
Increased muscle tension will affect the biomechanical loading of muscles and tendons, increasing the risk of overload.
Many MSDs disrupt the balance between tissue damage and repair, leading to inflammation. Stress-induced changes in repair mechanisms further disturb this balance and can overwhelm tissue repair processes.
Other mechanisms also act indirectly: e.g. perceived stress can lead to increased awareness of pain (pain perception) or decreased pain tolerance.
Even within the limitations of the existing legal framework, there are indications that many employers are not engaging in the risk assessment and prevention process. It is unclear to what extent this is specific to musculoskeletal disorders or whether it extends to other workplace safety risks. However, it’s already clear that fixing legislative gaps will not solve this problem, and action is needed to solve it. Reasons for non-acting can be manifold and include a lack of awareness of the need; and a lack of motivation, presumably resulting from a failure to perceive activities as risky or resulting in a fatalistic attitude that sees such risks as inevitable or “part of the job” and therefore unchangeable. Such unaware perceptions spill over into the workforce, creating a further barrier to effective action. (More information here)
Ergonomists in Europe are committed to reducing the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We promote a participatory, holistic approach to increase efficiency, reduce workplace adverse health effects, and improve job satisfaction.
According to EU-OSHA, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in children and young people and young workers are worryingly high. Involving schools in occupational safety and health issues can help prevent this. Integrating safety and health in education is essential in developing a culture of prevention for students.
A new report offers approaches to ‘health-promoting schools’ and examples of good practices in Europe to get people moving and prevent MSDs. The report presents success factors and obstacles and examines how schools can contribute to long-term prevention early on.
Organization of work in schools during the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus directly depends on the number of students and teachers infected. Among health workers and especially in public, there has been a general belief that children below 18 years of age are not an endangered part of the population to Coronavirus. However, although it may be true, it is premature to make such a conclusion, because appropriate tests have not supported it.
The main reason is that a complete enigma is the population of children in schools who have not shown any symptoms, but are infected and can transmit the virus. Prof. Aleksandar Zunjic has published the paper below in the IETI Transactions on Ergonomics and Safety journal and studies this problem in detail and provides insight into many aspects of the effects of the Coronavirus that are not obvious.
In conclusion, the paper proposes a new, fast and economically viable method for testing students on the CVOVID-19 virus.
Following the consistent striving of the FEES, IEA, and our ergonomics community on the prevention of the pandemic, we wish to inform you that recently has been published a special issue of the Following the consistent striving of the FEES, IEA, and our ergonomics community on prevention of the pandemic, we wish to inform you that recently has been published a special issue of the IETI Transactions on Ergonomics and Safety journal.
This IETI Transactions on Ergonomics and Safety special issue addresses COVID-19 virus first in any international journal from the domain of ergonomics. Together with other exciting matters here, you can find why the role of ergonomics is essential when it comes to the prevention of spreading the COVID-19 virus at workplaces.
Millions of workers across Europe suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). About three in every five workers in the European Union report MSD complaints, based on data from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey. It makes it one of the most common work-related health problems and also cost employers huge amounts.
Millions of workers across Europe suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). About three in every five workers in the European Union report MSD complaints, based on data from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey. It makes it one of the most common work-related health problems and also cost employers huge amounts.
Working actively with prevention helps improving workers’ lives, but it also benefits companies. MSDs are manageable and can be preventable, so costs related to MSDs can be reduced. If someone does develop an MSD, taking simple measures — such as providing professional support and adjusting the work environment — as soon as the symptoms appear significantly lowers the chance of long-term absence from work.
To preview EU-OSHA’s upcoming Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load campaign focused on raising awareness of and preventing musculoskeletal disorders, the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise organises two orientation sessions to introduce the audience to the topic.
This webinar gives examples of Swedish statistics, future tools for risk assessment of hand intensive repetitive work and a presentation by the authers of a brand new report – Physical work environment for health, well-being and performance.
Presentations:
Physical work environment for health, well-being and performance – Cecilia Berlin o Maral Babapour
Risk assessment of hand intensive repetitive work – Mikael Forsman
Statistics – The people behind the figures – Minke Wersäll
On the Personal Protected Equipment (PPE) working group meeting 2019 October in Brussels Reinier Hoftijzer on behalf of FEES and Henk Vanhoutte ESF (European Safety Federation) raised the issue of the legal status of exoskeletons.
Due to functionality, there are three types of exoskeletons:
Supportive: redistributing forces on the body or correcting posture to avoid injuries or stress;
Reinforcing: adding strength (+ redistribution of forces);
Medical/curative: replacing or reinforcing bodily functions.
On the Personal Protected Equipment (PPE) working group meeting 2019 October in Brussels Reinier Hoftijzer on behalf of FEES and Henk Vanhoutte ESF (European Safety Federation) raised the issue of the legal status of exoskeletons.
Due to functionality, there are three types of exoskeletons:
Supportive: redistributing forces on the body or correcting posture to avoid injuries or stress;
Reinforcing: adding strength (+ redistribution of forces);
Medical/curative: replacing or reinforcing bodily functions.
Due to power, there are two types of exoskeletons:
Active exoskeletons include actuators:
Electrical motor
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
In passive types, the energy only generated by the movement of the user:
Springs
Dampers
European Legal framework contains several applicable but not always obligatory reference:
Machinery Directive: critical words in definition: “fitted with a drive system other than directly applied by human or animal effort.”
Medical Device regulation: critical words in definition: “to be used for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.”
Personal Protective Regulation: critical words in definition: “to be worn or held by a person for protection against one or more risks to that person’s health or safety.”
All the skeletons that are at the European Market in use at the workplace are certified (CE-mark) under Medical device regulation. But by definition, it should be under the PPE regulation. Because this presentation was the first about this problem of legislation, we expect more information and discussion soon.
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Millions of workers across Europe suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). About three in every five workers in the European Union report MSD complaints, based on data from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey. It makes it one of the most common work-related health problems and also cost employers huge amounts.