The 2016 National Ergonomics Conference & ErgoExpo is right around the corner. The ErgoExpo is being held at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. As much as the Darcor team is looking forward to the bright lights and excitement of Vegas, we are even more excited about the speakers and sessions scheduled at the ErgoExpo this year.
Since 1994, The National Ergonomics Conference & ErgoExpo is one of the leading conferences which focuses on best practices to build an ergonomics program or improve an existing program – all of this with productivity and cost-effectiveness in mind.
As those in the industry know, the awareness of ergonomics benefits for organizations continues to grow. There have been many studies and medical papers written that support the need to focus on ergonomics as a strategy towards workplace injury prevention and reducing workplace related fatigue. Darcor has contributed to these papers by developing The Guide to Workplace Ergonomics which covers a variety of areas to ensure employee health and safety, with specific focus on overexertion injuries that occur in the workplace.
So, what looks new and exciting at the 2016 ErgoExpo? Here are a few things the Darcor team has identified as “don’t miss” this year:
Industrial Ergonomics 101: Find It, Fix It, Check for Success (WS4) – Jeff Sandford, Director of Consulting, Humantech. This is an annual favorite and is a great session to attend to kick start your industrial ergonomics program.
The Darcor team has a particular interest in improving ergonomics in industrial environments. Check out our recent blogs:
- Ergonomic Considerations in the Automotive Industry
- Toyota Production System (TPS) and its use in Non-Automotive Applications
Reducing Materials Handling Injuries: A Prerequisite for World-Class Safety (WS5) – Tim McGlothlin, MS, CPE, Executive Director and Heather White, MIE, CPE, Senior Ergonomist, The Ergonomics Center, North Carolina State University. This workshop addresses injuries related to materials handling (lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, etc.). Participants will leave the workshop with instructional manuals and basic software.
At Darcor, we focus on ergonomic industry trends and have written a few blogs about what is going on in the material handling industry:
- Fork-Free Revolution to Support Material Handling Ergonomics
- 10 Key Material Handling Tips to Reduce Workplace Injuries
Advanced Data Collection and Wearable Technology (WS3) – Rachel Michael, CPE, CHSP, Ergonomic Thought Leadership, Aon Risk Solutions. Technology is changing the landscape of the world and we cannot forget that workplace ergonomics can also take advantage of technology. Michael will discuss how data can be collected through wearable technology and used to make future design decisions.
Maximizing Your Ergonomics and Safety Program with Lean Concepts (IA6) – Jerome J. Congleton, PhD, PE, CPE, Emeritus Professor of Ergonomics and Safety Engineering, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Public Health. Dr. Congleton will cover the hands-on application of lean techniques and ergonomic tools to enhance ergonomic programs.
Darcor recently examined lean concepts in our recent blog: Continuous Improvement vs. Lean Manufacturing.
Prevention Through Design: An Ergonomic Business Case (IA7) – Georgi Popov, PhD, QEP, CMC, Associate Professor, University of Central Missouri. This workshop highlights how to develop a business case for ergonomic change with a particular focus on design improvements.
This is another area that the Darcor team feels strongly about – proactive design to prevent workplace injury. We recently wrote two blog posts on different perspectives on this topic:
- Don’t Wait for a Workplace Injury – Implement Proactive Ergonomics
- Blueprint to Design Medical Equipment with Operators in Mind
Get Ready for ErgoExpo and Visit the Darcor Team to Learn about Casters’ Impact on Ergonomics
The ErgoExpo provides a great opportunity to meet ergonomics thought leaders and gain their insights into ergonomic best practices and the latest trends.
While you are in Las Vegas, stop by to visit the Darcor team at booth #545. We would be happy to share how casters can significantly impact ergonomic health in your organization. More and more companies are seeing the long-term benefits of implementing “wheel technology that exceeds ergonomic standards” when constructing their carts and material handling equipment.
We look forward to seeing you at ErgoExpo 2016!
