Date:Oct 2017
IEA Communications and Public Relations Chair,
Michelle Robertson
October is Ergonomics and Human Factors Month—World-Wide! IEA Federated Societies & Networks are promoting Human Factors and Ergonomics (HF/E) initiatives and awareness among local communities, industries, government agencies, and schools. IEA acknowledges these outstanding efforts and strongly supports these local and national initiatives. Together, these world-wide initiatives help to promote the science, application and profession of HF/E.
These activities encourage the exchange of ideas regarding HF/E practices through:
- providing information and materials,
- distributing case studies,
- highlighting methods and discussions of experiences, and
- providing community service.
Please share among the IEA community (IEA LinkedIn) inspirations and examples of Global Ergonomics Month activities and how they heightened the awareness of HFE and the valuable contribution it can have on designing safe and effective work systems among local communities, industries, schools, and government agencies. Gretchen Macht, macht@uri.edu, our CPE social media coordinator is ready to post your GEM story on LinkedIn.
We want to share the following events and experiences that some Federated Societies and Affiliated organizations are doing during the month of October.
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society launched their 14th National Ergonomics Month (NEM) at their annual international conference in October. Highlighting the theme of HF/E professionals as they work towards bettering the lives of people around the world. Examples of recent, significant HF/E contributions to the design, test, operation, maintenance, and sustainability of products, tools, systems, and environments for human use are: 1) Patient safety & design of medical devices/facilities, 2) Robotics and artificial intelligence, 3) Security & cybersecurity, and 4) Surface and air transportation– semiautonomous vehicles.
NEM has inspired a variety of activities by students and professionals in local communities. Groups participating in NEM Action Plan contests have implemented their plans through a variety of creative outreach endeavors that emphasize the contributions of HF/E science and practice through teaching, learning, networking, service, and fun! Elizabeth Phillips elizabeth_phillips1@brown.edu and Joseph Keebler, joekeebler@gmail.com, National Ergonomics Month Committee chairs; and Karen Jacobs, Chair, HFES Outreach Division. See www.hfes.org
 www.ace-ergocanada.ca |
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Association of Canadian Ergonomists and related organizations are hosting a variety of events and webinars.
Quebec City:
several gatherings are occurring via the CNESST (ergo-relevant MSD sessions) organized by ACE members as part of other related associations. CNESST = commission des normes de l’équité de la santé et de la sécruité au travail http://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/salle-de-presse/Pages/Salle-de-presse.aspx
Ontario:
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. & Ontario Ministry of Labour
Special page, listing events:
http://www.ohcow.on.ca/global-ergonomics-month.html
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/topics/pains.php
New Brunswick:
Worksafe NB 2017 HEALTH AND SAFETY CONFERENCE: http://www.worksafenb.ca/health-and-safety-conference
British Columbia:
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/news-events/calendar/2017/October/worksafebc-ergonomics-forum
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Federation of European Ergonomics Societies (FEES) – IEA Networks: European Month of Ergonomics (EME) support the annual Healthy Workplaces Campaign of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). http://www.healthy-workplaces.eu; http://www.ergonomics-fees.eu/node’ for the 2016-2017 Campaign.
“Ergonomics for all ages” healthy workplaces campaign goal is to demonstrate the potential of ergonomics to promote a sustainable working life. The aim is to promote the collaboration between ergonomists and occupational health and safety experts to work together for this area. The EU-OSHA campaign “Healthy Workplaces for all ages” aims at recognizing and managing the challenges of an ageing workforce. The focus is on workers of all ages, not just the aging workforce. Fostering a life course of healthy work practices in young workers and developing good working conditions will promote sustainable work throughout their working lives and ensures healthy aging. For more information, see www.healthy-workplaces.eu. Please see EME materials, developed by Martti Launis, (artti.launis@ttl.fi) Communication and Promotion Committee of FEES.
The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors in the UK has completed a comprehensive set of clear and resonant stories that illustrate the impact of ergonomics and human factors, entitled “The Human Connection.” This publication is intended to be of value to a wide range of audiences, including: government, policy makers, industry, third sector groups, educators, research funders, regulatory bodies and collaborators. These case studies can serve as a valuable resource to increase understanding of the complexity, range and value of the discipline of ergonomics and human factors and could be used to heighten the awareness of HF/E during Global Ergonomics Month. http://www.ergonomics.org.uk/the-human-connection-document/
Tell us a story!
Any questions or suggestions, please contact IEA Communication and Public Relations Chair Michelle Robertson or Kathleen Mosier Vice President/Secretary General .
