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The study of slips and falls has traditionally focused on body kinematics and tribology. However, this strictly mechanical approach does not allow scientists to assess the importance of each component in relation to the complete system, and thus it lacks integration. The purpose of this chapter is to present and demonstrate the components of a broad analysis for in-depth understanding of slips and falls while walking on level surfaces. In most slipand-fall studies, balance analysis is simplified and attributed to the point of heel contact. To determine sufficient fall prevention strategies, however, one must analyze balance before the critical moment of lost control. Such an approach requires the sciences of biomechanics, mechanics, anatomy, and neuromuscular control, as well as tribology. Causes of slips and falls are complex, and prevention approaches are often reactive, driven by high-injury trends and lawsuits. Prevention strategies need to be more proactive: Understanding the causes of accidents can help in identifying and correcting hazards before they cause problems. Examples include reporting incidents, selecting the right flooring, selecting footwear, and implementing proper floor-cleaning procedures. A combined effort among all members of the organization, including communication across the entire work system, is critical to the success of slip-and-fall prevention efforts. Sl ips and falls represent either the highest or second-highest type of workers' compen

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Advances in information technology are allowing selective employees to work “anywhere” and at “anytime.” The work location for some employees is changing from the traditional corporate office to a virtual work location, such as the home, hotel, airport, shared and satellite office, client office and the car. This trend toward “alternative work styles” and the distributed workforce is likely to continue. As these work styles and virtual workplaces continue to emerge, understanding and designing effective work systems using a macroergonomics perspective is essential to achieve the benefits of distributed work and telecommuting. In this paper, we will provide an overview of the major macroergonomics issues associated with telecommuting. First, we present the literature databases used for this paper, a macroergonomics perspective and model. Next, examples of telecommuting programs, including the organizational structure, implementation process and evaluation strategy are given. A review of the existing empirical research concerning telecommuting and its implications are also discussed. Further, a macroergonomics process for managing the health and safety of telecommuters is described. In summary, a discussion of future telecommuting research and program development using a macroergonomics, work system design approach, is given.

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A survey of Certified Professional Ergonomists (CPEs) was conducted to gather information on the types of basic tools, direct and observational measurement techniques, and software used by practitioners. The results of the industrial ergonomics tools are reported here. A high percentage of respondents reported using tape measures, video cameras, stopwatches and digital cameras. The most commonly used observational methods were those involving manual materials handling, whereas the most commonly used direct measurement tools were pinch and grip dynamometers and push/pull gauges. The type of checklists, software, and anthropometric data used also are summarized, and potential reasons for use, or lack of, are discussed.

The preliminary results of a prospective epidemiological study of the revised NIOSH lifting equation are presented. The baseline evaluations included assessment of lifting and lowering tasks with the revised NIOSH equation, as well as a questionnaire regarding personal variables. Subject follow-up was primarily accomplished through postal questionnaires, telephone interviews, and surveillance for workers' compensation claims for low-back disorders. The preliminary results reported are based on approximately 375 person-years of exposure; however, the follow-up period is still in progress. Important findings related to the usability of the revised NIOSH equation across several types of common exposures are also discussed.