In the past decade work-related injuries have increased to epidemic proportions in the United States and other countries. In the future, businesses will spend billions of dollars in medical expenses, disability compensation, and lost productivity. One solution to this growing problem is the application of ergonomic principles in the workplace. This textbook provides the knowledge from which therapists can develop skills in ergonomics with the goal of preventing and reducing workplace injuries. The contributing authors come from various disciplines, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, and engineering, in order to provide readers with a truly multidisciplinary approach. The Second Edition includes new chapters on psychosocial issues, computers and assistive technology, and evidence-based practice. In order to help readers understand what they have learned, each chapter concludes with a series of review questions.
Ergonomics and Therapy: An Introduction; A Client Centered Framework for Therapists in Ergonomics; Anthropometry; Basic Biomechanics; Cognitive Workload and the Organization of Mental Space; Psychosocial Factors in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disability; Environmental Design; Human Factors in Medical Rehabilitation Equipment: Product Development and Useability; Lifting Analysis; Seating; Computers and Assistive Technology; Applied Ergonomic Concepts in Injury Prevention and Disability Management; Evidence-Based Practice; Ergonomics Certification; Marketing Ergonomic Consultation