Rrgonomists gather in Halifax to discuss: NS WCB
HALIFAX, Aug. 15, 2005 – Hours spent at improperly configured computer workstations, slips and falls due to inadequate lighting, repetitive strain from poor design of industrial tools and controls – these are just a few examples of the poor ergonomics affecting workers in all industries every day in Nova Scotia.
Workplace environments with poor ergonomics contributed to $1.1 million in workers’ compensation claims in 2004, and put 269 Nova Scotians off the job for a total of 16,500 days. Poor ergonomics can lead to musculoskeletal disorders including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, back injuries and others.
As partners in injury prevention, the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour and the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) are partnering with the Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) as silver sponsors of ACE’s 36th Annual Conference being held in Halifax this week, August 15 – 18.
“Nova Scotia is pleased to host the 36th annual conference of the Association of Canadian Ergonomists,” said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. “Injury prevention is a priority for this government and we look forward to learning more about this issue from our Canadian counterparts. The knowledge we gain from this conference will help us address the ergonomics issue in this province.”
The conference entitled Charting the Human Factor will feature workshops, panel discussions and presentations from national and international leaders in ergonomics. More than 200 registered delegates will share experiences and knowledge to learn more about the current and future applications and theory of ergonomics.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Environment and Labour and ACE on this conference. Too many people are being hurt at work in Nova Scotia and poor ergonomics is one of the contributing factors,” said Stuart MacLean, Vice President Prevention and Corporate Development, WCB. “It’s important for all Nova Scotians to recognize the human and economic toll these injuries are taking on our workers, their families and their communities and to work towards building a safety culture in our workplaces.”
More information on the conference program can be found on-line at www.aceconf.ca
