Ergonomics for an Aging Workforce
As the retirement age in America goes up, it’s more important than ever that workplaces are designed to ensure safety and efficiency. Doctoral student Cindy Garcia (SAR’08) will address this issue today, October 24, at the second annual Ergonomics Day at the Massachusetts State House.
Garcia helped plan this year’s event, titled Successful Aging Through Ergonomics, as part of her senior practicum requirement for a doctorate in physical therapy. “It’s a great way to teach people about ergonomics,” she says, “and make more people aware.”
Volunteers will check participants for signs of aging, performing strength, cognition, and blood pressure tests as well as body mass index measurements, and they will demonstrate the proper way to set up an ergonomic computer station.
Additionally, Louis Kafka (D–8th Norfolk), a state representative and an advocate of ergonomics legislation, will attend the event. “I’m so excited to have his support,” Garcia says. “His sponsorship made this project possible.”
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Wednesday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the State House Great Hall.
Rebecca McNamara can be reached at ramc@bu.edu.