The mid-1970s were a time of product expansion for the STIHL Group, which, until then, had focused solely on making chain saws.

The widespread availability of modular profile systems has made it easy for engineers to get in touch with their creative side. They enable assemblers to bolt together framing components to tailor workstations and machines to specific processes or floor space requirements.

ANN ARBOR, MI—The return-on-investment of a site ergonomics program can exceed three times the investment, according to a new study from consulting firm Humantech Inc.

ANN ARBOR, MI—Humantech is conducting a survey on the use of computer technology for managing ergonomics programs. This online, confidential survey consists of 16 questions and is open to any company with an established ergonomics program.

DEARBORN, MI—Engineers at Ford Motor Co. have created virtual representations of employees— called “avatars”—to assess whether articulating arms and other ergonomic aids could help with assembly.

For many years, plant managers told assemblers to “work smarter, not harder” without providing them the proper tools to achieve this goal. This was especially challenging for workers who had to lift heavy objects around their workstations.

SOLINGEN, German—Item Industrietechnik GmbH has become the first supplier of industrial workbenches to be awarded the “certified and recommended” seal of approval by the independent Campaign for Healthy Backs.

ANN ARBOR, MI—Consulting firm Humantech is seeking participants for its fifth benchmarking study on current and effective methods for managing ergonomics in the workplace.

Workplace ergonomics is important to AUMA Reister GmbH & Co. KG, an international manufacturer of electric valve actuators and valve gearboxes for 50 years. This is because its workers often need to handle large or heavy components of these products.

WASHINGTON—OSHA is reportedly planning a public database of workplace injury and illness incidents reported by manufacturers and other employees.