WHAT: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society to Host Ergonomics Summit on Safe and Healthy Work or School from Home

WHEN: April 15, 2020, 11 – 4pm ET

WHERE: Virtual Summit

DETAILS:  As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to progress globally, the number of people working and schooling from home is unprecedented. Worldwide, more than 1 billion children are estimated to be schooling via virtual technology. For most of us, this rapid transition to remote schooling and work presents unique ergonomics challenges that, prior to this pandemic, have not been envisioned, discussed, or addressed. And although general work-from-home ergonomic guidelines have existed for some time, the introduction of web conferencing as an all-day activity, coupled with shelter-in-place orders, imparts specific constraints and risks that require new ergonomic perspectives and methods. In the current situation a plethora of people are ill-prepared to work or school from home and have few resources to create ergonomic workspaces.

To address these unique risks and provide guidance to teachers, parents, students, employers, and employees, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society is producing a one-day summit featuring a group of seven renowned ergonomics experts who will provide state-of-the-art guidance for creating more comfortable, safer, and more productive home-based work and school environments. Attendees will learn creative ways to establish ergonomic workspaces and practices and how to avoid discomfort and injury due to increased home-based computer usage without needing to buy new furniture.

The presentations will conclude with advice to parents, students, educators, employers, and employees, as well as audience input, followed by a closing Q&A session.

HOW: Press receive free registration to the Ergonomics Summit. To participate please contact Kate Purdy at 202-367-2387 or [email protected].  

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About Human Factors and Ergonomics Society

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society is the world’s largest scientific association for human factors/ergonomics professionals, with more than 4,500 members globally. Its mission is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of the systems and devices of all kinds. HFES members include psychologists and other scientists, designers, practitioners, and engineers, all of whom have a common interest in designing systems and equipment to be safe and effective for the people who operate and maintain them.