Ergonomics in Today’s Changing Workplace

Today’s workplace is becoming more inclusive, diverse and accommodating. A one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for individual differences and specific needs. By increasing the adjustability in the office, employees can move toward the goals of creating a healthy, productive and ideal work environment.

Attendee Takeaways:

1. Connect workplace risk factors with healthcare-related expenses and loss experience
2. Appreciate the risk related to low-quality, outdated and poorly designed office workspaces
3. Improve employee wellness and promote a positive workplace

Merl works to provide professional services to organizations concerned with improving their work environment. As a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), he is dedicated to improving safety, increasing productivity and profitability while reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The past 30 years of focus on injury prevention have allowed him to hold a variety of health and safety-related positions, including roles in industrial/sports medicine occupational safety and health, risk management, and employee health and wellness. Today, he runs Performance Ergonomics providing onsite ergonomics and injury prevention services which implement best practices in musculoskeletal disorder prevention. Prior to founding Performance Ergonomics, Merl led the injury prevention efforts within Banner Health's corporate risk management, implementing the safe patient handling and mobility program across a system of 24 acute care hospitals.

Kevin is the safety manager for the City of Scottsdale. He is a former facilities services manager for the City of Scottsdale and
City of Phoenix, and former director of safety and site operations for the Desert Botanical Garden. Kevin has a Bachelor of Science degree in technology management
from Northern Arizona University and holds active board certifications as an ADA Coordinator (ACTCP), Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), and Certified Facilities Manager (CFM). Kevin has served as an appointed member of the Board of Adjustment and the Commission for Disability Concerns for the City of Tempe and is a U.S. Navy Veteran of 10 years active duty.