Workplace safety takes center stage for ergonomists at #AppliedErgo2024 in Kentucky

NORCROSS, Ga. – Jan. 30, 2024 – Two keynote speakers offering expertise from different perspectives in workplace safety will be featured at the Applied Ergonomics Conference March 25-28 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville. The conference is presented by the Applied Ergonomics Society of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers.

L. Casey Chosewood, M.D., is associate director for Strategic Priorities and director of the Office for Total Worker Health at the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). His role involves protection and improvement of the safety and health of workers through research, intervention development and partnerships.

“Ergonomists are the utility players of occupational safety and health, with a huge scope of expertise and influence,” Chosewood told the Institute’s ISE magazine. “Employers and workers rely on their expertise and their use of the integrated approach. Conferences like this one can help keep ergonomists’ skills cutting-edge and ready to take on the many challenges sure to come.”

Marty Smets, an IISE member, is a technical expert supporting corporate and United Auto Worker ergonomics at Ford Motor Co. He has practiced industrial and occupational ergonomics for 19 years and has been with Ford since 2011.

“The (AEC) has a strong history of bringing together practitioners, vendors and researchers across a wide range of industries,” Smets told ISE. “The Ergo Cup is a wonderful way to highlight elegant solutions to shared problems and has always been a conference highlight.”

In addition to the renowned Ergo Cup® competition, sponsored by The Ergonomics Center of North Carolina and Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State University, the Applied Ergonomics Conference offers an exciting lineup of educational sessions, pre-conference workshops, facility tours, exhibits and networking activities. Go to iise.org/AEC/program for details.

“I’m a huge fan of best practices. When we follow best practices, we leverage the hard-won experience of people who have figured out the right way to do something and have passed it along to us,” said Reid.

Learn, explore and experience the latest in occupational ergonomics with fellow practitioners from industries such as healthcare, human factors, government, manufacturing, safety and energy. For more information and to register, visit iise.org/AEC.

About IISE: The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers is the world’s largest professional society dedicated solely to the support of the industrial engineering profession and individuals involved with improving quality and productivity. Founded in 1948, IISE is an international, nonprofit association that provides knowledge, training, networking opportunities and recognition to enhance the skills and effectiveness of its members, customers and the profession. For more information about IISE, visit www.iise.org and to learn more about the Applied Ergonomics Conference, go to iise.org/AES.