University of Southern Maine

News Releases

USM and MEMIC Host "Ergo Symposium" Wed. May 17

May 3, 2006

USM and MEMIC are co-sponsoring a conference to give businesses practical information on how to deal with issues ranging from back strains to adapting to an aging workforce.

The one-day Northern New England Ergo Symposium for businesses will be held Wed. May 17 at the Portland Marriott Sable Oaks beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast and registration. The symposium, jointly sponsored by the University of Southern Maine and MEMIC (Maine Employers' Mutual Insurance Company), features eight different sessions on ergonomics in the workplace.

The symposium brochure says no matter your business-or level of ergonomic experience-this one-day symposium features dual workshop tracks offering practical information businesses can put into action right away. 

The symposium tackles what ails workers no matter the workplace: musculoskeletal, or soft tissue, injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, back strains and tendonitis. In Maine, half of the workplace injuries are attributed to this type of injury. Across the U.S., musculoskeletal disorders account for more than 600,000 injuries that result in time away from work.

Key presenters include Thomas Waters, Ph.D., of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Sara Burns of the Central Maine Power Company; and Stephen Jenkins of Auburn Engineering.

Sessions include:
• Adapting to an Aging Workforce
• Tingles, Aches and Cramps
• What your Mother Didn't Tell You About Lifting
• Don't Let Gravity Get You Down
• … and others.

The USM/MEMIC partnership was launched about a year ago to foster safety in the workplace while increasing learning opportunities for USM students and business professionals. A Specialty Certificate Program in Leadership and Ergonomics, designed for safety and health professionals, is funded by MEMIC and classes are delivered by USM's School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology.

The fee structure for the symposium provides discounts for MEMIC policyholders and also offers a group discount for three or more attendees from a company.

For more information on available sessions, registration and fees, contact Robert Geraghty at 207-780-5313, or geraghty@usm.maine.edu, or USM Public Affairs at 207-780-4200.

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