Professor contributes to field with invention

By Matt Lindner
Staff Writer

Thanks to the research and dedication of Jim McGlothlin in the field of ergonomics, some 2,000,000 workers may be able to work with less pain than ever before.

McGlothlin's invention, an ergonomic handle designed for tools, fits the contours of the hand and reduces stress on the wrist. The handle has been gaining interest from tool manufacturers around the country.

McGlothlin's research goal is to reduce workplace injuries, and, in turn, increase worker productivity.

"This problem is sort of like driving down a road with the emergency brake on and low pressure in your tires," said McGlothlin, an associate professor in health sciences. "The key is being aware of both problems; the same goes for the workplace. If you look for the hazards and then improve them, productivity will increase."

McGlothlin teaches a class about workplace ergonomics and students who are familiar with the material are in high demand with employers. This is mainly because the 2,000,000 musculoskeletal disorders that happen annually are the second most common workplace hazard, placing it slightly behind the common cold.

Students find that they are in greater demand after having taken McGlothlin's class — HSCI 598, "Occupational Ergonomics". Ryan Lee, a senior in the School of Health Science, said, "(McGlothlin) has a real strong knowledge background of this field. I couldn't think of anyone better to teach this class because of the way that he makes the knowledge practical, and shows us how we can apply it to our everyday lives."

McGlothlin supported his research in the field with statistics that he found during his studies.

"Nobody in the world has a greater ratio of production per worker than does the United States," said McGlothlin. "This is why employers are so eager to find out solutions to these problems. When ergonomic solutions are put into play, employers often see a return of $3 to every $1 they invested into these solutions."

McGlothlin has worked closely with NASA, Eli Lilly and the Indiana Lumber Industry, which was ranked No. 1 in the country in cabinetry last year. He feels as though there are several factors contributing to the amount of injuries sustained in the workplace.

There is a higher percentage of gender mix, more ethnic diversity and higher productivity rates per capita, said McGlothlin.

The main reason, however, is because the average age of workers in this country is in the mid-40s because people have to work harder for a longer time. Essentially, members of the baby boomer generation can't retire because they still have families to support.

McGlothlin's ultimate goal for the research is to improve both the quality of the workplace and to increase employee production. His occupational ergonomics classes are offered in the fall through the Schools of Engineering. For more information, visit www.drmcglothlin.com.

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