As the president of the EPM-IES, Dr. Columbini spearheads initiatives aimed at disseminating knowledge and providing comprehensive training programs. While clinical practice is critical in Ergonomics, for Dr. Columbini, the right training, and knowledge make a huge impact on the life of workers globally. The International School "Ergonomics of Posture and Movement" was established to fulfill the association's goal of improving health and working conditions. EPM-IES engages in research to develop validated risk assessment methods for preventing and managing occupational biomechanical overload. Additionally, they create user-friendly tools, such as free software, to simplify the risk assessment and management process. Through training courses and the establishment of new schools worldwide, EPM-IES continues to cultivate a rich culture of learning and groundbreaking research in the field of Ergonomics.
EPM-IES: Advancing Knowledge and Training
in Ergonomics
Empowering Ergonomics: Dr. Daniela Columbini's Journey and the Future of Occupational Health
For Dr. Columbini, the journey into the field of ergonomics and occupational medicine began with a passion for disease prevention as opposed to looking for only a cure. Inspired by the teachings of the late Prof. Grieco Antonio, one of Italy's pioneering ergonomists, Dr. Columbini was captivated by the concept of addressing risks through biomechanical overload prevention. This initial spark and efforts of Prof. Antonio led to the formation of the EPM International Ergonomics School, where Dr. Columbini currently serves as the president. Continuing this legacy, Dr. Columbini cites the most rewarding aspects of her work to be raising awareness about neglected topics and spreading educational experiences through comprehensive training courses.
Who is Dr. Daniela Columbini?
Daniela Colombini is a certified European Ergonomist and holds an MD in occupational medicine and health statistics. Her research work is focused on occupational medicine and health statistics, specializing in biomechanical overload evaluation. With a career spanning 40 years, she has published numerous volumes and articles on the prevention of biomechanical overload risks and has contributed to the development of recognized standards such as the OCRA method. She is also the coordinator of a sub-group on MSDs in the IEA and offers courses and e-learning programs on biomechanical overload evaluation and management.
Addressing Misconceptions: Why Ergonomics is Important in the Workplace?
One of the most prevalent misconceptions surrounding ergonomics is the belief that implementing preventive measures incurs higher costs and reduces productivity. However, ergonomics is directly linked to workplace productivity. Many companies fail to recognize the long-term benefits of risk reduction in workplaces. To counter such notions, Dr. Columbini and their team provide training sessions for technicians and managers, highlighting practical examples of cost-benefit analysis. By demonstrating the positive impact of ergonomics on both worker well-being and overall productivity, they aim to debunk these misconceptions.
Empowering Ergonomics: Dr. Daniela Columbini's Journey and the Future of Occupational Health
For Dr. Columbini, the journey into the field of ergonomics and occupational medicine began with a passion for disease prevention as opposed to looking for only a cure. Inspired by the teachings of the late Prof. Grieco Antonio, one of Italy's pioneering ergonomists, Dr. Columbini was captivated by the concept of addressing risks through biomechanical overload prevention. This initial spark and efforts of Prof. Antonio led to the formation of the EPM International Ergonomics School, where Dr. Columbini currently serves as the president. Continuing this legacy, Dr. Columbini cites the most rewarding aspects of her work to be raising awareness about neglected topics and spreading educational experiences through comprehensive training courses.
Who is Dr. Daniela Colombini?
Daniela Colombini is a certified European Ergonomist and holds an MD in occupational medicine and health statistics. Her research work is focused on occupational medicine and health statistics, specializing in biomechanical overload evaluation. With a career spanning 40 years, she has published numerous volumes and articles on the prevention of biomechanical overload risks and has contributed to the development of recognized standards such as the OCRA method. She is also the coordinator of a sub-group on MSDs in the IEA and offers courses and e-learning programs on biomechanical overload evaluation and management.
Addressing Misconceptions: Why Ergonomics is Important in the Workplace?
One of the most prevalent misconceptions surrounding ergonomics is the belief that implementing preventive measures incurs higher costs and reduces productivity. However, ergonomics is directly linked to workplace productivity. Many companies fail to recognize the long-term benefits of risk reduction in workplaces. To counter such notions, Dr. Columbini and their team provide training sessions for technicians and managers, highlighting practical examples of cost-benefit analysis. By demonstrating the positive impact of ergonomics on both worker well-being and overall
If you want to learn more about the current trends and developments in Ergonomics, we invite you to join the PREMUS, WDPI, and MYOPAIN 2023 which features Dr. Columbini and some of the best and brightest minds in scientific research, ergonomics, and occupational health! Register now at premus2023.com and be a part of the next generation of healthcare.
For a comprehensive understanding of workplace health, completing clinical screenings with collective evaluations is crucial. Dr. Columbini emphasizes the significance of conducting epidemiological studies that compare positive thresholds among exposed and reference groups in different working areas. By demonstrating the presence of risk for specific anatomical areas, these studies provide valuable insights. EPM-IES has developed the Latin Questionnaire, an optimized anamnestic model, to facilitate preliminary epidemiological studies. This tool, along with accompanying software, enables occupational doctors to analyze collective results and make informed decisions.
The Importance of Epidemiological Studies in Occupational Health
Occupational doctors play a pivotal role in ensuring the health and safety of workers. They are responsible for assessing and interpreting risks, developing medical surveillance programs, and identifying workers with occupational musculoskeletal diseases. Additionally, they facilitate fitness and return-to-work programs, determine risk-damage causality, and report professional diseases. Yet, because biomechanical overload as a risk has been only recently incorporated, they may often lack the right resources for sufficient treatment. Hence, Dr. Columbini and her team support occupational doctors by providing training opportunities and resources to enhance their expertise in risk assessment techniques, particularly in addressing biomechanical overload.
Empowering Occupational Doctors: A Comprehensive Approach to Risk-Assessment
As the world of work continues to evolve, ergonomics and occupational medicine have become increasingly vital. With hybrid workplaces on the horizon, Dr. Columbini’s approach and techniques are pivotal in leading the way forward. We recently had an opportunity to have a conversation with Dr. Columbini about her work and some exciting developments in Ergonomics. Here are a few questions that she addresses in the interview:
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What is the role and evolution of ergonomics in a remote-working environment?
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How is the anamnestic model, referred to as the Latin Questionnaire different from other models?
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Why epidemiological studies are critical in completing health surveillance in work environments?
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What is the OCRA method for risk assessment and other simple yet practical approaches like Ergo Check for risk assessment?
The risk-assessment techniques developed by Dr. Columbini and her team have made a distinctive mark in worker safety and contributed significantly to developing healthier and happier working conditions worldwide.