Three Questions with Karl Zelik, Associate Professor, Vanderbilt University's Department of Mechanical Engineering

What are some of the key challenges currently facing ergonomists and safety professionals?

Ergonomists and safety professionals face myriad challenges, but one that I want to highlight is the rapid rate of innovation and technological advancement. On one hand, it’s exciting to see all the new ergonomics tools being developed and deployed that could potentially improve workplace safety. On the other hand, it can be hard for safety professionals to know what to focus on, how to best vet and implement new innovations, how to separate the wheat from the chaff, and how to avoid getting caught up in the hype.

What new technology or innovations do you see impacting workplace safety?

I’ve spent the last 18 years doing research and development on wearable technologies. Initially, I focused on prosthetics and exoskeletons to improve health and mobility for people with disabilities. But over the last eight years, I’ve been part of a global movement that has been exploring how wearable devices like exoskeletons and exosuits can help prevent pain and disabilities due work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

It’s been fascinating to see the occupational exo field evolve. At first, exos faced a lot of skepticism from the safety and ergonomics communities. Perhaps rightfully so; there was a lot of early failure and unrealistic hype years ago. However, exo technology has advanced, and over the last few years the scientific and industry evidence on exo impacts has exploded.

Exos have started to find their niche in a handful of industries, and the ergonomics community has transitioned from skeptical and guarded to much more curious and open. I’m encouraged by recent trends and success stories, and by converging and longitudinal evidence that exos are reducing MSD risk and injury incidence in the workplace, and in some cases also boosting productivity.

I think over the next five years that exos are going to have a significant impact on reducing overexertion injuries in the workplace. I hope that they are just one of several emerging innovations that help us to reduce MSDs, improve worker well-being and reimagine the future of work.

What do you hope to pass along in your keynote address and also learn from other ergonomics professionals at Applied Ergo?

In the keynote, I plan to share some stories, observations and research from the last two decades related to innovation. I will share tips on how to approach new innovations, how to avoid snake oil, gimmicks and over-hyped gadgets, and how to home in on new capabilities and solutions that sustainably impact health and well-being within workplaces and throughout society.

I had a wonderful time at last year’s Applied Ergonomics conference, and I am super excited to reconnect with and learn from all the deep expertise and rich experiences that pervade this community.

For more information about Karl Zelik, check out the Keynote Speakers page.