Fit For Work

02/26/2026

February is American Heart Month and a great time to think beyond lifestyle—and consider how ergonomics and workplace design affect heart health.

In our latest blog, Madison Heitz, Injury Prevention & Ergonomic Specialist at Fit For Work, explores how job design influences cardiac load and physiological strain. Beyond comfort or injury prevention, task layout, posture, movement efficiency, and recovery time all affect cardiovascular demand throughout the workday.

The takeaway is clear for organizations focused on workforce health: protecting heart health isn’t just a wellness initiative; it’s also a function of thoughtful job and process design.

👉 https://okt.to/1QiIqV

Learn how workplace design and ergonomics influence cardiac load, physical stress, and long‑term cardiovascular health at work.

02/26/2026

We’re continuing the conversation at the Applied Ergonomics Conference 2026 with two in-depth sessions on Thursday, March 12.

🔹Designing for the Human: Inclusive, Economic, and Behavioral Approaches, 90-Minute Master Track Session, 8:00-9:30 AM CT
Rupert Edwards | Stephanie Carroll | Ashley Mayo | Victoria Ballard | Kaysey Aguilar, Moderated by Lauren Noens
This extended session explores how inclusive design, economic considerations, and behavioral science intersect to create solutions that work in real-world environments.

🔹Spanning the Gap: Behavioral Interventions Used to Enhance Long-Term Engineering Solutions, 10:30-10:55 AM CT
Ashley Mayo | Stephanie Carroll
A practical discussion on how behavioral interventions can reinforce and sustain engineering controls for long-term impact.

Learn more: https://okt.to/HOVvjf

02/24/2026

Planning your schedule for the 2026 Applied Ergonomics Conference?

On Wednesday, March 11, our team will be part of three sessions focused on advancing the profession and the real‑world impact of ergonomics:

🔹 Pathways to Professional Certification in Human Factors and Ergonomics: A Panel Discussion
Time: 8:00-8:40 AM CT
James Rethaber joins leaders from BPCE and RIMKUS to discuss certification pathways and professional standards.

🔹 Translating Ergonomics into Business Value: Securing Executive Buy-In for Lasting Program Success
Time: 2:15-2:55 PM CT
Terri Leigh Rhody and Ashley Mayo share strategies for aligning ergonomics initiatives with executive priorities and measurable outcomes.

🔹 The Ever‑Evolving Ergonomist: Preparing for Today's and Tomorrow's Challenges
Time: 4:00-4:40 PM CT
James Rethaber and Mark Benden explore how the ergonomist role is evolving—and how practitioners can stay ahead.

If you’re attending , we hope you’ll join us!
Learn more: https://okt.to/Umk5Mn

02/19/2026

As enforcement intensifies and legal challenges continue, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is becoming more complex for employers.

In this update, Chase Feeler, Fit For Work Director of Employment Testing, shares key PWFA developments and what organizations should prioritize in 2026—especially around accommodations, essential functions, and process improvements.

➡️ Read the full PWFA 2026 update: https://okt.to/hlYxqD

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act 2026 update: key legal developments, EEOC enforcement trends, & what employers need to know to stay compliant.

02/18/2026

The Applied Ergonomics Conference is just a few weeks away — and our team is ready.

We’re proud to be contributing in multiple ways this year:

🔸 Pre-Conference Workshop | March 9
"Building a Sustainable Ergonomics Program: From Hire to Retire"
Join James Rethaber for a practical, business-aligned approach to building ergonomics programs that deliver measurable ROI.

🔸 Conference Sessions
Our team will also be leading and participating in several sessions throughout the week.

🔸 Exhibit Hall
Stop by our booth to connect with the team and learn more about our services.

If you’re attending, we’d love to see you there.
Workshop and registration details: iise.org/aec/workshops

02/11/2026

Proactive injury prevention drives safer, more resilient operations.

Tomorrow at 11:15 AM ET, Fit For Work Director of Business Development, Tim Lazich, and Fit For Work Area Manager, Kyle Wilson, present “Benefits of Pre‑Injury Prevention Programs” at the Michigan Aggregates Association Annual Conference in Battle Creek, MI.

They’ll explore how early intervention and prevention-focused strategies can reduce risk, support employees across the lifecycle, and strengthen overall safety performance.

Learn more: https://okt.to/l9O3ZN

02/06/2026

This February, we celebrate the legacy, leadership, and impact of Black trailblazers who have shaped our history and our future. At Fit For Work, we’re dedicated to building an inclusive culture where every voice is valued and every person can thrive. Together, let’s keep learning, honoring, and advocating for positive change.

02/05/2026

OSHA’s 2026 direction is becoming clearer—and the penalty structure is a big part of it.

In Part 2 of our OSHA 2026 Preview series, Fit For Work Director of Safety, Forrest Richardson, breaks down how penalties are calculated and how employers can qualify for meaningful reductions.

➡️ One Key Takeaway for Safety Leaders
Strengthen your internal safety systems now. OSHA’s FY 2026 focus continues to emphasize practical, day-to-day compliance, especially in high-hazard environments.

The blog includes a real-world penalty scenario that walks through how an OSHA citation amount is calculated and where reductions can apply.

Read the full breakdown + actionable steps to stay inspection-ready:
🔗 https://okt.to/jyOaQr

Learn how OSHA calculates FY 2026 penalties and how employers can qualify for reductions through size, history, and prompt‑correction factors.

02/03/2026

The Fit For Work and WorkSTEPS teams are gearing up for the Applied Ergonomics Conference in Arlington, TX March 9–12.

Our team will be onsite throughout the week — exhibiting, connecting with peers, and contributing insights that support safer, healthier workplaces. More details on our sessions coming soon.

Thinking about attending? Register now: https://okt.to/KxMijb

We hope to see you there!

01/30/2026

OSHA’s priorities are shifting in 2026—with new leadership, changing budget proposals, and evolving expectations for employers. These updates will shape how organizations plan for inspections, compliance, and worker‑centric safety programs in the year ahead.

In our latest article, Fit For Work’s Director of Safety, Forrest Richardson, breaks down what employers should expect and how FY 2026 budget changes may influence enforcement, outreach, and training.

For safety leaders, HR teams, and operations professionals, staying ahead of these shifts is key to managing risk and maintaining compliant, resilient workplaces.

Read the full breakdown here: https://okt.to/PtqGi9

Learn about OSHA’s 2026 leadership and budgets shifts, and what employers should expect for inspections, compliance, and safety programs.

01/21/2026

Remote and hybrid work continue to reshape employee workspaces — and so do the ergonomic challenges that come with working outside a traditional office.

In our latest blog, Sean Pilola, Fit For Work Ergonomics Specialist, shares practical, research‑backed strategies to help organizations improve comfort, focus, and injury prevention in home office environments.

From workstation adjustments to daily movement habits, these simple changes can deliver meaningful improvements in employee well‑being and performance.

Read the full blog ⬇️

Learn how to create a healthier, more productive home office with ergonomic tips, organization strategies, and habits for long‑term comfort.

01/21/2026

The Applied Ergonomics Conference returns March 9–12, 2026 — and the Fit For Work and WorkSTEPS teams are excited to be heading to Texas to present multiple sessions, host an interactive workshop, and engage with attendees at our booth.

To kick off the week, we’re hosting a pre-conference workshop on Monday, March 9. This is a chance to go deeper with practical, real-world strategies led by practitioners who live this work every day.

Workshop Preview: Building a Sustainable Ergonomics Program: From Hire to Retire
➡️ Perfect for anyone launching a program or trying to keep one thriving. You’ll dig into the elements that make ergonomics programs stick — employee engagement, leadership support, ROI — and leave with a draft action plan tailored to your organization.

Presenters: James Rethaber, Vice President of Technical Operations, Fit For Work and Dave Meyer, Regional Director, Fit For Work

👉 Register here: https://www.iise.org/AEC/details.aspx?id=6962