Inclusive Design and Creating Accessible Products: Designing Work Environments for a Diverse Workforce

This presentation explores how biomechanics enhances design by creating work environments and products that are accessible to a diverse workforce and reduce injury risks. The application of biomechanical principles, and a deep understanding of physical limitations, ensures that work environments accommodate workers with varying functional abilities and are designed to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Ergonomic experts leverage biomechanics to develop workspaces that minimize strain and promote safety. Case studies from various sectors will illustrate how inclusive, biomechanics-informed design has improved accessibility, reduced injury rates, and supported diverse workforce needs.

Presenting Speakers

Ashley Mayo is an Ergonomic and Injury Prevention Specialist at Fit For Work. She provides ergonomic and injury prevention services to a variety of clients in the industrial industry. Ashley has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica University and is an Associate Ergonomic Professional (AEP). 

Ashley joined Fit For Work in 2022 and has worked with clients across the manufacturing, food distribution, and construction sectors. She has completed over 100 ergonomic and office assessments and has contributed to the development of ergonomic solutions tailored to the specific needs of each industry.

Ashley is passionate about understanding how the human body interacts with its environment and is dedicated to bridging the gap between human capabilities and product design. Her mission is to help create safer, more efficient workspaces and products through inclusive design and data-driven ergonomic solutions.

James Rethaber, Ph.D., CPE, LSSMBB, is Vice President of Technical Operations at Fit For Work. In his role he provides strategic direction for the Safety, Ergonomics, and Testing departments and initiatives, as well as the mapping and streamlining of processes to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness for internal and external clients. Dr. Rethaber also oversees the onboarding and continuing education initiatives to assist Fit For Work staff. 

Prior to joining Fit For Work in 2007, Dr. Rethaber worked in the education and healthcare fields. He has over 20 years of experience in the fields of engineering, psychology, and musculoskeletal injury prevention, and has completed over 10,000 ergonomics-related assessments in nearly every industry. 

Dr. Rethaber has a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine, a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, a Master of Science in Applied Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Human Performance Technology. 

He is a Board-Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) and is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Dr. Rethaber serves on industry advisory boards at Texas A&M University – College Station and Texas State University – San Marcos and is a former member of the Board of Directors with the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics.