Upper Limb Work-Related MSDs: Reflections on Research & Interventions

November 4, 2025

8:00AM - 4:00PM

North Campus Research Complex, Ann Arbor, MI

Upper limb injuries, ranging from localized fatigue to chronic muscle, tendon, and nerve conditions, are a major cause of pain, impaired hand function, and varying degrees of disability. Over the past 50 years, studies examining hand injuries as well as personal, social, and work-related factors have driven significant improvements in the design of equipment and work methods across many occupations and industries—especially in manufacturing. Despite these advances, upper limb injuries continue to occur as a result of both work-related and non-work-related factors. Medical management, including workplace surveillance, remains essential for preventing and managing work-related disability.

Speakers will provide a brief overview of research that offers insights into the prevention and management of injuries associated with hand work. The speakers will then participate in a panel discussion focused on how current research informs recommendations for managing hand injuries.

University of Michigan student research will be featured in a poster session.

Featuring

• Multidisciplinary speakers
• Panel discussion
• Poster session

Speakers*

• Francesco Violante - University of Bologna
• David Rempel - University of California San Francisco
• Rob Radwin - University of Wisconsin
• Laura Punnett - University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Bernard Martin - University of Michigan
• Sheryl Ulin - University of Michigan
• Robert Fox - University of Michigan, General Motors
• Leia Stirling - University of Michigan
• William Marras - Ohio State University
• Martin Cherniak - University of Connecticut

*subject to change

Poster Presentations

Posters showcasing University of Michigan graduate student research will be available.

Hotel Accommodations

Stay at the Doubletree by Hilton, Ann Arbor North

3600 Plymouth Rd,Ann Arbor, MI 48105(734) 769-9800

To receive special pricing for this event, click on the following link to book your room:

https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/ergonomicssymposiumnovember2025/

Registration

Registration Fee: $20.00

Limited scholarships are available for University of Michigan IOE, EHS and HFES students.

Advanced registration is required and will be accepted on a “first come-first served” basis. Registration confirmation will be provided via email after your registration has been processed. If you do not receive confirmation within one week of registration, please email: ce.programs@umich.eduor call 734-763-2243.

The program registration fee includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch on November 4, 2025.

Parking

Visitor parking (for a fee) is available at the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC).

Visitor parking locations are visible in red on the following maps:

• https://ltp.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/north_medical.pdf
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p_VS0tmSVBfFGypxrL212SE2TOop4vBh/view?usp=sharing

For more information about utilizing visitor parking lots, fees, and payment processes, please visit the following website: https://ltp.umich.edu/parking/patient-and-visitor/campus-visitor-parking/

Cancellation

Cancellation notification must be received no later than October 14 , 2025 in order to qualify for a refund.

General Information

For more information contact COHSE by email: ce.programs@umich.edu or call 734-763-2243.

The University of Michigan Center for Occupational Health and Safety Engineering is an Education and Research Center funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

This symposium was enabled in part by a gift from Laura Glick (B.S.E. '95, M.S.E. '96, M.B.A. '01) and Dr. Jason Glick (B.F.A. '95, M.F.A. '97, D.D.S. '03 and M.P.H. '23). We thank Laura and Dr. Jason Glick for their generosity.

The University of Michigan Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering provided partial funding for this symposium.