As industrial operations adopt more automation, ergonomics remains a critical factor in safety, productivity, and long-term workforce performance. Equipment and systems may change, but people remain central to material handling. When ergonomic considerations are overlooked, even advanced automation can introduce new risks, inefficiencies, and costs.

At MODEX 2026, the Ergonomic Assist Systems & Equipment (EASE) Council will address this challenge in an education session titled “The Human Advantage: Safety, Ergonomics, and Smarter Automation Decisions.” The session will explore how ergonomics and automation work together to improve outcomes across manufacturing and distribution environments.

The education session is free to all MODEX attendees. It takes place Tuesday, April 14, from 1:30–2:15 p.m., in the MHI Industry Group Theater. The Theater is in Hall B of the Georgia World Congress Center, on the right-hand side.

Why Ergonomics Still Matters in an Automated World

Despite rapid advances in automation, poor ergonomics remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in material handling. Musculoskeletal disorders tied to lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motion continue to drive lost workdays, rising insurance costs, and reduced productivity.

EASE Council panelists will discuss why it’s important to address ergonomics early—during the design of equipment, workstations, and workflows—rather than after injuries occur. The session will compare reactive ergonomics, which responds to incidents, with proactive ergonomics, which prevents risk through thoughtful design.

Attendees will also learn how ergonomic principles support automation success. Panelists will discuss how to ensure workers interact safely and efficiently with robotic systems, conveyors, lift assists, and other technologies.

What the MODEX 2026 Session Will Cover

The discussion will address many of the most pressing questions facing operations leaders today. These include common misconceptions about ergonomics and productivity, and the hidden costs of poor ergonomic design. The role leadership plays in building an ergonomics-focused culture will also be covered.

Panelists will explore how organizations can balance cost-effective ergonomic solutions with operational complexity, measure the financial impact of ergonomic programs, and ensure improvements remain sustainable as operations evolve. Additional topics include the importance of worker feedback, training programs, and aligning ergonomic investments with long-term business goals.

The session will emphasize that ergonomics is not a standalone initiative. Instead, panelists will explain why ergonomics is a strategic tool for improving safety, efficiency, morale, and retention in high-pressure work environments.

Panel Comprised of Ergonomic Solutions Experts

The MODEX 2026 education session will feature five industry leaders from EASE Council member companies. Each brings a unique perspective on ergonomics, safety, and material handling design. They include:

• Lee Bailey, Manager of Manufacturing Integration and Engineering, Schmalz
• Stefan Friedrich, Product Marketing Manager, Gorbel
• Nathan Guralski, Business Director, Nutting Carts and Trailers, Acco Products – Kito Crosby
• Mark Lippert, President, Hamilton Caster & Manufacturing Company
• Todd Ohme, Corporate Director of Marketing, Colson Group

Together, the panelists will share real-world examples, practical guidance, and lessons learned from implementing ergonomic solutions across a wide range of industrial environments.

Who Should Attend

The session is ideal for operations managers, safety and health professionals, engineers, ergonomists, and supply chain leaders seeking practical guidance on improving safety and productivity. Whether an organization is beginning its ergonomics journey or refining an existing program, attendees will gain insights they can apply immediately.

Small and mid-sized enterprises, in particular, will benefit from discussions on affordable ergonomic interventions and strategies for achieving compliance without sacrificing efficiency.

Why Attend the EASE Council Session at MODEX

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how ergonomics influences safety performance, operational efficiency, and employee well-being. Key takeaways include how to:

• Integrate ergonomics into equipment and workspace design.
• Balance speed and efficiency with ergonomic safety.
• Measure return on investment (ROI) and productivity gains from ergonomic investments.
• Combine automation and manual handling equipment safely.
• Build a culture that supports long-term ergonomic success.

By focusing on the human element of material handling, the EASE Council’s MODEX 2026 session reinforces that ergonomics is a competitive advantage—not just a compliance requirement.

Learn More About Ergonomics

Can’t wait for the EASE Council’s MODEX education session to learn more about the benefits of industrial ergonomics? The members of the Ergonomic Assist Systems & Equipment (EASE) Council of MHI are available to consult, answer questions, and make best practice recommendations.