Presentations
View the individual recordings below, or view the conference recording playlist.
Welcome and Scope of the Conference
Dr. Jack Callaghan, Director, CRE-MSD
Presentation recording (VIDEO)
From Pixels to Programs to MSD Prevention
Dr. Steven Fischer, Associate Director, CRE-MSD
Presentation recording (VIDEO)
Workplaces have more options than ever before for measuring and assessing musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk. Advances in computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), wearable technologies, and digital assessment tools are making ergonomic evaluations faster, more accessible, and less resource-intensive than traditional methods.
While these technologies can improve how organizations identify hazards, they do not prevent injuries on their own. The real challenge is ensuring that information leads to meaningful action. Technology can identify risk, but effective MSD prevention still depends on strong programs, engaged workers, committed leaders, and a workplace culture that supports continuous improvement.
Key messages:
- Technology is improving ergonomic risk assessment
- Data quality matters
- Measurement is no longer the biggest challenge
- Pixels reveal risk; programs prevent MSD
From Pilot to Enterprise: Scaling AI-Powered Ergonomics
Nicole Ervin, Director, Industrial Engineering & Ergonomics, GE Appliances
Presentation recording (VIDEO)
Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technologies can help organizations scale ergonomics programs by improving the speed, consistency, and reach of ergonomic assessments. Drawing on Nicole Ervin's experience implementing AI-powered ergonomics across multiple manufacturing sites at GE Appliances, the presentation emphasized that successful adoption depends on more than technology alone. Organizations need a strong ergonomics foundation, effective change management, worker engagement, and clear processes for turning assessment results into action.
Key messages:
- Build a strong ergonomics foundation before adopting AI
- AI is an enabler, not a replacement
- Start small and scale deliberately
- Change management is critical
Start with the Problem, Not the Technology: A Systems Approach to MSD Prevention
Ryan Porto, Technical Specialist, Global Manufacturing and Ergonomics, General Motors
Presentation recording (VIDEO)
Emerging technologies such as computer vision, wearable sensors, digital human modeling, immersive reality, and exoskeletons offer significant opportunities to improve musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention, but their value depends on how well they address real workplace challenges. Drawing on Ryan Porto's experience at General Motors, the presentation emphasized the importance of taking a systems approach by defining the problem first and then selecting technologies that support prevention goals.
Key messages:
- Identify the challenge/gap before choosing the solution
- A strong ergonomics program comes first
- Use a systems approach to evaluate innovation
Panel Discussion – How to Investigate and Invest in Technology for Your Workplace
Moderator: Dr. Ram Maikala, Program Technical Consultant, MSD Solutions Lab, National Safety Council
Panelist: Brent Bowers, Ergonomics Program Manager, John Deere
Panelist: Kelly Hogan, Director, Injury Prevention Services, Sandalwood of Canada
Panelist: Bryan Reich, Senior Vice President, Programs & Operations, WorkCare
Theme 1 recording (VIDEO)
Theme 2 recording (VIDEO)
Theme 3 recording (VIDEO)
Reflections recording (VIDEO)
Conference Closing
Dr. Jack Callaghan, Director, CRE-MSD
Presentation recording (VIDEO)
Key Takeaways from the 2026 CRE-MSD conference:
As workplaces continue to explore emerging technologies for musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention, one message resonated throughout the 2026 CRE-MSD Conference: Tech@Work - Innovating the Future of MSD Prevention: technology is most effective when it supports a well-defined prevention strategy, not when it becomes the strategy itself.
Drawing on closing reflections from Dr. Jack Callaghan, Director of CRE-MSD, the following lessons offer guidance for organizations looking to successfully evaluate, implement, and sustain technology-enabled MSD prevention programs.
- Start with the problem, not the technology
Before investing in any tool, sensor, software platform, or wearable device, organizations should clearly define the problem they are trying to solve. Technology can support decision-making, but it cannot compensate for the absence of a strong MSD prevention program. Successful adoption begins with understanding workplace risks, goals, and existing prevention processes.
- Prepare for adoption before implementation
Technology adoption often involves more than technical challenges. Worker acceptance, privacy concerns, and organizational readiness can significantly influence success. Proactively identifying potential barriers and developing strategies to address them early can help build trust and improve participation. Approaches such as education, communication, and worker engagement are essential components of implementation planning.
- Understand what the technology is actually measuring
Not all technologies measure workplace exposures in the same way. Organizations should understand:
- What is being measured
- How measurements are calculated
- The accuracy and limitations of the technology
- The potential sources of measurement error
Understanding these factors helps ensure that data are interpreted appropriately and used to support informed decision-making.
- Evaluate before you invest
Conducting a pilot project or evaluation before full implementation can help determine whether a technology provides meaningful information and integrates effectively with existing processes. A solution that performs well in one environment may not be suitable for another.
Organizations should also ensure technologies align with the skills, resources, and expertise available within their workforce. One tool may not be sufficient for every job, task, or work environment.
- Training matters
Training is a critical but sometimes overlooked factor in successful technology adoption. Effective training helps:
- Reduce differences between evaluators
- Improve consistency and data quality
- Increase user confidence and comfort
- Support successful train-the-trainer approaches
Without appropriate training, even the best technology may fail to deliver reliable results.
- Use technology strategically for screening
Technology-enabled assessment tools can dramatically increase an organization's ability to identify and prioritize MSD risks. Conference examples highlighted organizations that increased the number of workplace assessments performed by 600-700% after implementation.
While these tools can improve efficiency and screening capacity, they often provide a starting point rather than a complete solution. More detailed assessments and expert interpretation may still be needed to fully understand complex risk factors and identify effective interventions.
- Focus on data, sustainability, and long-term value
When selecting technology, organizations should think beyond the initial purchase and consider:
- Long-term implementation and maintenance costs
- Data storage and security
- User access and permissions
- Scalability across multiple users and sites
- Data ownership and portability
Organizations should also evaluate what happens if technologies change in the future. Important questions include whether data can be exported, retained, and accessed without proprietary software or equipment.
Looking ahead
The conference highlighted the growing role of technology in MSD prevention, while reinforcing that technology is only one part of the solution. Success depends on integrating technology within a broader prevention strategy that includes worker engagement, training, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Organizations that thoughtfully align technology with their needs, people, and processes will be best positioned to realize its potential and create safer, healthier workplaces.
Tech@Work 2026 in one sentence: Technology can help organizations assess more jobs, identify risks earlier, and strengthen MSD prevention efforts, but lasting success comes from combining innovative tools with strong prevention programs, informed users, and long-term planning.
Resources
Disclaimer: CRE-MSD receives funding through a grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The views expressed are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre nor of the Province of Ontario.