John Fitzsimmons

Founder of Ergonomics First®.

People usually expect new products and a better workstation will solve problems inside the body, which may not true for many injuries and workstation discomfort. Several of John’s distinctive innovations give the worker exactly what they need for productive and healthy work by simply adapting the existing workstation to make the best postures easier. Adjusting the existing workstation appropriately to make the best postures easier can usually be done without any major changes, including expensive furniture or equipment purchases.

John’s approach to a safer workplace, which has resolved thousands of serious injuries that may have gone on to Claims, is now available as an online ActivSeating™ course for individuals and consultants.

His daughter, Samantha Fitzsimmons, now operates Ergonomics First® following John’s passing in late 2020.

 

People usually expect new products and a better workstation will solve problems inside the body, which may not true for many injuries and workstation discomfort. Several of John’s distinctive innovations give the worker exactly what they need for productive and healthy work by simply adapting the existing workstation to make the best postures easier. Adjusting the existing workstation appropriately to make the best postures easier can usually be done without any major changes, including expensive furniture or equipment purchases.

John’s approach to a safer workplace, which has resolved thousands of serious injuries that may have gone on to Claims, is now available as an online ActivSeating course for individuals and consultants.

His daughter, Samantha Fitzsimmons, now operates Ergonomics First® following John’s passing in late 2020.

Education

Mr. Fitzsimmons received a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1984. He completed the Kaiser Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program in 1988, and practiced ten years of outpatient, orthopedic Physical Therapy practice for Kaiser. He provided PT and ergonomics consulting in their Occupational Health Clinic from 1994-1998.

John earned a certification as an Industrial Ergonomist in 1999.

Research

His research on sitting biomechanics includes use of an accelerometer program to measure leg strength as an indicator for the best chair postures.

He managed two large-scale ergonomics program research grants at Kaiser Hospitals and Clinics from 1991-93.

Publication

His practice observing seated postures led to a publication in 2013, “Improving Field Observations of Spinal Posture in Sitting.” The article shows how to easily see spine posture in sitting, to easily decide how to adjust the chair and workstation for the safest, strongest and most productive postures for the body at work.

Education

Mr. Fitzsimmons received a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1984. He completed the Kaiser Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program in 1988, and practiced ten years of outpatient, orthopedic Physical Therapy practice for Kaiser. He provided PT and ergonomics consulting in their Occupational Health Clinic from 1994-1998.

Research

His research on sitting biomechanics includes use of an accelerometer program to measure leg strength as an indicator for the best chair postures.

He managed two large-scale ergonomics program research grants at Kaiser Hospitals and Clinics from 1991-93.

John earned a certification as an Industrial Ergonomist in 1999.

Publication

His practice observing seated postures led to a publication in 2013, “Improving Field Observations of Spinal Posture in Sitting.” The article shows how to easily see spine posture in sitting, to easily decide how to adjust the chair and workstation for the safest, strongest and most productive postures for the body at work.