Jörgen Winkel

Biography

Jörgen Winkel was a professor of Applied Work Physiology/Production Ergonomics at the National Institute for Working Life in Sweden (University Faculty Affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm) from 1989 until 2007. Thereafter affiliated to the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Visiting professor: 2008-10 at the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Denmark, 2011-17 at the Technical University of Denmark, Department of Management Engineering. Has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and more than 350 other publications within the field of Production Ergonomics including ergonomic intervention research, ergonomic epidemiology, quantification and prediction of mechanical exposure as well as physiological issues related to prolonged occupational work while sitting, standing and walking.

Research Interest

Production of goods and services in working life is performed at constantly increasing efficiency. This often causes “work intensification” (reduced “porosity”) which may impair mental and musculoskeletal health and cause loss of competent workforce. On this background our R&D focuses issues related to the concept “sustainable production system” defined as “the joint consideration of competitive performance and working conditions in a long term perspective” (Westgaard & Winkel 2011). We investigate relationships between efficiency and risk factors for musculoskeletal as well as mental outcome, enablers and inhibitors of change processes; tools are developed for simultaneous consideration of efficiency and work environment. State-of-the-art on the above topics is reviewed and published in international journals with peer-review. International R&D networks within these fields are also initiated and coordinated by us (e.g. the networks SOUND and NOVO).