Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ergonomics in the Workplace has become increasingly important.

You probably know this already, but Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. is sometimes described as Human Engineering or Human Factors Engineering.

This is achieved through the evaluation and design of workplaces, environments, job tasks, equipment, and processes in relationship to human capabilities and interactions in the workplace.

This Ergonomics Health Safety is an area that is commonly overlooked and is only realized when injuries develop, sometimes much later.

How are we faring, in terms making our workplace ergonomic?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) Statistics

1. 'Ergonomics in the Workplace' - is mostly commonly referred to posture and sitting position in front of the computer.


2. On average, 95% of an office workers' day is spent sitting in front of the computer.
View Ergonomics Case Studies.

3. Musculoskeletal injuries resulting from poor workplace ergonomics account for 34% of all lost workday injuries and illnesses.


4. Carpal tunnel syndrome accounts for 15% of all workplace injuries.


5. 42% of carpal tunnel cases result in more than 30 days away from work.


6. Office ergonomics done right can increase productivity on average by 11%

Click here to read about Ergonomics for Computer Workstations.

Ergonomics - Crucial for Job Efficiency and Productivity

Ergonomics in the workplace is crucial for job efficiency and productivity, workplace health, reducing the risk of developing repetitive stress injuries, and keeping company morale high.

Common areas where workplace safety ergonomics can be employed are found in jobs

# requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; # frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of heavy objects; # and prolonged awkward postures.

Common Computer Injuries

Ergonomic related injuries are commonly known as repetitive stress injuries which attribute to musculoskeletal disorders such as

1. Tendonitis


2. Carpal tunnel syndrome


3. Tennis elbow


4. Neck and back injuries


5. Strains/ sprains


6. Bursitis


7. Thoracic outlet syndrome


8. Trigger finger

How To Make Ergonomic Risk Assessments

To identify potential risk factors, employers should look for the following conditions:

1. Lengthy periods of repetitive activity.


2. Inadequate rest periods between lengthy, repetitive tasks.


3. Awkward work positions (extended reaching and overhead work).


4. Repetitive heavy lifting and forceful movement.


5. Excessive vibration.


6. Uncomfortable environmental conditions and a stressful work organization.


7. Are your office chairs ergonomic? Assess all non-ergonomic back chairs.

Learn to Do your Own Ergonomic Risk Assessment!

Go to ergonomic risk assessments and there is also a free pdf for download on the five steps to take on performing a risk assessment for workplace occupational health.

Is your Workstation Ergonomic? See Workstation Ergonomics.

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