Ergonomics is the science of fitting the workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. The goal of ergonomics is to make work more comfortable and to improve both health and productivity. To meet these goals, the capabilities and limitations of workers and their tools, equipment and furniture are considered in conjunction with how they relate to particular tasks.
Workers who must repeat the same motion throughout their workday, who must do their work in an awkward position, who must use a great deal of force to perform their jobs, who must repeatedly lift heavy objects or who face a combination of these risk factors are most likely to develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD´s).
The term WMSD´s refers to disorders to which the work environment and the performance of work contribute significantly. Common examples are jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged awkward postures. Jobs or working conditions presenting multiple risk factors will have a higher probability of causing a musculoskeletal problem.
The EH&S department can provide ergonomic tips and techniques to help you perform your job fuctions in a manner that will avoid ergonomic risk factors. If you are encountering any strain or pain on the job please have your supervisor contact the EH&S office at 854-8749 (Morningside) and 305-6780 (CUMC), via e-mail, or download the Ergonomics evaluation form and send back to EH&S.
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