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Basics
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Summary
Ergonomics looks at what kind of work you do, what tools you use and your whole job environment. The aim is to find the best fit between you and your job conditions. Examples of ergonomic changes to your work might include:
- Adjusting the position of your computer keyboard to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome
- Being sure that the height of your desk chair allows your feet to rest flat on the floor
- Learning the right way to lift heavy objects to prevent back injuries
- Using handle coatings or special gloves to suppress vibrations from power tools
- Making sure that you have good posture in whatever you do, whether it is sitting in front of a computer, standing at a checkout, or walking around a warehouse
No matter what the job is, the goal is to make sure that you are safe, comfortable, and less prone to work-related injuries.
Related Issues
- Computer Workstation: Pointer/Mouse (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Computer Workstations: Desks (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Computer Workstations: Good Working Positions (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Computer Workstations: Keyboards (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Computer Workstations: Wrist/Palm Supports (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
- Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to Selecting Non-Powered Hand Tools (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - PDF
- Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Specifics
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Ergonomic Chairs
(National Institutes of Health, Office of Research Services, Division of Occupational Health and Safety.)
Statistics and Research
- Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away from Work, 2015 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) - PDF
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Cumulative Trauma Disorders
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Ergonomic Innovation: A Modular Smart Chair for Enhanced Workplace Health and...
- Article: Applications of human factors approaches and methods to the development of...
- Article: Ergonomic Criteria and Usability Testing of Cut-Resistant Protective Gloves: An Experimental...
- Ergonomics -- see more articles
Teenagers
- Overuse Injuries (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.