Ergonomics

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Basics

• Summary
• Start Here

Learn More

• Related Issues
• Specifics

See, Play and Learn

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Research

• Statistics and Research
• Clinical Trials
• Journal Articles

Resources

• Find an Expert

For You

• Teenagers

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.

Start Here

• Ergonomics -- Overview (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Workplace Ergonomics Reference Guide (Department of Defense) - PDF

Related Issues

• Computer Workstations eTool: Desks (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Computer Workstations eTool: Good Working Positions (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Computer Workstations eTool: Keyboards (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Computer Workstations eTool: Pointer/Mouse (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Computer Workstations eTool: Wrist/Palm Supports (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Ergonomics and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Specifics

• Chairs (National Institutes of Health, Office of Research Services, Division of Occupational Health and Safety.)
• Ergonomic Strategies for Using a Purse (American Occupational Therapy Association) - PDF
• Practical Tips and Simple Exercises to Prevent Neck Pain (Harvard Medical School)

Statistics and Research

• Nonfatal Injuries and Illnesses Resulting in Days of Job Transfer or Restriction, 1992-2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Cumulative Trauma Disorders (National Institutes of Health)

Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)

• Article: Musculoskeletal disorders in relation to computer workstation ergonomics and sleep quality...
• Article: Human-centered digital ecosystem: safeguarding healthcare workers' sleep, ergonomics, and occupational health.
• Article: Improving chairside ergonomic behavior in postgraduate dental students through a structured...
• Ergonomics -- see more articles

Find an Expert

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Also in Spanish
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Teenagers

• Overuse Injuries (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish