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 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)
• Repetitive Motion Disorders (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

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
• Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Specifics

• Ergonomic Chairs (National Institutes of Health, Office of Research Services, Division of Safety)
• Ergonomic Strategies for Using a Purse (American Occupational Therapy Association) - PDF
• Using Smart Phones Wisely: Prevent Pain (American Occupational Therapy Association)

Statistics and Research

• Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away from Work, 2012 (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: Latent Ergonomics Maps: Real-Time Visualization of Estimated Ergonomics of Human Movements.
• Article: Impact of Backpacks on Ergonomics: Biomechanical and Physiological Effects: A Narrative...
• Article: Influence of Sit-Stand Tables in Classrooms on Children's Sedentary Behavior and...
• 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