| Table of Contents |
| 30.1 Introduction |
| 30.2 Scope of Services |
| 30.3 Help with Ergonomics |
| Related Documents |
| EHS Ergonomic Webpage |
30.1 Introduction #
Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. It is the relationship between people, their work, and their work environment—adapting the workplace to fit the worker. Modifying tasks, workflows, or work methods can improve comfort, safety, and productivity.
Ergonomics helps prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)—injuries affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Common MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, trigger finger, tennis elbow, low back pain, herniated discs, shoulder strain, stiff neck, and similar conditions. Common MSD symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, reduced range of motion, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, shooting pain, painful joints, and fingers or toes turning white.
MSDs often result from overuse or strain caused by tasks involving repeated motions, heavy lifting/excessive force, awkward postures, vibration, contact with hard surfaces, or prolonged bending and reaching.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common workplace injuries in the United States and are a major cause of lost work time, restricted duty, and workers’ compensation costs and account for roughly one-third of all worker injury and illness cases involving days away from work.
MSDs are often preventable and reversible in early stages. Understanding risk factors, improving workstation layout, changing work habits, redesigning tasks can reduce injury risk while improving comfort and productivity.
Reference Regulations: OSHA-Ergonomics
This information is designed to help increase your understanding of ergonomics and how to prevent or alleviate work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in your workplace. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are also known as Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMIs), Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs), and Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs).
Reference Regulations: OSHA-Ergonomics
30.2 Scope of Services #
This program’s purpose is to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders through early identification and correction of ergonomic risk factors and hazards. Program activities may include employee training, worksite assessments, job task analysis, review of injury and discomfort reports, and implementation of controls to reduce physical stressors. The program supports compliance with applicable safety standards and promotes continuous improvement in workplace design. Prevention based ergonomics is provided by Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) in Ann Arbor Campus and medical school (non-clinical areas). Safety Management Services provides identical prevention based ergonomic services to Health System and clinical areas. Medical Ergonomics (Occupational Health Service) provides services to employees who have a doctor’s referral and are under medical care.
30.3 Help with Ergonomics #
Refer to the EHS web page for additional ergonomic information. If you have attempted to make corrections to your work area and are still uncertain or have questions, contact EHS at 647-1143 for assistance.
