According to OSHA, “Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population.” The CDC identifies the goal of ergonomics as being to “reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks.” Workplace ergonomics focuses on design of jobs and workspaces to limit the repetitive stresses that employees face in doing their daily work.OSHA provides employers with a set of voluntary guidelines on ergonomics in the workplace.

Several industries, including shipyards, poultry processors, retail stores, and nursing homes, among others, have specific sets of guidelines provided by OSHA. Other industries have the general set of voluntary guidelines published by OSHA. It is wise for the organization to know OSHA’s voluntary guidelines for their industry even though the earlier ergonomics rule was rescinded. The OSHA website notes that under the OSH Act’s General Duty Clause, employers must keep their workplaces free from recognized serious hazards, including ergonomic hazards. This requirement exists whether or not there are voluntary guidelines.

In addition to the potential for enforcement actions on the part of OSHA, it just makes sense to pay attention to ergonomics. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves and can occur in many different work environments.They can take a toll on employee productivity when workers suffer from these issues.

MSDs include a commonly known repetitive stress injury (RSI) called carpal tunnel syndrome in which the nerves in the wrist become inflamed and painful, making movement difficult. But a large number of other problems fall under the MSD category, including other RSIs like rotator cuff syndrome, tennis elbow, carpet layer’s knee, and many others. All of these problems have the potential to cost the organization money in the form of lost productivity as well as workers’ compensation claims. So paying attention to ergonomics at work can both improve productivity and save the company money.

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