Ergonomics is the practice of designing work tasks to fit the individual, which can help prevent musculoskeletal injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and low back pain.
Risk factors for these types of injuries include awkward postures, repetitive tasks and forceful motions. These injuries often develop over time rather than as a result of a single event. By evaluating work tasks that involve these risk factors and finding solutions to better fit the person to the work, musculoskeletal injuries can be prevented.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides more information about risk factors and ways to reduce them on their website.
Ergonomic Evaluations
EHS can provide guidance on how to address ergonomic concerns and has resources available for different types of work environments. EHS has limited resources to provide on-site ergonomic evaluations.
Additional Resources
EHS has compiled a list of additional resources for information purposes only. The inclusion of a group or company on this list is not an endorsement by Bemidji State University.
Office Ergonomics
- Office Ergo Online
- Stanford University Ergonomics
- Regis College, Health Impact of Computer and Mobile Usage
- NIH Ergonomics for Computer Work Stations
- NIH Eye Exercises and Stretches
General Ergonomics
Laboratory Ergonomics
- NIH Ergonomics in the Laboratory
- OSHA Laboratory Safety: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders