Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to people. Ergonomics encompasses the body of knowledge about physical abilities and limitations as well as other human characteristics that are relevant to job design. Ergonomic design is the application of this body of knowledge to the design of the workplace (i.e., work tasks, equipment, environment) for safe and efficient use by workers (proposed ergonomic standard, 2000).

Good ergonomics may help prevent injury and promote health, safety, and efficiency, and comfort for employees. Risk factors, such as the physical hazards of a job, the environmental risks posed, psychological factors involved, and a worker’s personal risk factors can increase a person’s chance of developing work-related injury.

• Enhance employee productivity.
• Decrease workers’ compensation costs.
• Prevent work-related injuries and the development of chronic conditions.
• Assist employees in returning to work after and injury has occurred.

• Identification of injury risk factors.
• Analysis of essential job functions and job descriptions.
• Modification of workstation, tool and equipment design.
• Provide education and training on injury prevention, workplace health, and safety regulations.
• Make recommendations on administrative and engineering controls to minimize injury and accident risk factors.
• Consultation regarding reasonable accommodation and worksite accessibility according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A ergonomic evaluation specialist can come to your workplace to assess your abilities and observe your work functions as they occur in their natural environment. He or she may then make suggestions to modify the workstation, alter work organization, or conduct training and education to change how the job is done to reduce exposure to risk factors.

For further information on ergonomics or to schedule an ergonomic evaluation, please contact the Creighton University Medical Center Department of Occupational Therapy at 449-4248.