Handout #1:
Ergonomics & Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

1. Introduction
Ergonomics is the science and practice of designing tasks and workplaces considering our capabilities and limitations OR fitting the work to the person with regard to users, equipment, work space and tasks.
* Based on the above definition, ergonomics is basically a way of designing workstations, work practices and workflow to accommodate the capabilities of workers.
* The primary purpose of ergonomic design is to reduce risk factors known to contribute to occupational ergonomic injuries and illnesses, such as sprains, strains, and cumulative trauma disorders.
* Performing work in awkward postures or while using excessive effort may result in fatigue and discomfort, thus leading to damaging of muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves.
* The injuries described above are known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and are caused by a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the worker.

2. Risk Factor Areas
Ergonomics focuses on three core risk factors namely:
* Risk factors inherent in the worker
* Risk factors inherent in the task
* Risk factors inherent in the environment
Workers are different with regard to physical attributes, and these differences present a variety of ergonomic risk factors to a given job. Additionally, the tasks associated with the job itself can present risk factors that increase the possibility of injury. Lastly, the workplace environment may also contain exposures that increase the likelihood of injury.

3. Those at risk of injury
There are a number of factors that increase the risk of an injury. The risk of injury is especially high for workers who:
* Use a lot of force to perform their jobs
* Repeatedly lift heavy objects
* Perform their tasks in an awkward position, and
* Repeat the same motion throughout their workday
However, the level of risk is dependent on the frequency of exposure to the risk factors highlighted above, the level of exposure and the duration of exposure to these conditions.

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