Overview

The environment in which tasks are performed can directly impact worker performance, health, and well being. Generally, what is protective of worker health also enhances productivity. This module reviews environmental factors for optimum workplace design when these factors can be controlled and limits for exposure when they cannot. It is in every organization's best interest to eliminate or control sources of occupational trauma and disease. The losses to the organization are the services of trained, talented employees in addition to workman's compensation costs. The losses to the employee are life disruption, reduction of productive career potential, pain, suffering, and sometimes long-term or lifetime disability.