Ergonomics is the study of designing and applying equipment and devices that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities. The International Ergonomics Association http://www.iea.cc/ defines ergonomics as follows:

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity. It is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and easy-to-use interfaces to machines and equipment. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability.

OOSH has placed guidelines on its Web site to help you set up your computer workstation so that you are comfortable when you work. Go to:

http://hr.commerce.gov/Employees/WorkLifeIssues/PROD01_009692 and review the posture of the figure in the diagram, which illustrates someone working at an ergonomically correct workstation. Compare this to your own workstation. Use the guidelines to ensure that your setup is correct.

If you have questions about your workstation setup or any other safety questions, contact your bureau safety coordinator. To find out the name and contact information of your safety coordinator, go to: http://hr.commerce.gov/Employees/WorkLifeIssues/DEV01_006462

Ergonomics reference materials:

• Apple – Ergonomics: http://www.apple.com/about/ergonomics/

• Cal/OSHA – Easy Ergonomics: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/easerg2.pdf

• CDC – Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/

• Cornell University Ergonomics – Human Centered Design: http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/

• Department of Labor – Ergonomics: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/

• Ergonomics Resource Page – http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/osha/subjects/ergonomics.html

• Evaluating Your Computer Workstation – http://www.cbs.state.or.us/external/osha/pdf/pubs/1863.pdf

• Human Factors and Ergonomics Society: http://www.hfes.org/web/

• OSHA Ergonomics e-tools webpage – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/outreach.html#etools

• OSHA - Ergonomics for Computer Work stations – http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html

• University of California – Ergonomics: http://ergo.berkeley.edu/