Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of designing workstations, tools, tasks and processes to fit the physical capabilities and limitations of workers, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and improving productivity.

What Is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics (also called human factors) studies the interaction between workers and their work environment. The goal is to design work that fits the worker, rather than forcing the worker to adapt to poorly designed conditions. Poor ergonomics is a leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Ergonomic Risk Factors

  • Forceful exertions: Lifting, pushing, pulling, or gripping with excessive force.
  • Awkward postures: Working with joints at extreme angles (overhead work, bending, twisting).
  • Repetition: Performing the same motion repeatedly with insufficient recovery time.
  • Vibration: Whole-body or hand-arm vibration from tools or vehicles.
  • Static postures: Holding a position for extended periods without movement.
  • Contact stress: Body parts pressing against hard or sharp surfaces.

Ergonomic Assessments

Common assessment tools include RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment), REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and the NIOSH Lifting Equation. These tools quantify ergonomic risk and guide workplace redesign.

Ergonomics and Make Safety Easy

Make Safety Easy allows you to document ergonomic assessments, track MSD-related incidents and modified duty cases and implement corrective actions to improve workstation design.

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Related Safety Terms

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)

A Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) is an injury or condition affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, or spinal discs, often caused or aggravated by workplace ergonomic risk factors.

BBS (Behaviour-Based Safety)

Behaviour-Based Safety (BBS) is a proactive safety approach that focuses on observing, measuring and reinforcing safe worker behaviours to reduce at-risk actions and prevent injuries.

Ladder Safety

Ladder safety refers to the practices and standards designed to prevent falls when using portable, fixed and rolling ladders in the workplace.

Muster Point

A muster point is a predetermined, safe gathering location where workers assemble during an emergency evacuation so that a head count can be taken to ensure everyone has safely exited the work area.

Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a structured investigation method that identifies the fundamental underlying causes of an incident or problem, rather than just addressing surface-level symptoms.

Confined Space

A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area not designed for continuous human occupancy, with limited entry/exit, that may contain hazardous atmospheres, engulfment risks, or other serious hazards.
View All Terms

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