Ergonomics


Ergonomics is a multi disciplinary science that applies principles based on the physical and psychological capabilities of people to the design or modification of jobs, equipment, products, and workplaces.

The goals of ergonomics are to decrease risk of injuries and illnesses (especially those related to the musculoskeletal system), to improve worker performance, to decrease worker discomfort and to improve the quality of work life. T

he benefits of well-designed jobs, equipment, products, work methods and workplaces include: enhanced safety and health performance; reductions in cases of musculoskeletal disorders; improved quality and productivity; reductions in errors; heightened employee morale; reduced compensation and operating costs; and accommodation of diverse populations, including those with disabilities. Although ergonomics is an evolving field, proper application of its principles can achieve benefits that are significant and immediate.

As the science of ergonomics evolves, AIHA provides OEHS professionals with valuable resources on the topic through educational opportunities, pamphlets, publications, and much more.

 
Education 

• Search for ergonomics-related education opportunities available at AIHce, the premier conference for OEHS professionals.
• Search for ergonomics sessions and professional development courses at the Professional Conference on Industrial Hygiene.
• Look for ergonomics-related meetings, courses, and conferences (including non-AIHA events) through our AIHA Activities Calendar and meetings listing.
• Learn more about ergonomics through abstracts from past AIHce sessions (abstracts from 1996–2003 are Members Only content). Audiotapes of selected sessions are also available.

Knowledge 

• Look for AIHA products related to ergonomics by searching the AIHA Marketplace.
• AIHA Member Discount! Search more than 220,000 OHS-related abstracts for information on ergonomics.
• Search for articles on ergonomics in The Synergist’s back issue indexes. 
• Get one-page tip sheets for OEHS professionals to use for at-a-glance information on specific hazards.
• Get quick tips on Laboratory Ergonomics .

Experts 

• Find consultants that specialize in ergonomics through the AIHA Consultants Listing.
• Visit the Ergonomics Committee home page. 
   

Consumers 

• Read the full text of AIHA’s An Ergonomics Approach to Preventing Workplace Injury brochure.

Outside Links 

• Browse up-to-date information from OSHA on ergonomics.
• The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics
• Human Factors
• Ergonomic Specialties, Ltd.
• The Ergonomics Society
• Ergonomic Resources
• Ergonomic and Contract Furnishings
• Human Performance Ergonomics
• Ergo Works Consulting

OSHA

• Find out more about the AIHA/OSHA Alliance.
• Ergonomics
• Guidelines for poultry processing
• Guidelines for retail stores
• Guidelines for nursing homes
• OSHA docket S-777 Exhibit 900-3
• OSHA docket S-777 Exhibit 900-4 

• Ergonomics and Construction
• Ergonomics and Construction Resource Page

NIOSH

• Ergonomics
• Ergonomics for the soft drink industry
• Meat packing plants

IOSH

• Ergonomics rule documents
• Musculoskeletal hazards
• More on musculoskeletal hazards 

California

ANSI

• Ergo door standards

University Sites

• Ergonomic Design Standard–University of Melbourne
• Office Ergonomic Standard–University of Toronto
• Ergonomic Workstation Guidelines–NC State University
• Ergonomic standard and guidelines–University of Maryland
• Cornell University Ergonomic Web
• University of Nebraska Ergonomics
• Louisville University Ergonomics
• Ohio State University Ergonomics
• University of Michigan Ergonomics
• University of California Los Angeles Ergonomics