To prevent ergonomic problems, engineers must understand key risk factors and implement equipment to counteract them.
Workplace ergonomics is getting a lot of attention nationwide in response to a sharp increase in incidents of repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. For the affected employee, such injuries often mean repeated surgery, intractable pain and the inability to work. For the employer, ultimately, they mean higher costs.
Several factors increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and negatively affect productivity. These include work surfaces at the wrong height, uncomfortable chairs, shelves and bins that are too high or out of reach, and awkward hand tools.