Ergonomics

Two million people are injured each year because of work related Musculoskelatal Disorders (MSDs). Use these links to obtain resources on how to fit the jobs to the workers and avoid injuries.

ErgoWeb

This site contains an ergonomic equipment search engine, useful case studies, resources and news updates on ergonomics.

OSHA's Ergonomic Resources

OSHA's website for ergonomic resources. (2007-03-26)

NIOSH Resources

Download a copy of "Elements of and Ergonomics Program" and "The Manual for the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation". Get the truth about the harm done by Backbelts. (U:6-25-08)

U of Michigan Hand Activity Level Demonstration Site

The Hand Activity Level-Threshold Limit Value (HAL-TLV), published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists is an important tool used to evaluate the risk of repetitive forceful work on the hands, wrists and forearms. This site uses video clips to demonstrate how to assess hand activity. It outlines methods to determine peak hand forces. These two factors are used to calculate the level of risk. If jobs are designed to meet the TLV it is believed that all workers may be repeatedly exposed without adverse health effects.

Video Analysis Tool

This site describes Multimedia Video Task Analysis(MVTA) a useful tool for analyzing workstation video tape to determine the magnitude of ergonomic risk factors. (2007-03-26)

DaimlerChrysler Ergonomic Do's and Don'ts

Click on the link for "Do's and Don'ts" for useful design guidelines for setting up workstations. Follow the links to see pictures of good and bad examples of workstation design. The basis for each of the design criteria is cited.

National Research Council Report on MSDs

Conclusions of the expert panel mandated by Congress and established by the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine. Those conclusions? Yes; MSD's are caused by risk factors at work. Yes; we can do something to help eliminate over 1 million work related injuries a year

OK. So why doesn't OSHA have an Ergo Standard?

Ergo Tools from Washington State

Go to this site and click on "Appendix B: Criteria for analyzing and reducing WMSD hazards" for simple checklists and a good one page Lifting Evaluation form from the State with an Ergonomic Standard.