Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace to the worker. It involves the application of knowledge about human capacities and limitations to the design of workplaces, jobs, tasks, tools, equipment, and the environment. Implementing and maintaining an effective ergonomics program at your facility means working smarter and safer.

The goals of  an ergonomics program are to—

Prevent or control injuries and illnesses by eliminating or reducing worker exposure to work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk factors.

These factors include:

• awkward postures
• repetition
• material handling
• force
• mechanical compression
• vibration
• temperature extremes
• glare
• inadequate lighting
• duration

If you make early identification and prevention of WMSDs and their risk factors a number one priority, you will preserve and protect our military and civilian work force and dramatically decrease related costs.

• Reduce the potential for fatigue, error, or unsafe acts by adapting the job and workplace to the workers' physical capabilities and limitations.
• Reduce absenteeism and worker turnover.
• Increase the overall work productivity and quality.
• Reduce workers' compensation claims and associated costs.
• Improve overall military readiness.

Ergonomics Programs Save Money

It's a fact- Ergonomics Programs prevent and reduce workplace injuries. But did you know that Ergonomics Programs can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in reduced lost time, workers' compensation claims and costs, and improved productivity? Need proof? Use our best practices search to read about actual money-saving success stories.  Search on key words: "cost savings," "compensation savings," "reduced lost time," etc.

How can I "zero in" on injuries?

Best Practices programs consistently have four key elements: Leadership, Organization, Information Systems, and Communications. A special task force developed a model to apply these elements to guide and effect culture change within DoD.