This material is for training purposes only. Its purpose is to inform Oregon employers of best practices in occupational safety and health and general Oregon OSHA compliance requirements. This material is not a substitute for any provision of the Oregon Safety Employment Act or any standards issued by Oregon OSHA. For more information on this online course and other OR-OSHA online training, visit the Online Course Catalog.

INTRODUCTION

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is a way of designing workstations, work practices, and work flow to accommodate the capabilities of workers. Ergonomic design reduces risk factors known to contribute to occupational ergonomic injuries and illnesses, such as sprains and strains and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs).

If work is performed in awkward postures or with excessive effort, fatigue and discomfort may result. Under these conditions muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels can be damaged. Injuries of this type are known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The problem

The increased rate and high cost of ergonomic injuries and illnesses such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and MSDs cut across all industries and occupations. Some of the hardest hit are manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Take a look at your OSHA 300 Log. You will probably notice that most (30%-50%) of your recordable injuries are somehow related to ergonomics.

MSDs can increase the cost of doing business both directly and indirectly. Direct costs may include medical services and higher workers’ compensation premiums. The direct cost to close an ergonomic-related workers’ compensation claim in Oregon averages over $9,000. Indirect costs from increased employee turnover, absenteeism, and retraining may also occur. Productivity, product quality, and employee morale may also suffer. Estimates indicate that the indirect costs associated with MSDs may be four to 10 times higher than the direct costs. Preventing and controlling ergonomic risk factors in the workplace often costs a fraction of what one such claim would cost. In smaller companies, one ergonomic-related claim can mean the difference between being above or below the profit margin.

An important strategy to solve the problem

One of the important services your company's workers compensation premiums pay for is Oregon OSHA consultation and training. Oregon OSHA consultants work with you to provide cost-effective recommendations to solve your ergonomics problems. They recognize that no two organizations are alike and help you make changes that fit into your company’s existing management programs and work practices.

Oregon OSHA’s Consultative Services Section has a team of trained professional ergonomics consultants with many years of experience providing ergonomic services to such areas of industry as electronics, pulp and paper, secondary wood products, retail grocery, food processing, healthcare, office environments, public transportation, municipalities, school districts, higher education, and state government. Consultants also provide customized presentations and training for groups and associations. An ergonomic consultation may include:

Workstation analysis and design
Task-specific and company-wide risk factor assessment
Training and education
Development and implementation assistance for ergonomic programs
Help prioritizing ergonomic needs
Answers to questions about current and possible regulatory requirements

This is a confidential service for employers, completely separate from OR-OSHA enforcement, to help your organization reduce work-related injuries and illnesses and their costs. Think about this important opportunity as you continue your training in this course.

If you're ready, go to Module 1.

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