Using Ergonomics to Prevent Injuries
What is Ergonomics? Vibration - from machinery
Contact stress - when a sharp edge of a tool or work
Ergonomics is the study of how to improve the fit
station presses against a part of the body
between people and their tasks in the workplace. It
involves applying knowledge about human
characteristics (for example, strength, size,
What can your employer do?
abilities, vision, etc.) to design better jobs.
Ergonomics can improve both the health and well Your employer is responsible to provide a safe and
being of workers. Good ergonomics has been shown healthy work environment. Your employer can
to reduce back pain, sprain and strain injuries, prevent sprain and strain injuries by developing an
discomfort, fatigue, and accidents. ergonomics program with your workplace health
and safety committee. Health and safety laws in
Ergonomics looks at all work characteristics such as:
Manitoba (Part 8 of the Manitoba Workplace Safety
• Tools, equipment, machinery, tables, chairs, and Health Regulations 217/2006) require
noise, and lighting; employers to:
• Pace of the work, how the work is organized
and production requirements. • conduct a risk assessment when they have been
• Workstation layout and work procedures made aware of a work activity that creates a risk
of sprain and strain injury.
• if the risk assessment identifies a problem, the
“Ergonomics” comes from employer must implement measures to eliminate
the Greek words or reduce the risk of injury.
• monitor the effectiveness of the measure taken
“ergon” meaning “work” and and inform exposed workers of the risk of injury,
common signs and symptoms of injuries and
“nomos” meaning “law” provide instruction and training on the how to work
to avoid injuries.
Ergonomic Hazards What is an Ergonomics Program?
Ergonomic hazards increase your risk of injury at A good ergonomics program is an organized approach
work. These hazards include: to protecting workers while actively involving
workers and management. It requires:
Using force (e.g., lifting, pushing, pulling)
Management Commitment: to ensure that
Repetition - doing the same type of work or using
resources are available to improve the workplace
the same limbs or muscles over and over
Worker Involvement: to ensure that workers
Awkward postures (e.g., bending, twisting, over participate in all parts of the program Ergonomics
reaching) Education: to explain injuries, hazard and how to
Static work - staying in one position for a long work to avoid injuries.
period of time
Identifying problem Jobs: Looking at What can you do?
injuries/illnesses and identifying problem jobs and ✓ Ask you health and safety committee or
risk factors. worker representative to review this fact
Solution Development: changing jobs to reduce or sheet
eliminate the hazards. and identify ergonomic hazards at your
Medical Management: making sure that sick or workplace
injured workers get early, effective treatment, and ✓ Report any pain or injury to your supervisor
making sure that workers report their injuries. or
employer immediately. This helps to identify
hazards and correct working conditions
before an injury occurs.
Some common job hazards and ways ergonomic can help you
Hazards and Body Examples on the Job Possible Solution
Part Affected
BACK Moving heavy or awkward objects Reduce the weight of objects,
use lifting devices or re-position
Lifting the object
NECK Inspecting parts; looking at controls or Tilt inspection table towards
a computer monitor worker, place computer
Working with heard monitor at eye level
tilted down, up or
twisted
SHOULDERS Sewing, inspection, tool use Adjust lower, higher or provide
equipment
Working with raised
elbows
HANDS Sewing, poultry cutting, sorting, Use tools that fit the hand and
inspecting, assembly reduce wrist bending.
Rapid turning or bending
of wrists
HIPS / LEGS Assembly, finishing, machine operation Provide a chair, anti-fatigue
matting.
For more information
Standing in the same
position for long periods
For More Information
The Occupational Health Centre's library and website has many resources about Ergonomics.
1. Small Business Ergonomic Case Studies – before and after examples
2. Small Workplace Ergonomics Resource Guide – including 20 common hazards and fixes
3. Workplace Job Accommodations - Solutions for Effective Return to Work
4. Fact Sheets: Repetitive Strain Injuries, Lifting, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Lighting, Hand-arm Vibration,
Overuse of Handheld Devices, Mouse Related Pain, Low Back Pain
For more information
Occupational Health Centre
167 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone:204-949-0811, Email:info@ohcmb.ca, Website: ohcmb.ca
Revised July 2024
