Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between us and our work area, equipment, or tasks. Ergonomic design helps to ensure workstations and tasks fit the worker to reduce risk factors of awkward postures, repetitive motions, excessive force, and vibration. The goal of the ergonomics program is to reduce these risk factors, increase job comfort, and avoid injuries to muscles and joints.
Ergonomics has a broad impact on many tasks including material handling and work performed within laboratories, offices, shops, and farms. There are several guidance documents posted on this page to increase awareness of ergonomic issues. Please contact EHS if you would like to have an ergonomic evaluation of your work area or for further assistance.
Program Applicability
The Ergonomics Program applies broadly to Penn State employees, students, and work environments where tasks, equipment, or workstations may contribute to ergonomic risk factors. Ergonomics affects a wide range of activities, including office work, laboratory tasks, material handling, shops, and farm operations. The program focuses on improving how work is performed to reduce physical stress and help prevent injuries to muscles and joints.
Program Requirements
The Ergonomics Program is designed to reduce workplace risk factors such as awkward postures, repetitive motions, excessive force, and vibration. Key program elements include:
- Risk Awareness and Prevention
Ergonomic design and work practices aim to ensure that workstations, tools, and tasks fit the worker to reduce the likelihood of discomfort or musculoskeletal injuries. - Employee and Supervisor Involvement
Employees and supervisors are encouraged to identify ergonomic concerns early and seek assistance when tasks, equipment, or work environments may contribute to discomfort or injury. - Ergonomic Evaluations
Environmental Health and Safety offers ergonomic evaluations of work areas upon request to help identify risk factors and recommend practical improvements. - Training and Guidance
Guidance documents and training resources are available to increase awareness of ergonomic principles and promote safer work practices across diverse work environments.
Documents and Forms
Procedure:
- Ergomonics Self-Setup Guide
- Ergonomics Laboratory Guide
- Ergoomics Proper Lifting Technique Guide
Form:
- Ergonomics Self-Evaluation Checklist
Additional Resources
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Ergonomics
- Center for Disease Control Ergonomics Webpage
- OSHA Ergonomics Information
- Contact Environmental Health and Safety
Employees may contact EHS to request an ergonomic evaluation or obtain additional assistance.