According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 335, 390 ergonomic injuries in 2007 which required an average of 9 days from which to recover.  These injuries, also known as Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), accounted for 29% of all injuries that required time off from work to recover.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says that MSDs are ” injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, disorders of the nerves, tendons, muscles and supporting structures of the upper and lower limbs, neck, and lower back that are caused, precipitated or exacerbated by sudden exertion or prolonged exposure to physical factors such as repetition, force, vibration, or awkward posture.  “

Ergonomic injuries are caused by repeating movements over an extended period of time.  These Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) can include a number of different problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.  Symptoms can include a loss of strength and/or dexterity.

Proper Ergonomic planning can also save a company quite a bit in worker compensation. According to an ergonomics study conducted by OSHA in the year 2000, MSDs accounted for $1 of every $3 spent for workers’ compensation. Total direct costs were estimated to be about $50 billion annually.

If you are an office worker, there are a number of things that you can do to help make your work environment more ergonomically friendly. A proper posture, avoiding awkward wrist angles on the keyboard, and leaving at least 20 inches between you and your monitor are a few ways you can improve your workspace. OSHA has created a checklist which you can print off and utilize. It can be found at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/checklist.html.

If you are employed in a manual labor position, your particular ergonomic challenges will vary. However, there is some information available which you may want to pass on to your supervisor. Asking to have your work table’s height adjusted, acquiring ergonomic chairs, adjusting posture, and regular ergonomic evaluations are just some of the things that can be done to improve your health and environment. You can also obtain ergonomic tools that are easy to grip, use anti-vibration gloves, and get floor mats for your workspace to act as a shock absorber. A list of company success stories can be found on OSHA’s website at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/success_stories.html. These stories include specific cases of ergonomic improvements in factory working environments, which can give you clues as to how you can change your own working environment for the better.

The U.S. Department of Labor states that the top ten occupations for MSDs in 2007 were:

- Laborers and freight, stock, and materials movers

- Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

- Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants

- Construction laborers

- Light or delivery service truck drivers

- Retail salespersons

- Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners

- Carpenters

- Maintenance and repair workers, general

- Registered nurses