The IU Ergonomics Program is designed to identify workstation configurations and task-specific strains that can be modified to reduce potential injuries.
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the workplace condition and job demands to the capabilities of the worker. Minor injuries, as well as musculoskeletal disorders, such as carpal tunnel and tendonitis, can result when a mismatch exists between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the worker.
Workers who repeat the same motion throughout the day, do their work in an awkward position, use a great deal of force to perform a job, or repeatedly lift heavy objects are the most likely to develop MSDs. Often, simple and inexpensive changes can be made to a workstation or task to minimize or eliminate musculoskeletal strains.