Ergonomics comes from the Greek words:



So it literally means “the laws of work.”

Ergonomics is the study of people and their work tasks. The goal of this field is to minimize workplace injuries and illnesses through improved job design and methods.

The science of ergonomics was first defined in 1717, but only recently has its disorders attracted widespread attention as occupational health concerns.

- Biomechanical, including stress on the muscles, nerves, bones, tendons and joints
- Sensory, including hearing and vision
- Environmental, including lighting, noise, temperature, and humidity

Ergonomic Problems

Ergonomic “stressors” (factors that can lead to disorders) include repetitive motion, excessive force, vibration, glare, poor air quality in an office, or prolonged posture.
In some cases, new technologies have created ergonomic concerns. For instance, the increased use of computer keyboards and mouse pads has contributed to a rise in wrist disorders.

The most common ergonomic disorder is:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome