Prevention

Ergonomics is the study of the working environment, from the type of industry to the tools used to complete your required tasks.

Prevention programs are a proactive way to find and fix workplace hazards before workers are injured or become ill. These programs can be effective at reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Musculoskeletal Disorders, Work Environment and Workplace Ergonomics are all key topics of the prevention picture.

Office Ergonomics

Here are some of our most popular resources for ergonomics in the office. Please see our Office Ergonomics E-Learning for a detailed, 7 module learning experience in office ergonomics. You will need to create a free  MyOHCOW account in order to gain access.

The goal of office ergonomics is to setup your office space so that it fits you and the job you are doing. The benefits of having the office space set up correctly are:

  • Reduced back and neck pain
  • Headaches and eyestrain are less likely to effect you
  • Prevention of bursitis and tendonitis  – both problems are linked to the repetition of tasks

The main focus areas to set up your office work space are:

  • Workstation setup (i.e. how you sit and how long you stay sitting or in a fixed position).
  • Task functions (i.e. the movements made, and the repetition of those movements).
  • Work environment (i.e. lighting, noise and temperature).
  • Tools used (i.e. whether they are set up correctly to meet your requirements).
Business people at their desks in a busy, open plan office. Startup business people working at a modern office.

Office Ergonomics Reference Guide

As a worker, it is important that you know how to adjust your office workstation to suit your needs.

Office Ergonomics Calculator

The Calculator was designed to highlight areas which could improve the fit and functionality of your workstation.

Workstation Setup Guide

Those with desk jobs spend a lot of time sitting and using repetitive motions, which can all lead to musculoskeletal injury.

Keyboard Shortcut Tutorial

Using keyboard shortcuts minimizes mouse use, increase keyboard efficiency, and reduce ergonomic risk.

Economics of Ergonomics

A Slide Deck from RSI Day 2018, Presented by Trevor Schell. A guide on how to avoid costly mistakes.

Warehouse manager and workers standing together with workplace in background.

Ergonomics Committee Workbook

A resource guide and workbook for ergonomics committees to optimize effectiveness.

Photo of a person on a tablet checking measurements with office workers in the background.

Office Ergonomics Sample Checklist

An MSWord checklist to ensure ergonomic compliability.

Industry

Healthcare

Following are links to resources exclusively to address ergonomic issues for the health care sector.

Ergonomics and Dental Work

Researchers have found symptoms of discomfort for dental workers occurred in the body, risking injury.

Guidelines for the Prevention of Back Injuries in Paramedics

Covers injury statistics, Safe Lifting Program, situation specific scenarios and more.

Patient Handling for Healthcare Workers

Nurses and caregivers are at particular high risk for back injury and other ergonomic disorders.

the Minimal Lift Program

Covers patient handling, mechanics of spine, risk factors, the "Five Ps" for safe lifting and transfer, and more.

Construction

Following are our most popular videos addressing ergonomics for construction workers, specifically drivers.

Fork Lift - Seat Adjustments

Covers Seat distance, Steering Wheel, Seat Tension and more.

Forklift Exercises

Covers back exercises, leg exercises, quariceps stretch, calf stretch, shoulder exercises, elvow and wrist exercises and more

Seat Adjustments -
Heavy Equipment

Covers seat distance, lumbar curve, seat height, armrest, wheel position

Ergonomics and Snow Shoveling

Covers exercises, preparation before shoveling, picking the right shovel, proper form when shoveling, etc.

Manufacturing - Automotive

Automotive Parts Industry Handbook

For labour and management at medium-size auto parts plants to learn about the participatory ergonomics approach.

Forklift Exercises

Covers back exercises, leg exercises, quariceps stretch, calf stretch, shoulder exercises, elvow and wrist exercises and more

Seat Adjustments -
Heavy Equipment

Covers seat distance, lumbar curve, seat height, armrest, wheel position

Fork Lift - Seat Adjustments

Covers Seat distance, Steering Wheel, Seat Tension and more.

Education

Educators’ Experiences During the Pandemic

A presentation made as part of the April 2022 OCC-COVID Webinar Series

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Psychosocial Risk Factors and MSDs

Non-physical aspects of the workplace can contribute to MSDs.

Ergonomics of Fall Yard/ Garden Chores: Preparation for Winter

Many yardwork chores may lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) if done incorrectly.

Ergonomics and Sleep

How you sleep and factors like mattress quality can affect your health and sometimes result in musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomics and Winter Chores

Winter chores such as removing snow from steps and driveways, and other tasks, may lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).