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National Institutes of Health
Ergonomics
Ergonomics looks at what kind of work you do, what tools you use and your whole job environment. The aim is to find the best fit between you and your job conditions. Examples of ergonomic changes to your work might include
- Adjusting the position of your computer keyboard to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome
- Being sure that the height of your desk chair allows your feet to rest flat on floor
- Learning the right way to lift heavy objects to prevent back injuries
- Using handle coatings or special gloves to suppress vibrations from power tools
No matter what the job is, the goal is to make sure that you are safe, comfortable, and less prone to work-related injuries.
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Start Here
- Office Ergonomics: Your How-to Guide(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Repetitive Motion Disorders(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Short Summary
The top row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Basics
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Learn More
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Multimedia & Cool Tools
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For group Basics
For group Learn More
For group Multimedia & Cool Tools
The bottom row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Research
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Reference Shelf
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For You
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For group Research
For group Reference Shelf
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Overviews
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Ergonomics at Work(National Institutes of Health, Office of Research Services, Division of Safety)
- Ergonomics: The Science for Better Living and Working(American Psychological Association)
- Workplace Ergonomics Reference Guide(TRICARE Management Activity) - PDF
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Ergonomics at Work
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Latest News
- Sitting Can Harm Health, Even for Those Who Exercise(10/15/2012, HealthDay)
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Prevention/Screening
- Ergonomics: Occupational Therapy in the Workplace(American Occupational Therapy Association)
- How to Sit at a Computer(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
- Preventing Back Pain at Work and at Home(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
- Also available in Spanish
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Specific Conditions
- Computer Vision Syndrome(American Optometric Association)
- Ergonomic Strategies for Using a Briefcase(American Occupational Therapy Association) - PDF
- Ergonomic Strategies for Using a Purse(American Occupational Therapy Association) - PDF
- Ergonomic Strategies for Using a Suitcase(American Occupational Therapy Association) - PDF
- Eyestrain(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - PDF
- Also available in Spanish
- Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Farm Workers(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
- Also available in Spanish
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Related Issues
- Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to Selecting Non-Powered Hand Tools(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - PDF
- What Is Human Factors/Usability Engineering?(Food and Drug Administration)
- Wrist/Palm Supports(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
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Pictures & Photographs
- Office Ergonomics: Your How-to Guide(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Cumulative Trauma Disorders(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Cumulative Trauma Disorders
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Long-term efficacy of an ergonomics program that includes patient-handling devices...
- Article: Ergonomic design and training for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of...
- Article: Knowledge and practices of ergonomics in computer users.
- Ergonomics -- see more articles
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Organizations
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- Also available in Spanish
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Also available in Spanish
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Law and Policy
- Ergonomics(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
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Statistics
- Musculoskeletal Disorders and Days Away from Work in 2007(Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Repetitive Motion Injuries and Days Away from Work in 2008(Bureau of Labor Statistics) - PDF
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Children
- Backpack Strategies for Parents and Students(American Occupational Therapy Association) - PDF
- Computer-Related Repetitive Stress Injuries(Nemours Foundation)
- Computers Can Be a Real Pain(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in Spanish
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Teenagers
- Repetitive Stress Injuries(Nemours Foundation)
- Also available in Spanish
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