Ergonomics expands to all areas of work whether in the office, laboratory, materials handling, or production facility. Identifying, evaluating, and controlling exposure to ergonomic injury risk factors (the problem areas and root causes of injury) when performing any job task is crucial in preventing work-related pain and injury, increasing productivity, and reducing waste. (Risk factors include but are not limited to; awkward postures, force, repetition, duration, and contact stress.) The identification of injury risk factors is the foundation of an ergonomic evaluation.

Keep in mind that although injury prevention is crucial and one of the primary goals of the ergonomics program at CSU, ergonomics extends well beyond just injuries. According to the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), the definition of ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

The CSU Ergonomics program offers a number of services for CSU faculty and staff to help with ergonomics in any area of work. Keep in mind that simply because a specific issue, job, task, etc., is not listed, does not mean the Ergonomics Team cannot help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions and for additional information. Industrial Ergonomic Evaluations

Industrial ergonomic evaluations encompass a review and analysis of any job task performed outside of the office/computer workstation environment.  This includes but is not limited to:

• Laboratory work (pipetting, microscope, etc.)
• Custodial work
• Manual materials handling (lifting, pushing, pulling)
• Animal care & handling
• Shipping & Receiving Operations (mail handling)
• Foodservice & Preparation

Any job or set of job tasks performed by a CSU employee should ideally be evaluated for ergonomic risk. The primary goal of industrial ergonomic evaluations is the identification and elimination of ergonomic risk with the implementation of proper ergonomics control strategies. Along with decreased injuries, an increase in productivity, efficiency, employee morale, etc. will be seen, as well as a reduction in absenteeism, lost time, etc.

Ergonomic evaluations can be requested by anyone, whether a supervisor, manager, or front line employee. Everyone has a role and responsibility to play in the ergonomics process.