What is ergonomics, and why is it important?

Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to people. It focuses on designing workstations, tools, and job tasks for safety and efficiency. Effective ergonomic design coupled with good posture can reduce employee injuries and increase job satisfaction and productivity.

Injuries resulting from poor workplace ergonomics, such as back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis can be debilitating for employees and costly to the University.

Because of the growing number of repetitive motion injuries throughout California, Cal OSHA has issued an Ergonomics Standard. Campus departments with work-related repetitive motion injuries can be cited and fined by Cal OSHA if they do not have an ergonomics program in place.

What does the Cal OSHA Ergonomics Standard require?

The University is required by Cal OSHA to implement a program designed to minimize repetitive motion injuries. This program must include the following activities:

• Ergonomics training for employees
• Identifying, treating, and tracking work-related repetitive motion injuries
• Providing worksite evaluations of jobs that have caused repetitive motion injuries
• Modifying worksites that have caused repetitive motion injuries