Office Ergonomics Programs

Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions to workers' needs to minimize risk of illness or injury and increase productivity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that ergonomic risk factors are found "in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures." Along with more physical jobs like poultry processing and shipyard working, office jobs may also pose ergonomic risks as they often involve long hours of sitting and frequent use of hands. Fortunately, employers can use a number of programs to ensure an ergonomically-sound work environment and minimize employee risk of developing musculoskelatal problems.

Risk Factor and Purchasing Guide Checklists

• One simple program that office managers can use to identify and rectify ergonomic risk factors is a checklist. OSHA's website contains a checklist to identify ergonomic risk factors that managers can use in conjunction with a purchasing guide checklist for choosing ergonomically-sound computer monitors, keyboards, chairs, and other office equipment.

University Programs

• The websites of some universities, including the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of California, Riverside and Cornell University, offer free office ergonomics programs. For example, the University of California Riverside's ergonomics program includes e-tools such as ergonomics training videos and publications; printable forms, documents, plans and other templates; and an ergonomic office products catalog. Cornell University's CUErgo program offers free ergonomics podcasts, research articles, and even some fun ergonomics teaching tools such as puzzles.

Consulting Programs

• Larger companies and organizations may benefit from the services of an ergonomics consulting firm that can provide onsite consultations, training, demonstrations and other assistance to help managers implement a company-wide ergonomics program. The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), a nonprofit group, offers a free directory of ergonomics consultants.

Software Programs

• Some companies sell office ergonomics software programs that feature interactive tools to promote an ergonomically-safe workplace. These programs offer tools such as office ergonomics training, coaching, and evaluations. Many tools featured in office ergonomics software programs have free online equivalents at government or university websites; however, for-purchase ergonomics software programs advertise the added benefit of an all-inclusive step-by-step plan that provides all of the ergonomics e-tools you need, from a single source.