711 Introduction to Ergonomics

Glossary

A

Administrative Controls. Ergonomic strategies that involve changing work procedures or practices to reduce injury risks. These can include job rotation, scheduling more breaks, or implementing training programs to promote proper ergonomic techniques. Administrative controls are part of the hierarchy of controls and aim to reduce exposure to ergonomic hazards without altering the physical environment.
Anthropometry. The study of human body measurements, used in ergonomics to design tools, equipment, and workspaces that fit various body sizes and shapes.
Anthropometric Data. Measurements of human body dimensions used in ergonomic design to ensure tools, workspaces, and equipment fit a variety of body sizes and shapes.
Awkward Posture. A body position that deviates from the natural, neutral posture, placing excessive stress on muscles, joints, and the spine. Awkward postures, such as bending, twisting, or reaching, increase the risk of workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Ergonomic interventions aim to minimize awkward postures by optimizing workstations and tools.

B

Behavioral Ergonomics. The study of how human behaviors affect the interaction with tools, tasks, and environments, often focusing on improving safety and reducing errors.
Biomechanical Load. The forces exerted on the body during physical tasks, which can influence fatigue, injury risk, and efficiency.

Biomechanics.

Blue Light. A type of light emitted by digital screens and some lighting that can cause eye strain, disrupt sleep patterns, and affect concentration. Prolonged exposure to blue light in the workplace, particularly in office settings, may require ergonomic adjustments such as screen filters and proper lighting.
Bursitis. Inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Bursitis is often caused by repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on a joint and can be exacerbated by poor ergonomic practices in the workplace.

C

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. A condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the wrist's carpal tunnel, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand and fingers. Repetitive motions and prolonged use of keyboards or hand tools are common contributors, and ergonomic solutions often involve tool redesign and posture improvements.
Center of Gravity. The point where the body's mass is evenly distributed, crucial for balance and stability. In ergonomics, tasks and tools are designed to help maintain a neutral center of gravity, reducing the risk of strain and injury.
Cervical Radiculopathy. A condition caused by compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. Poor posture and repetitive strain are common contributors, and ergonomic interventions aim to reduce neck strain.
Cognitive Load. The mental effort required to perform tasks, which can be reduced through ergonomic design to prevent cognitive overload and errors.
Compartment Syndrome. A painful condition caused by increased pressure within the muscles, which can impair blood flow and nerve function. This syndrome is often linked to repetitive activities or excessive force, and ergonomic adjustments can help reduce the risk.
Computer Vision Syndrome. Eye strain and discomfort resulting from prolonged use of computers or digital screens, often alleviated by ergonomic adjustments to lighting, screen distance, and breaks.
Contact Stress. Pressure applied to specific areas of the body due to hard or sharp objects, such as tools or workstation edges, which can cause discomfort or injury over time. Ergonomic solutions include padding and redesigning tools to reduce direct pressure on the skin or soft tissues.
Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD). A condition that arises from repetitive strain or overuse of a particular body part, often resulting from poor ergonomic design. CTDs can lead to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and reduced function, typically affecting the hands, wrists, shoulders, and back.

D

de Quervain's Tenosynovitis. A condition where the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed, causing pain and difficulty in thumb movement. This is often related to repetitive motions and forceful exertion, and ergonomic interventions focus on reducing these risk factors through task modification and tool adjustments.
Dexterity. The skillful and coordinated use of hands and fingers to perform tasks. Ergonomic design often focuses on improving dexterity by creating tools and environments that reduce strain and allow for more precise movements.
Dynamic Muscular Endurance. The ability of muscles to sustain repetitive movement or contractions over time. Tasks requiring high dynamic muscular endurance can lead to fatigue and injury, and ergonomic interventions aim to reduce repetitive motion and promote recovery.

E

Elimination. The most effective strategy in the hierarchy of controls, elimination involves completely removing the ergonomic hazard from the workplace. In ergonomics, this could mean redesigning tasks or workstations to remove the need for repetitive motions or awkward postures altogether.
Engineering Controls. Ergonomic interventions that involve designing or modifying equipment, tools, or work environments to reduce or eliminate hazards. These controls change the physical aspects of the workplace, such as introducing height-adjustable desks or ergonomic hand tools, to fit the worker and minimize physical strain.
Environmental Ergonomics. The study of how environmental factors, such as temperature, lighting, and noise, affect worker performance and well-being.
Epicondylitis. Also known as tennis elbow, this condition is the inflammation of the tendons surrounding the elbow, often caused by repetitive motions or forceful exertions. Ergonomic solutions may include altering tool handles, reducing repetitive tasks, and promoting recovery time.
Ergonomic Chair. A chair designed to support good posture, reduce strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, and promote comfort during prolonged sitting.

Ergonomic Design.

Ergonomic Program. A structured approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating ergonomic hazards in the workplace, often involving training, assessments, and interventions.
Ergonomic Risk Assessment. A systematic process used to identify, evaluate, and prioritize ergonomic hazards in the workplace. This assessment considers factors such as repetitive motions, awkward postures, and forceful exertions, and it helps guide decisions on applying ergonomic interventions.
Ergonomic Workstation Assessment. An evaluation of a worker's physical setup, including desk, chair, monitor, and tools, to identify potential ergonomic risks. Recommendations are made to improve posture, reduce strain, and enhance comfort, often through adjustments in equipment or work habits.
Ergonomics. The science of designing the workplace, equipment, and tasks to fit the worker, aiming to improve comfort, efficiency, and safety.

F

Fatigue Accumulation. The gradual build-up of physical or mental exhaustion due to sustained or repetitive tasks, often addressed through ergonomic interventions like task rotation and rest breaks.
Fatigue Management. Strategies to reduce physical and mental exhaustion, such as optimizing task schedules, improving ergonomics, and encouraging rest breaks.
Forceful Exertion. The application of high levels of physical effort, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if sustained over time without proper ergonomic design.

G

Gender. Ergonomic considerations often take gender differences into account, such as body size, muscle strength, and anthropometry, to ensure that workstations and tools accommodate the needs of all workers. Gender-specific ergonomic designs can enhance comfort and reduce the risk of injury.
General Industry. The sector of industry that includes all industries not categorized under construction, agriculture, or maritime. This includes manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and other service industries.
Grip Force. The amount of force exerted by the hand to hold or manipulate objects. Ergonomic tools aim to reduce the need for excessive grip force, which can lead to strain.

H

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). A condition caused by prolonged exposure to vibrating tools, leading to damage in the nerves and blood vessels of the hands and arms.
Hand-Eye Coordination. The ability to coordinate visual input with hand movements to perform tasks. Ergonomics aims to improve hand-eye coordination through proper equipment placement, tool design, and lighting, reducing strain and improving accuracy in tasks.

Hazard Identification.

Herniated Disc. A condition in which the cushioning disc between the vertebrae in the spine ruptures or bulges, pressing on nearby nerves. Poor ergonomic conditions, such as prolonged sitting in awkward postures or heavy lifting, can contribute to the development of herniated discs.
Human Factors Engineering. The discipline focused on optimizing the relationship between people and systems, often overlapping with ergonomics to improve safety, comfort, and efficiency.

I

Illumination. The lighting conditions in a workspace, which can affect visibility, comfort, and performance. Proper ergonomic lighting reduces eye strain, enhances visibility, and minimizes glare, with special attention to balancing natural and artificial light sources.

J

Job Design. The process of organizing tasks and responsibilities to improve productivity and reduce ergonomic risks, often involving adjustments to workloads, task variation, and equipment.

Job Rotation.

K

L

Lateral Epicondylitis. Also known as tennis elbow, this is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive wrist and arm motions, and ergonomically designed tools and task adjustments can help reduce strain.
Load Carrying. The physical act of lifting and transporting items, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if not performed with proper ergonomic techniques.

M

Manual Dexterity. The ability to skillfully perform tasks with the hands, often considered in ergonomic design to reduce strain and improve task performance.
Manual Handling. The act of lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects, which can lead to injury if not performed with proper ergonomic techniques. Ergonomic principles recommend using tools like hoists or lifts, or altering tasks to reduce the need for manual handling.
Medial Epicondylitis. Commonly known as golfer's elbow, this condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow due to repetitive movements. Ergonomic solutions, such as adjusting tool grips and reducing repetitive strain, are often used to manage this condition.
Motor Skills. The abilities required to perform physical tasks, involving muscle coordination, strength, and precision. Ergonomic designs aim to enhance motor skills by providing tools and environments that support natural movement and reduce strain.
Muscular Strength. The amount of force a muscle can produce during a single effort. Ergonomics considers muscular strength in the design of tools and tasks, ensuring that the physical demands do not exceed the worker's capacity, which can prevent overexertion injuries.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Injuries or disorders affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, or nerves, often caused by repetitive motions, awkward postures, or forceful exertions. Ergonomic interventions such as proper workstation setup, tool design, and task adjustments can help prevent MSDs.
Musculoskeletal Impairment. A condition that affects the muscles, bones, or joints, often leading to pain, reduced function, or disability. Ergonomics seeks to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal impairments through proper workstation setup and task design.
Musculoskeletal System. The system of muscles, bones, and joints that supports movement and maintains posture. Ergonomics focuses on designing tasks and environments that protect the musculoskeletal system from overuse, strain, and injury.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome. A chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in the muscles, often triggered by repetitive motions or sustained muscle tension. Poor ergonomic setups, especially in office environments, can contribute to this condition, and proper posture and workstation adjustments are key to prevention.

N

Neutral Posture. A body position where the joints are naturally aligned, minimizing stress on the body, and reducing the risk of injury, often encouraged by ergonomic design.

O

Occupational Stress. Physical and mental strain experienced in the workplace, often exacerbated by poor ergonomic conditions like excessive workloads or uncomfortable work environments.

P

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The least effective control in the hierarchy of controls, PPE includes items like gloves, wrist supports, or anti-fatigue mats used to reduce exposure to ergonomic hazards. While PPE can provide some level of protection, it does not eliminate the root causes of ergonomic issues and is used as a last resort.
Physical Exposure. The amount of physical strain or effort required by a task, often measured in terms of posture, force, and repetition. Ergonomic assessments aim to minimize physical exposure to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Physiological Differences. Variations in physical characteristics, such as muscle strength, endurance, and body size, that influence how individuals interact with their work environment. Ergonomics accounts for these differences to ensure that tools and workspaces are suited for all workers.
Postural Analysis. The process of evaluating body positions during tasks to identify awkward postures that may increase the risk of injury.

Q

R

Raynaud's Syndrome. A condition in which small blood vessels in the extremities, such as the fingers or toes, overreact to cold or stress, causing them to spasm and limit blood flow. Repetitive vibration exposure from tools, often associated with poor ergonomics, is a known risk factor for Raynaud's Syndrome. Ergonomic interventions can help reduce vibration exposure to prevent this condition.
Reaching Strain. Discomfort or injury caused by repeated or prolonged reaching, often addressed by adjusting workstation layouts to keep frequently used items within easy reach.
Repetitive Motion. The repeated use of the same muscles or joints to perform a task, often leading to fatigue or injury. Ergonomic solutions include modifying tasks to reduce the frequency of repetitive motions, as well as redesigning tools to minimize strain.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). A type of injury caused by repeated motions or sustained awkward positions, commonly addressed through ergonomic solutions such as tool redesign and task modification.
Risk. The likelihood of an injury or illness occurring as a result of exposure to a hazard, including ergonomic risks such as awkward postures, repetitive motions, and forceful exertions. Ergonomic risk assessments help prioritize actions to mitigate these risks.
Risk Factor. Any characteristic or behavior that increases the likelihood of injury or illness, particularly in an ergonomic context. Common ergonomic risk factors include repetitive motions, awkward postures, excessive force, and prolonged static positions.
Rotator Cuff Injury. Damage to the muscles or tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, often caused by repetitive overhead motions or forceful exertion. Ergonomic solutions include adjusting tasks to reduce shoulder strain and promoting recovery time.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis. Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder's rotator cuff, often caused by repetitive overhead motions or prolonged strain. Proper ergonomic design, such as adjusting task heights and promoting neutral shoulder positions, helps prevent this condition.

S

Sit-Stand Desk. An adjustable desk that allows users to alternate between sitting and standing positions, promoting movement and reducing prolonged static postures.
Spinal Stenosis. A narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition is often linked to poor posture and prolonged strain, and ergonomic interventions, such as improving seating posture and adjusting workstations, can help alleviate symptoms.
Static Muscular Endurance. The ability of a muscle or group of muscles to sustain a contraction over time without movement. Prolonged static postures can lead to fatigue and injury, and ergonomic solutions emphasize dynamic movement and posture changes.
Static Posture. Holding a position for a prolonged period, which can lead to discomfort and injury, often mitigated by ergonomic interventions like adjustable equipment.
Stress. The physical, mental, or emotional strain experienced by an individual, often exacerbated by poor ergonomic conditions such as awkward postures or excessive workloads. Ergonomic interventions aim to reduce workplace stress by improving comfort, posture, and workflow efficiency.
Substitution. Replacing a hazardous process, material, or equipment with something safer in the hierarchy of controls. In ergonomics, substitution might involve switching to a less physically demanding tool or adopting a new method that reduces strain or repetitive motion.

T

Task Analysis. The process of breaking down a job or task into its component parts to identify potential ergonomic risks and opportunities for improvement. By analyzing tasks, ergonomists can recommend adjustments to reduce strain, improve safety, and enhance productivity.
Task Modification. Adjusting or altering a job task to reduce ergonomic risks. This can include changes to how a task is performed, the tools used, or the time spent on a specific task, aiming to minimize repetitive motions, awkward postures, or excessive force.
Tendinitis. Inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often resulting from repetitive motions or overuse. Tendinitis is a common workplace injury, particularly in tasks that require forceful exertions, and ergonomic designs focus on reducing strain on affected tendons.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. A condition caused by compression of nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and the first rib, leading to pain and numbness in the neck, shoulder, and arms. Repetitive overhead work or poor posture can contribute to this syndrome, and ergonomic adjustments aim to reduce strain on the affected areas.
Training. The process of providing employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their jobs safely and effectively. Training programs often include instruction on hazard recognition, emergency procedures, and the proper use of PPE.
Trigger Finger. A condition where a finger becomes stuck in a bent position due to inflammation of the tendons, often caused by repetitive gripping or forceful exertion. Ergonomic interventions can help prevent trigger finger by promoting task variation and the use of ergonomically designed tools.
Trigger Thumb. A form of tendinitis where the thumb becomes locked in a bent position due to inflammation of the flexor tendons. It is often associated with repetitive gripping or forceful thumb movements, and ergonomic solutions include task modification and ergonomic tool design.

U

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment. A condition where the ulnar nerve is compressed, often at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome), leading to pain and numbness in the forearm and hand. Poor ergonomic positioning, such as resting the elbows on hard surfaces for prolonged periods, can increase the risk. Ergonomic solutions include padding and reducing pressure on the elbows.

V

Vibration-Induced White Finger (VWF). A condition caused by prolonged use of vibrating tools, leading to reduced blood flow in the fingers and eventual damage to the blood vessels. This condition, a form of Raynaud's Syndrome, is preventable with ergonomic interventions, such as reducing vibration exposure and using vibration-dampening gloves.

W

Workplace Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Injuries or conditions affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, or joints that are caused or aggravated by work conditions, particularly repetitive motion, awkward postures, or overexertion. Ergonomic interventions aim to prevent WMSDs by designing tasks and environments that accommodate the worker's physical capabilities.
Work Practice Controls. Methods and techniques used to reduce ergonomic risks through training and behavior changes, such as teaching workers proper lifting techniques or encouraging frequent breaks to rest muscles. Work practice controls are part of the administrative controls and focus on improving how tasks are performed rather than altering the physical environment.
Workstation Ergonomics. The practice of arranging and designing a workstation (e.g., desk, chair, computer) to fit the user, reducing strain and enhancing productivity.