Ergonomic Resource Page
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) currently account for one-third of all occupational injuries and illnesses reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) by employers every year. These disorders constitute the largest job-related injury and illness problem in the United States today. UF has a commitment to provide a safe environment for its employees, students and guests. One element of this commitment is providing information, evaluation and consultation to reduce the risks of developing ergonomic injury.
The following links contain reference materials and ergonomic tools that may
be useful in the identification of risk factors, management of work tasks,
organization of work spaces, and the selection of effective equipment for the
reduction of ergonomic risk factors and injury:
UF Ergonomic Resources:
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Ergonomics for Computer Workstations – Short video clip is an introduction to basic ergonomics in the setup and design of computer workstations and proper posture to reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders. Flash Windows Media (6 MB) Transcript
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Monitor Selection and Placement - Neck pain is one of the most common complaints of computer users. A major contributing factor is often the placement of the monitor with respect to the users.
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A "Site" for Sore Eyes -
Signs of eye problems
caused by poor lighting and ideas for better viewing of your monitor and
hard copy.
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Ergonomic Checklist
Brochure - A guide to common workstation problems and
possible solutions.
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Safe Computing Brochure
- Guide to setting up a
computer workstation and proper posture for computing. Covers monitor,
keyboard/pointing device, document holder, chair, posture, and more.
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Laptop Handout
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Includes an ergonomic
checklist for laptop users and tips to reduce stress and strain to the
musculoskeletal system
- If you feel you are experiencing discomfort due to the setup of your workstation, please try to adjust your workstation using the referenced guidelines. If after attempting this self-help approach, you are still experiencing discomfort, please fill out the Ergonomic Evaluation for Office Workers (Word Doc) (Acrobat PDF) and email to gketcham@ehs.ufl.edu or fax to 392-3414 (UF employees only).
Useful Office/Computer Ergonomic Links:
- Computer Workstation Ergonomics from OSHA - A very good resource
- Healthy Computing - a good site from IBM
- Pros and Cons of Various "Ergonomic" Office Equipment F-One Ergonomics Ann Arbor, Michigan
- "Conventional Wisdom" vs. Current Ergonomics F-One Ergonomics Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Cornell University Ergonomics Web
- UCLA Office Ergonomics
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Mouse location and Shoulder Stress
Cornell Study, PDF Document
- Keyboard Shortcuts - Berkeley Ergonomics - The more you can lessen the amount you use your pointing device, the better.
- Simple stretching exercises
- State of Washington - Ergonomics: Many good resources
Materials Handling and Lifting:
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UF Safe Lifting Brochure
- A Back Injury Prevention Guide for Health Care Providers - Cal/OSHA
- Back Safety
Exercises
:- Flexibility Exercises - American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Exercises in the Treatment of Low-Back Pain - The Physician and Sportsmedicine
- Relieving Low-Back Pain With Exercise - The Physician and Sportsmedicine
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Extend Yourself for Low-Back Pain Relief - The Physician and
Sportsmedicine
Agricultural
Ergonomics:
Laboratory
Ergonomics:
- UCLA Laboratory Ergonomics
- Laboratory Ergonomics Article - A case study describing common problems and solutions, American Chemical Society
- Laboratory Ergonomics from the CDC
- "Hand and shoulder ailments among laboratory technicians using modern plunger-operated pipettes." Bjorksten et al.
- "Smart pipetting: using ergonomics to prevent injury." Erickson/Woodard.
Email tmorrone@ehs.ufl.edu or gketcham@ehs.ufl.edu or call (352) 392-1591 if you have questions, comments or suggestions on ergonomics in the workplace.