Ergonomics

Summary: Ergonomics is the science of physically fitting the job to the person, rather than the person to the job.  This process is achieved by evaluating and designing workplaces, environments, job tasks, equipment and processes in relationship to human capabilities and interactions in the workplace.  The goal of ergonomics is to enhance human performance while improving safety, health, comfort and job satisfaction.  Designing workplaces with ergonomic principles will result in benefits such as increased productivity and employee satisfaction, decreased injury rates and associated medical, rehabilitation and legal expenses, as well as decreased employee turnover, and sick leave.

Some requests for reasonable accommodation may necessitate an ergonomic assessment of a work space, but these assessments and the results must be treated as part of the reasonable accommodation process under the ADA.

System Guidelines & Other Policies and Procedures: none

Forms:
CMC Ergonomics Evaluation Request Form

Contracts and Plans (Article/Section references):
AFSCME: Article 11, Section 7 and Appendix L

Laws: none  

Other References:
DOER Safety and Industrial Hygiene Unit – includes State of MN Ergonomics Guidelines

OSHA Health Topic – Ergonomics 

OSHA E-Tools for Office Ergonomic 

DOER Workers’ Compensation Bulletin 04-2

OOC Contact:
Don Beckering, Director, Fire, EMS and Safety Center, 651-649-5411