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Ergonomic hazards are physical conditions that may pose a risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomic hazards include awkward postures, static postures, high forces, repetitive motion, or short intervals between activities. The risk of injury is often magnified when multiple factors are present. Factors such as whole-body or hand/arm vibration, poor lighting, poorly designed tools, equipment, or workstations all contribute to negative interactions with the worker/user. Some of the common body regions where injuries may occur include, but are not limited to:
Injuries in these and other parts of the body could result in Musculoskeletal Disorders , which may be called Cumulative Trauma Disorders or Repetitive Strain Injuries , and are estimated to account for about a third of all non-fatal injuries and illnesses and their associated costs. Ergonomic hazards occur in both occupational and non-occupational settings such as in workshops, building sites, offices, homes, schools, or public spaces and facilities. Finding ways to eliminate or reduce ergonomic hazards in any setting will ultimately reduce the risk of injury.