Workplace Ergonomics

Collage showing workers in various positions

[By definition] Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between workers and their work environment.

OFFICE
ERGONOMICS

The main goal of office ergonomics is to setup your office space so that it fits you and the work you are doing.

Having a proper workstation setup can alleviate symptoms and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

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INDUSTRIAL / COMMERCIAL ERGONOMICS

The issue of ergonomics is prevalent in almost all workplaces including industrial and commercial workplaces.

We cover the major industries by providing access to industry-specific ergonomic resources.

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The aim of ergonomics is to match the job to the worker –
to reduce the strain placed on the tissues and to prevent injury.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common type of workplace injury in Ontario workplaces.

It is crucial to control the hazards that could leads to MSDs.

The main goal of workplace ergonomics is to setup your workspace so that it fits you and the work you are doing.

The benefits of having the workspace set up correctly are:

Reduced neck and back pain

Headaches and eyestrain are less likely to effect you

Issues such as bursitis and tendonitis may be prevented

The issues above can all be linked to the repetition of tasks.

Accidents in the workplace are one of the main causes of illness and injury that affect most Canadians.

Both have the potential of influencing your job performance.

Factors that can cause injuries in the workplace include:

Trips and Falls

Repetitive Movements
The result of this is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Posture

Material Handling
(Lifting, Lowering, Pushing, Pulling)

Vibration

Ergonomics can assist in creating a more comfortable workstation thus reducing stress and injury.

The main focus areas to set up your work space are:

Workstation Setup
(how you sit and how long you stay sitting or in a fixed position)

Task Performance
(the movements made, and the repetition of those movements)

Physical Environment
(including lighting, noise and temperature)

Tools and Equipment
(whether they are set up correctly to meet your requirements)

ERGONOMIC TOOLS and CALCULATORS

Closeup photo of a person working on a keyboard

NEW! KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Reduce ergonomic risk using these keyboard shortcut tutorials

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RULA

Posture Risk Assessment Tool

VIEW TOOL

ROSA

Risk assessment for office workstations

VIEW TOOL

STRAIN INDEX

Repetitive Work Involving Hands and Wrists

VIEW TOOL

Business people at their desks in a busy, open plan office. Startup business people working at a modern office.

OFFICE ERGONOMICS CALCULATOR

Recommended Heights for Office Configuration

VIEW TOOL

NIOSH LIFTING EQUATION

Bio-mechanical Model for Lifting and Lowering

VIEW TOOL* (on CCOHS website)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS DESCRIPTIONS

A Workbook and Template for Completing Physical Demands Descriptions

VIEW WORKBOOK and TEMPLATE

ANTHROPOMETRIC CALCULATOR

Determining Body Length Segments

MORE ABOUT | DOWNLOAD CALCULATOR [XCL spreadsheet]

Learn more about our Ergonomic Tools and Calculators

REFERENCES

The following references were used in the creation of these tools: McAtamney, L., & Corlett, E. N. (1993). RULA: a survey method for the investigation of work-related upper limb disorders. Applied ergonomics, 24(2), 91-99. Waters, T. R., Putz-Anderson, V., Garg, A., & Fine, L. J. (1993). Revised NIOSH equation for the design and evaluation of manual lifting tasks. Ergonomics, 36(7), 749-776. Steven Moore, J., & Garg, A. (1995). The strain index: a proposed method to analyze jobs for risk of distal upper extremity disorders. American Industrial Hygiene Association, 56(5), 443-458. Potvin, J. R. (2012). Predicting maximum acceptable efforts for repetitive tasks an equation based on duty cycle. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 54(2), 175-188. Rohmert, W. (1973). Problems of determination of rest allowances Part 2: Determining rest allowances in different human tasks. Applied Ergonomics, 4(3), 158-162. Sonne, M., Villalta, D. L., & Andrews, D. M. (2012). Development and evaluation of an office ergonomic risk checklist: ROSA–Rapid office strain assessment. Applied ergonomics, 43(1), 98-108.

VIDEOS

OHCOW has a vast library of videos (including recorded webinars) related to workplace ergonomics.

A sample of these videos are shown below:

Fork Lift Promo

Fork Lift Seat Adjustments

Fork Lift Exercises

Operating Heavy Equipment

Heavy Equipment Seat Adjustment

Heavy Equipment Exercises

Ergonomic Tips for Temporary Home Workstations
– Three Months Later –

COVID-19 Workplace Ergonomics

Ergonomic Tips for Working From Home

MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING (MMH)

Manual Material Handling (MMH) is an important component of workplace ergonomics
as many of the actions involved can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).

Manual material handling refers to the moving or handling of objects by:

Lifting or Lowering

Pushing or Pulling

Carrying

Holding or Gripping

Manual material handling is also the most common cause of occupational fatigue, low back pain and lower back injuries.

The following resources are related to manual material handling:

Physical Demands Description

A document used by employers to objectively capture and describe the physical demands that are required to perform a particular job or role.
A PDD can be used by a wide range of individuals within different organizations.

VIEW PDD HANDBOOK
VIEW PDD TEMPLATE

NIOSH Lifting Equation

An Online Tool for Calculating Recommended Weight Limit (RWL)

VIEW ONLINE TOOL
(on the CCOHS website)

Ergonomics and Manual Materials Handling

A Presentation by OHCOW Ergonomist, Melissa Statham, MHK, CCPE

VIEW PRESENTATION

INTERNATIONAL REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY DAY

February 29th

February 28th in non-leap years

The ideal "non-repetitive" date to devote to raising awareness of repetitive strain injuries.

Workplace injuries such as repetitive strain injuries (RSI's) affect 15% or over 5 million Canadians.
To increase awareness of these issues, the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) participates in this annual day with special events and offerings.

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GLOBAL ERGONOMICS MONTH

October

A month-long initiative held annually to raise awareness of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards in workplaces

Celebrated in October each year, Global Ergonomics Month is an international outreach campaign promoting human-centred design through the science, application and profession of ergonomics or human factors.

LEARN MORE

View all our ergonomic-related posts here:

Manual Material Handling Podcast
November 2024 • A discussion of common ergonomic risk factors related to Manual Material Handling.
Ergo Info: Plantar Fascitis
Pain in the heel, known as Plantar Fasciitis, is the most common type of foot pain.
Ergo Info: Ligament Strain/Tear
Tendonitis and tendinosis are most often caused by overuse and can occur in any tendon within the body.
Ergo Info: Muscle Strain/Tear
Tendonitis and tendinosis are most often caused by overuse and can occur in any tendon within the body.
Ergo Info: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
Tendonitis and tendinosis are most often caused by overuse and can occur in any tendon within the body.
Ergo Info: Epicondylitis
Tendonitis and tendinosis are most often caused by overuse and can occur in any tendon within the body.
Office Ergonomics e-Learning
NEW! • A new 7-module e-learning resource based on the CSA Office Ergonomics Standard (Z412-17), and reflecting changes in the modern office environment as well as continuing to address ergonomic concerns related to the traditional office setting.
JobAssess App
WEB APP • A new web-based step-by-step app that create a Job Demands Analysis (JDA) based on the physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial demands of any job.
Ergo Info: Carpal Tunnel
Tendonitis and tendinosis are most often caused by overuse and can occur in any tendon within the body.
Ergo Info: Bursitis
Tendonitis and tendinosis are most often caused by overuse and can occur in any tendon within the body.
Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Posted Mar 14, 2023 • A discussion of the role of a MLITSD Ergonomist in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in Ontario.
Ergo Info: What are Tendonitis and Tendinosis?
Tendonitis and tendinosis are most often caused by overuse and can occur in any tendon within the body.
Office Ergonomics Calculator
June 2023 • Recently Improved and Reconfigured! Reduce risks of musculoskeletal injury by adjusting your workstation.
Ergo Info: MSDs for Temporary Agricultural Foreign Workers (TFAWS)
Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) for Temporary Foreign Agricultural Workers
Ergo Info: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) for Temporary Foreign Agricultural Workers
The Role of a MLITSD Ergonomist
Posted Mar 14, 2023 • A discussion of the role of a MLITSD Ergonomist in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in Ontario.
RSI Day 2023 Week 4 – Job Demands: Physical and Cognitive
WEBINAR • A review of the use of physical demands analysis (PDA) expanding on methods for evaluating manual materials handling (MMH) and posture analysis and discussing emerging ways to tackle cognitive demands analysis.
RSI Day 2023 Week 3 – Review of and New Directions for OHCOW’s PDD Handbook
WEBINAR • A review of OHCOWs current PDD handbook followed by an introduction of upcoming changes to the PDD handbook and PDD
Job Demands Analysis
This Job Demands Analysis (JDA) tool includes both a Physical Demands Description (PDD), as well as an analysis of Cognitive and Psychosocial Demands.
RSI Day 2023 Week 2 – Ergonomics and Sleep
View the first week’s session in the RSI Webinar Series!
RSI Day 2023 Week 1 – Concussions in the Workplace
View the first week’s session in this RSI Webinar Series!
RSI Day 2023 Week 1 – Four E’s of Shoulder Injuries
View the first week’s session in this RSI Webinar Series, Part One on Shoulder Injuries.
Ergonomics of Winter Chores
Posted January 24, 2023 • A discussion of the ergonomic risk factors related to winter weather.
Back to School: Ergonomics for Students, Educators
Carrying a backpack, eyestrain from screens to school desks can cause injury.
Ergonomics and Sleep – Part 2
August 24, 2022 • Sleep and muskuloskeletal disorders, with Dwayne Fuchs and Melissa Statham, Occupational Ergonomists, OHCOW
Ergonomics of Fall Yard/Garden Chores: Preparation for Winter
September 29, 2022 • Dwayne Fuchs and Melissa Statham, Occupational Ergonomists, OHCOW, discuss ergonomic safety in yard work.
Ergonomics and Sleep – Part 1
July 8, 2022 • Part One. With Dwayne Fuchs and Melissa Statham, Occupational Ergonomists, OHCOW.
Back to School: Ergonomics for Educators & Students
September 9, 2022 • The school environment and ergonomics. With Dwayne Fuchs and Melissa Statham, Occupational Ergonomists
Ergonomics and Working in the Heat
August 3, 2022 • A discussion about the hazards of working in the heat as well as the ergonomic risk factors and prevention strategies.
Lawn Care: Safety and Ergonomics
August 17, 2022 • Dwayne Fuchs and Melissa Statham, OHCOW Occupational Ergonomists discuss the risks of lawn care activities.
Where Does is Hurt? Body Maps
[POSTER]
A clear and simple language poster that helps workers to identify the types of pain they and their co-workers may be experiencing.
What Causes Our Symptoms? HAZARDS
[POSTER]
Available in English, Spanish (Espanol) and Thai
OHCOW Migrant Farm Workers Team
Spring into ACTion: Health & Safety Forum 2022
Friday, April 8, 2022

SESSIONS / SPEAKERS

Concussion, Post-Concussion Symptoms, Under-Reporting, and Prevention of Workplace Hazards
What does ‘Health’ in Health and Safety mean to me?
February 22, 2022 • Knowing the work environment, workers’ rights, and more.
Understanding the Elements of a Physical Demand Analysis (PDA)/ Physical Demand Description (PDD)
February 17, 2022

[RECORDED WEBINAR]
Nathan Birtch, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
February 10, 2022

[RECORDED WEBINAR]
Trevor Schell, OHCOW Ergonomist
Caleb O’Leary, Fanshawe College
Keyboard Shortcut Tutorials
If you use a computer on a regular basis you need to be using keyboard shortcuts to minimize mouse use, increase keyboard efficiency, and reduce ergonomic risk.
Computer Mouse Size Calculator
Using a proper size mouse is an important step to preventing injuries. The correct sized mouse will help to reduce awkward postures and contact stress on the hand and wrist.
Glove Size Calculator
Wearing the correct sized gloves helps the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This calculator helps you to choose the proper size based on the work you are doing and your hand size.
Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Audiogram Calculator
November 2021

[CALCULATOR]
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
NIOSH Lifting Equation
A workplace risk assessment tool used to calculate the overall risk index for single and multiple manual lifting tasks (from CCOHS).
Anthropometric Calculator
Our Anthropometric Calculator is an amalgamation of databases that provides the most comprehensive and concise set of body measurement data.
Physical Demands Description (PDD) Toolkit
A Handbook and Template for Completing Physical Demands Descriptions A document that objectively captures and describes the physical demands that are required to perform a particular job.
Quick Exposure Check (QEC) Tool
A practical tool, developed by OHCOW, designed to create an efficient and organized way to complete QEC assessments.
Cold Stress Calculator
November 2021 • Determine what precautions should be taken to protect workers from cold stress-related adverse health outcomes.
Office Ergonomics Reference Guide
REFERENCE GUIDE – Updated and modernized to align with the new CSA Office Ergonomics Standard (Z412-17), our new Office Ergonomics Reference Guide now reflects changes in the office environment (i.e. multiple monitors, tablet use, remote workstations, etc.), and more…
RSI Day 2020 – Panel Discussion – Part 1
February 28, 2020

[RECORDED WEBINAR]
A thought-provoking discussion by a panel of Canadian experts at the closing of the 2020 OHCOW RSI Day webinar event.
CTV News – What’s a Workers’ Life Worth
February 28, 2020

[VIDEO]
CTV News
Coverage of the 2020 RSI Day event “What’s a Workers’ Life Worth?”
RSI Day 2020 – Panel Discussion – Part 2
February 28, 2020

[RECORDED WEBINAR]
A thought-provoking discussion by a panel of Canadian experts at the closing of the 2020 OHCOW RSI Day webinar event.
RSI Day 2020 Introduction
February 28, 2020

[RECORDED WEBINAR]
Office Ergonomics – Getting Started
October 15, 2021 • OHCOW ergonomists Brenda Mallat and Melissa Statham discuss office ergonomics.
HazardAssess App
The app allows you to take action to reduce or eliminate health and safety risks in your workplace by guiding you through 12 distinct health and safety topics prompting you to describe the hazard and identify its source/cause. It then provides you with ideas on how to fix it.
Recognizing Impact and Opportunity – Psychosocial Ergonomics
May 2018

[RECORDED WEBINAR]
Melissa Statham, Ergonomist, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
Economics of Ergonomics: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes
February 28, 2018

[RECORDED PRESENTATION]
Trevor Schell, Ergonomist, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
Using OHCOW’s Ergo Tools App for Managing Workplace Office Ergonomics
February 28, 2017

[RECORDED PRESENTATION]
Dr. Mike Sonne, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
When Technology Hurts
PDF Slides
When Technology Hurts
November 3, 2016
Melissa Statham MHK, CCPE
PainPoint App
The PainPoint app delivers a simple ergonomic assessment by running through a series of diagrams and questions to: pinpoint musculoskeletal pain; identify possible sources; discover practical solutions – right from your smartphone!
Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Farm Workers
September 28, 2022

[HANDBOOK]
US Department of Health and Human Services | Centres for Disease Control and Prevention | NIOSH

OHCOW ERGONOMIC SERVICES

At the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), our Ergonomists take pride in ensuring that workers are working safely and effectively.

Our goal is to identify these risks and to educate workers by means of: