Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can be disabling, painful and costly. Incorporating appropriate ergonomics practices in the workplace can help to reduce the likelihood of these disorders from occurring and can greatly improve employee wellbeing and productivity. What exactly is ergonomics and how can an ergonomically sound workstation be instituted? We address these questions in this report.

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Implementing an Effective Ergonomic Safety Program
In many states across the country, and in particular, states such as Texas, Florida, and
California, Workers’ compensation insurance always seems to be on the forefront of business
owner’s mind. Rising premiums, insurance costs and debates in Sacramento always seem to
take up the headlines. However, recently, another workers’ compensation related word has
been heard a lot - ergonomics. What exactly is ergonomics and how does it impact the
workplace?
The word ergonomics is derived from Greek and literally means “the science of work.”
Ergonomics is defined as the customization of products, tasks, and the environment for the
worker, resulting in an increase of quality, productivity and safety in the workplace.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
One of the chief consequences of poor ergonomics in the workplace is susceptibility to
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs are characterized by pain, tingling, numbness,
stiffness or inflammation of muscles, joints, tendons or ligaments in various parts of the body.
The financial impact of MSDs is staggering. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics maintains that
approximately 650,000 work-related MSDs generate costs of over $20 billion per year. In fact,
$1 in every $3 of Worker Compensation payments is caused by MSDs. This figure does not
include indirect costs of $150 billion per year shelled out for expenses such as staff
replacement and retraining, loss of quality and productivity, and absenteeism.
Employers would do well to invest time, effort and capital into effective ergonomics practices
for their workplace, preventing musculoskeletal disorders and saving money and unnecessary
hassle in the long run.
Getting Started
Employers can begin implementing good ergonomics practices by surveying the workplace,
encouraging employee feedback, applying preventive measures and addressing problems
promptly.
Ergonomics principles have a wide range of applications. Let’s examine several key areas that
can be improved greatly by applying some quick and easy changes.
9000 Sunset Blvd, Suite 900, West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.cpehr.com | info@cpehr.com | 800-850-7133

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Body Mechanics
Teach your employees the following
helpful suggestions, which are easy to
implement and can go a long way in
preventing musculoskeletal disorders:
Lift objects with two hands rather
than one, push and pull or slide
objects instead of lifting them, carry
objects at waist-level and close to the
body, try to minimize reaching and
use the largest muscles and joints to
execute tasks.
Stretching is a great way to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Relax your muscles,
stretch and switch positions. Taking regular rest breaks will help ease eye strain, muscle aches
and stress. Don’t forget to turn your eyes away from the screen occasionally and focus on a
faraway object.
Repetition
One of the major causes of MSDs is repetitive movements over a significant time span. To
reduce repetitive movements, alternate tasks and activities to ensure use of various muscle
groups. Take short, frequent breaks and eliminate needless movements and tasks by
redesigning workstations and procedures.
The Basic Elements of an Ergonomically Correct Workstation
Continuing our discussion on establishing ergonomics practices in the workplace, we take a
closer look at the office workstation. Some simple changes can yield tremendous results in
preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); saving employers time, and preventing future
aggravation and loss of productivity.
9000 Sunset Blvd, Suite 900, West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.cpehr.com | info@cpehr.com | 800-850-7133

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Office Ergonomics: The Basics
The following is a comprehensive list of instructions for creating an ergonomically correct
office workspace:
 Sit directly in front of the monitor
 The top of the monitor screen should be about arm’s length away and at or below
eye level
 Add an anti-glare filter, or tilt and turn the monitor screen to eliminate reflections
 Decrease overhead lighting and use window shades effectively in order to reduce
glare on work surfaces
 Procure a task light to suitably illuminate documents
 Use a document holder to position source documents adjacent to the computer
screen and at the same height and distance
 Position the mouse and other input devices near to the keyboard
 Allow ample clearance under the keyboard support to allow for knee and leg
movement
 Sit with head and neck in upright position; use headsets for frequent phone use
 Keep your elbows close to the body and your shoulders relaxed
 Choose a chair that allows for space behind the knees
 Utilize the backrest of the chair, providing full support – predominantly for the
lower back
 To facilitate proper posture, adjust chair height
 Modify the chair or keyboard height to make sure that forearms, wrists and hands
are in a straight line while using the keyboard
 Use fabric partitions, earplugs, music or a small fan to block or mask noise
Ergonomic Equipment
The right equipment can make all the difference to establishing an ergonomic work
environment. Let’s examine some of the equipment available on the market that can help
create a comfortable office environment.
1. Articulating Keyboard Tray
Articulating keyboard trays provide the user with considerable flexibility in positioning the
keyboard, facilitating good posture and neutral positioning of hands, wrists and arms. Height
adjustability, tilt or slope capabilities, moving in and out from under the desk, mouse
attachments and wrist or palm rests are some of the features that contribute to articulating
keyboard trays’ ergonomic value.
9000 Sunset Blvd, Suite 900, West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.cpehr.com | info@cpehr.com | 800-850-7133

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2. Wrist or Palm Rests
When investing in a wrist or palm rest, be sure to buy one that is even with the top of the
keyboard. Avoid hard plastic; the material should be “medium soft.”
Avoid relaxing your hands on the rest as this compresses the carpal tunnel. Instead, rest the
palm or heel of the hand. The rest is most useful for relaxing your hands during pauses in
typing.
Interestingly, even more important than wrist support is changing one’s typing habits.
Workers should learn how to type properly with “floating wrists.”
3. Chairs
The main factor to focus on when purchasing ergonomic office chairs is adjustability. Chairs
should have an adjustable back, height and angle. In this manner, each employee can
manipulate the chair to best provide support and stability according to their particular size
and shape. A five-leg “star” base is the best choice for sturdiness and safety.
4. Monitor Stands
Monitor stands allow workers to position the monitor at the desirable height, preventing
awkward postures and neck strain that result from looking up or down at the screen.
5. Document Holders
Most computer users have to strain their necks to look down at their documentation.
Document holders bring reading material up to eye level. Appropriate use of document
holders may reduce or eliminate risk factors such as fatigue, eye strain, awkward head and
neck postures and headaches.
6. Alternative Pointing Devices
A variety of pointing devices are available on the market, allowing users to match the right
mouse to their particular needs.
For example, if one notices pain in the fingers used for “clicking,” a vertical mouse with
thumb-clicking is ideal. A vertical mouse also keeps the wrist in a neutral position.
A worker with wrist pain would do well with a track-ball, which eliminates the need to move
the wrist back and forth.
9000 Sunset Blvd, Suite 900, West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.cpehr.com | info@cpehr.com | 800-850-7133

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Pointing devices come in a variety of sizes; each employee should choose the size of pointing
device most appropriate for their hand.
7. Laptops
By design, laptops are not ergonomic – because the screen is attached to keyboard. Either the
monitor will be too low, or the keyboard will be too high. Laptops can be improved
ergonomically by acquiring a stand to raise the screen up to eye level and using a separate
keyboard and mouse, which are plugged into the laptop.
Conclusion
MSDs can be disabling, painful and costly. Addressing potential issues and incorporating
appropriate ergonomics practices in the workplace can help to reduce the likelihood of these
disorders from occurring and can greatly improve employee wellbeing and productivity. In
many cases, businesses do not have the required expertise in-house to implement an
effective safety program. In that case, accessing specialists familiar with ergonomics is highly
recommended.
About CPEhr
Founded in 1982, CPEhr is a California-based Human Resources Outsourcing firm, offering
businesses an alternative for handling many HR responsibilities, including safety consulting,
risk management, claims administration, and California workmans compensation insurance
products.
However, beyond safety and workers’comp, CPEhr specializes in the following key
employment areas:
• Employment administration
• Management training
• Employee relations
• Payroll and employment tax compliance
• Comprehensive employee benefits programs.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, CPEhr has been ranked by the Los Angeles Business Journal as
one of the “Best Places To Work”, four years running. It is currently one of the largest
privately held HR Outsourcing firms in the state.
9000 Sunset Blvd, Suite 900, West Hollywood, CA 90069
www.cpehr.com | info@cpehr.com | 800-850-7133