This guidance promotes ergonomic best practices to reduce the risk of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders associated with workplace activities. Ergonomic hazards may exist in a variety of work environments, including office settings, laboratories, maintenance operations, material handling activities, and other areas where tasks require forceful exertion, repetitive motions, awkward postures, or prolonged static positions. EHS provides guidance, training, and resources to help university employees recognize ergonomic hazards, implement safe work practices, and reduce the risk of injury associated with workplace activities.

Common Ergonomic Risk Factors

Employees should recognize and reduce exposure to:

• Awkward postures – bending, twisting, reaching, or working outside neutral body positions
• Repetitive motions – performing the same movement continuously over extended periods
• Forceful exertion – pushing, pulling, lifting, or gripping with excessive force
• Prolonged static positions – remaining seated, standing, or holding a position for extended periods
• Poor workstation or task setup – using equipment, tools, or workspaces that does not support safe body positioning

Understanding common ergonomic risk factors is the first step toward preventing injuries. By recognizing how tasks, work environments, and individual work practices contribute to strain, employees can apply appropriate controls and safe work techniques to reduce risk. The following practices can help reduce risk of injuries and support safe work activities.

Safe Lifting and Material Handling

• Plan the lifting path before moving materials
• Assess the load before lifting
• Use mechanical assistance when available
• Avoid lifting loads beyond their capabilities
• Maintain a stable stance
• Keep loads close to the body
• Avoid excessive bending or twisting while lifting or carrying
• Use the legs and maintain a neutral spine when lifting or lowering materials
• Use proper team lifting techniques when needed

Proper Body Mechanics

• Maintain neutral spine alignment
• Bend at the knees and hips rather than rounding the back
• Avoid excessive reaching
• Position work materials within comfortable reach zones
• Adjust work height when possible
• Alternate tasks to reduce repetitive strain

Office and Computer Workstation Ergonomics

• Position monitors to support a neutral neck posture
• Adjust chairs to provide proper support
• Position keyboards and pointing devices to maintain neutral wrist posture
• Reduce glare and improve lighting conditions
• Take periodic movement breaks
• Adjust workstation setups to individual needs

Employees should report workplace incidents, near misses, and safety concerns to EHS. If the incident resulted in a workplace injury or illness that must also be reported to Human Resources (HR) in accordance with university requirements.