Description
Workplace Ergonomics Safety Poster
Help employees recognize and reduce common ergonomic hazards with the Workplace Ergonomics Safety Poster. This 24 x 36-inch workplace safety poster provides employees with practical reminders for improving posture, lifting safely, reducing repetitive strain, and performing work tasks in ways that can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Ergonomic hazards can occur in offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, healthcare environments, retail workplaces, construction operations, and many other work settings. Applying ergonomic principles can help employees work more comfortably and reduce unnecessary physical stress on the body.
What Is Workplace Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the process of fitting the job to the worker. It involves designing or adjusting work tasks, equipment, tools, and workstations to better match employees' physical capabilities and limitations.
Effective ergonomics can help reduce muscle fatigue and employee exposure to risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
What Are Common Ergonomic Risk Factors?
Employees may be exposed to ergonomic hazards when work requires excessive force, repetitive movements, awkward positions, prolonged static postures, or other physically demanding activities.
Common workplace ergonomic risk factors include:
- Repetitive motions or performing the same task frequently
- Lifting or carrying heavy objects
- Pushing or pulling heavy loads
- Awkward body positions
- Frequent bending or twisting
- Reaching overhead or away from the body
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Forceful gripping or exertion
- Contact stress from hard or sharp surfaces
- Hand-arm or whole-body vibration
What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders affecting muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. Workplace exposure to ergonomic risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing certain MSDs.
Examples of work-related musculoskeletal disorders can include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Elbow injuries such as epicondylitis
- Muscle strains
- Low back injuries
- Other injuries associated with repetitive motion or physical overexertion
How Can Employees Reduce Ergonomic Risk?
Ergonomic improvements should be based on the work being performed and the hazards present. Employees can help reduce unnecessary physical stress by following established workplace procedures and using appropriate equipment and work techniques.
Depending on the job, ergonomic practices may include:
- Keep frequently used tools and materials within comfortable reach
- Avoid unnecessary bending, twisting, and overreaching
- Keep loads close to the body when lifting or carrying
- Use carts, lift-assist devices, or other mechanical equipment when appropriate
- Adjust workstations and equipment when possible to support a more neutral posture
- Alternate tasks or positions when practical to reduce prolonged repetitive activity
- Use tools appropriate for the task and maintain a comfortable grip
- Report discomfort and potential ergonomic hazards early
Office and Computer Workstation Ergonomics
Employees who spend extended periods working at computers can also experience ergonomic stress. Workstations should be arranged to help employees maintain comfortable, neutral working positions and avoid unnecessary reaching, twisting, or prolonged awkward postures.
Depending on the workstation and employee, adjustments to the chair, monitor, keyboard, mouse, work surface, and frequently used equipment may help improve positioning and reduce physical strain.
Ergonomics for Lifting and Material Handling
Manual material handling can expose employees to ergonomic risk factors, particularly when tasks involve heavy loads, frequent lifting, awkward postures, long reaches, or twisting.
Employees should evaluate loads before lifting, use appropriate material-handling equipment when available, request assistance when necessary, keep loads close to the body when practical, and avoid unnecessary twisting while lifting or carrying materials.
Why Is Early Reporting Important?
Employees should promptly report persistent discomfort, pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or other symptoms that may be associated with workplace tasks according to their employer's established procedures.
Early reporting can help employers identify tasks or workplace conditions that may need further evaluation and allow ergonomic concerns to be addressed before they contribute to more serious problems.
OSHA and Workplace Ergonomics
OSHA does not currently have a specific federal ergonomics standard that applies universally to workplaces. However, OSHA recognizes ergonomic hazards and work-related musculoskeletal disorders as important workplace safety concerns.
Under the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers have a responsibility to maintain workplaces free from recognized serious hazards. OSHA may address recognized serious ergonomic hazards under the General Duty Clause when applicable.
Where Can an Ergonomics Poster Be Displayed?
The Workplace Ergonomics Safety Poster can help reinforce ergonomic awareness in many work environments, including:
- Offices and computer workstations
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Manufacturing facilities
- Healthcare facilities
- Retail workplaces
- Shipping and receiving departments
- Construction and maintenance operations
- Assembly and production areas
- Employee break rooms
- Safety and training areas
Is an Ergonomics Poster Required by OSHA?
This Workplace Ergonomics Safety Poster is intended as a supplemental employee safety, training, and awareness resource. It should not be represented as a universally required OSHA workplace poster.
The poster can help reinforce an employer's ergonomics and injury-prevention efforts, but it does not replace workplace hazard assessments, employee training, ergonomic evaluations, appropriate equipment, established safety procedures, or other applicable workplace safety requirements.
Ergonomics Poster Specifications
- 24"W x 36"H
- Portrait orientation
- Printed in full color
- Laminated with high-quality laminate
Workplace Safety and Compliance Resources
Labor Law Compliance Center provides employers with labor law posters, workplace safety posters, specialty postings, and compliance resources for businesses throughout the United States. Browse our Workplace Safety Posters for additional ergonomics, lifting safety, PPE, hazard awareness, and employee safety materials.
