Skip to content

Occupational and Environmental Safety

Ergonomics

Overview

Ergonomics is the practice of fitting the job to the individual, which can help prevent work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Examples of musculoskeletal injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and low back pain. The goal of the Ergonomics Program at Clemson University is to help departments and employees identify risk factors that can contribute to the development of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and provide solutions and guidance to eliminate or reduce these risk factors.

Risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal injuries include (but are not limited to) awkward postures, repetitive tasks, and/or forceful motions. These types of injuries are usually cumulative; they develop over time, rather than as a result of a single event. By evaluating work tasks that involve these risk factors and finding solutions to better fit the person to the work they do, musculoskeletal injuries can be prevented.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration website (OSHA) provides further information on the details of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and their contributing risk factors and solutions.

Ergonomic Assessment

You can educate yourself ant evaluate your own workplace to ensure that you can reduce the factors that can contribute to Ergonomic injuries.

If you are experiencing discomfort at your workstation due to an ergonomic issue, it is crucial that you take the following steps to assess your work area:

Step 1: Self Education - Training Program

The first step in the assessment is for individuals to take the online training to review basic Ergonomic factors and tips for preventing Ergonomic injury.

You can access the training and program information at the below links.

Step 2 Self Education – Fact Sheets

OES has developed several fact sheets to further describe the CU Ergonomics program and to provide tips for the set-up of your workstation, lifting techniques, and stretch exercise information.

Step 3: Complete Assessment Request Form

In most case, reviewing the training and fact sheets and implementing the best practices described in the training can address Ergonomic related issues. If additional assistance is needed after you have completed the training and reviewed the available information, you can request a workplace assessment to address any ergonomic concerns. Complete the Ergonomics assessment form below if you would like OES to evaluate your workspace:

Step 4: Make an Appointment

Once your Assessment Request Form has been submitted and reviewed by OES, a member of the OES Industrial Hygiene Team will reach out to schedule an appointment. The assessment will take approximately 30 minutes and recommendations will be offered where needed.  Assessments are complimentary.  Any purchase of equipment will be the responsibility of your department.

For any additional questions regarding the CU Ergonomics program please email OES at OEShelp@clemson.edu.