Ergonomic Hazard

What It Means

Ergonomic hazards are physical conditions in the workplace that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including injuries to muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Common ergonomic risk factors include repetitive motions (assembly line work, typing), sustained awkward postures (overhead reaching, bending), forceful exertions (heavy lifting, pushing, pulling), contact stress (leaning against hard edges), and vibration exposure (from power tools or equipment). MSDs account for roughly one-third of all worker injury and illness cases reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cost employers billions of dollars annually in workers' compensation and lost productivity. Although OSHA does not have a specific ergonomics standard — a comprehensive standard was issued in 2000 but repealed by Congress in 2001 — the agency addresses ergonomic hazards through the General Duty Clause, industry-specific guidelines, and National Emphasis Programs. OSHA has published voluntary ergonomic guidelines for specific industries including nursing homes, poultry processing, retail grocery, and shipyards. Employers with high rates of MSDs may face General Duty Clause citations if they fail to address recognized ergonomic hazards.

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