| acute |
A sudden appearance or change of a negative effect to ergonomic hazards. A sprain is an acute condition. |
| arthritis |
Inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis often occurs in the fingers and hands. |
| carpal tunnel syndrome |
A musculoskeletal disorder that develops due to compression of the median nerve between the arm and hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is painful and can eventually lead to reduced hand function. |
| chronic |
A condition that develops or becomes worse gradually over time. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a chronic condition. |
| duration |
The length of time an individual is exposed to a hazard, such as a chemical gas, a loud noise, or an uncomfortable position. Duration can determine the risk level of the hazard exposure. |
| ergonomics |
The scientific study of equipment design, workspace arrangement, and the environment to increase worker comfort, safety, and productivity. Ergonomics can be applied to any workplace. |
| eye strain |
Fatigue of the eyes caused by prolonged or intense use. Eye strain is often caused by working at a computer. |
| forklift |
A small powered industrial vehicle that has two prongs on the front for lifting material. Forklifts are used to transport heavy loads. |
| hand-held grinder |
A hand-held tool that uses an abrasive to remove material from a workpiece surface. Hand-held grinders cause vibration to the tissues of the hand. |
| herniated disks |
A rupture in one or more disks that act as a cushion between the bones of the spine. Herniated disks can cause pain and nerve irritation. |
| latency |
The amount of time between an individual's first exposure to a hazard and the first appearance of injury or illness. Latency can determine the risk level of a hazard. |
| monitors |
The component of a computer that includes the screen. Monitors visually display digital information. |
| mouse |
A small, rolling, hand-held device with one or more buttons that is used to control a computer cursor. A mouse is used to select and move certain areas or items on a computer screen. |
| musculoskeletal |
Pertaining to muscles, joints, bones, and related body parts. The musculoskeletal system is greatly affected by ergonomics. |
| musculoskeletal disorders |
MSD. A type of Injury affecting the muscles, joints, bones and related body parts. Musculoskeletal disorders can cause pain, numbness, and permanent damage to parts of the body. |
| National Institutes of Health |
NIH. A federal medical research agency that is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The National Institutes of Health conducts and funds medical research. |
| neutral position |
The proper or correct position of a bone or joint at rest. Keeping the spine and wrists in a neutral position can prevent pain and injury. |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Dept. of Labor that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. OSHA ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments. |
| pallet jack |
A small hand-propelled vehicle that uses two prongs to lift and transport pallets of items. Pallet jacks may also be referred to as hand trucks. |
| poor positioning |
Improper positioning of the body due to the arrangement of a workstation or work area. Poor positioning can lead to pain and injury. |
| positioning |
The arrangement of a workstation in relation to how the operator must move to complete work. Positioning should allow employees to stand or sit with correct posture. |
| posture |
Sitting or standing in a proper upright position. Correct posture can prevent many ergonomic injuries. |
| posture |
The manner in which a person sits, stands, or otherwise positions his or her body. Proper posture involves keeping the back straight. |
| press brake |
A type of stamping machine with an open frame and wide, narrow bed. Press brakes are often used for bending operations, and they are typically manually operated. |
| productivity |
The amount of actual work done or products made as compared to the hours spent doing the work. Productivity can be increased through proper ergonomics. |
| rate of exposure |
The combination of the intensity and the duration of exposure to a hazard. High rates of exposure will cause injury or illness more quickly than mild rates of exposure. |
| repetitive motion |
Persistent and continual movement that can cause localized musculoskeletal disorders. Assembly line workers often perform tasks that require repetitive motion. |
| repetitive motion injury |
One of many painful conditions that can occur in an area of the body which has performed frequent repetitions of a movement. Repetitive motion injuries most often occur in the joints of the arms. |
| spinal stenosis |
A narrowing of the open spaces within the spine that is caused by wear and tear or injuries. Spinal stenosis can be caused by prolonged poor posture. |
| sprains |
A severe stretching, twisting, or tearing of one or more ligaments. Sprains injure the ligaments that connect bones to one another. |
| suction device |
A handled tool that uses vacuum power to lift an object. Suction devices attach as a temporary handle to a heavy or difficult to lift item. |
| team lifted |
Picked up and moved by multiple people. Heavy objects should be team lifted to distribute weight amongst multiple people. |
| tendonitis |
Inflammation of any one of the tendons which attach muscles to bones. Tendonitis is generally a repetitive motion injury. |
| vibration |
A rapid, steadily repeating movement. Vibration is a physical hazard. |
| workstation |
A specific area designated for an employee to perform a specific task or work duty. A workstation may be assigned to one employee, or employees may rotate through workstations. |