Ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design intended to maximise productivity by reducing operator fatigue, discomfort and stress. Body mechanics is defined as maintaining the proper or most efficient position during movement, pertaining to the least amount of stress on postural muscles for a particular movement.

So how do you decrease injuries in the workplace? Decrease the amount of stress to the body!

In other words; setting up the work environment and training staff to use correct body mechanics to stop injuries to workers, and remembering that prevention is much better than a cure, for the employee and the employer.

More simply, ergonomics is a discipline that involves arranging the environment to fit the person in it. When ergonomics is applied correctly in the work environment, visual and musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue are reduced significantly.

Following ergonomic principles helps reduce stress and eliminate many potential injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. This is accomplished by designing tasks, work spaces, controls, displays, tools, and equipment to fit the employee’s physical capabilities and limitations.