ABSTRACT
Ergonomics programs can be established to address many different aspects of the work environment. This chapter discusses the development, implementation, and management of ergonomics programs that address work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). There are two related objectives of an ergonomics program that specifically address work-related musculoskeletal disorders. One is to reduce or eliminate the potential for the disorders. The second objective is to provide treatment to reduce the effect of a disorder. A disadvantage of assigning the responsibility for the ergonomics program to the safety staff is that such ergonomics programs tend to be solely focused on compliance with federal and state occupational safety laws, rather than being a good business practice. The chapter discusses programs that are designed to improve occupational safety and health in manufacturing and service industries. The program elements for larger organizations that have many types of operations would obviously be more extensive than the elements necessary for small organizations with only a few types of operations.
