OSHA Principles of Ergonomics

Published: April 20, 2026 | Category: Course Guides | By Qualora Career Advisors

OSHA Principles of Ergonomics provides foundational training for recognizing and controlling ergonomic hazards. This course supports OSHA Safety Specialists in manufacturing, healthcare, warehousing, office environments, and any workplace where musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose risks.

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common and costly workplace injuries. Back injuries, repetitive strain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and shoulder disorders account for approximately 30% of all workers' compensation costs. These injuries are cumulative, often resulting from years of exposure to ergonomic risk factors rather than single traumatic events.

Unlike acute injuries, MSDs often develop gradually. Workers adapt to early discomfort until dysfunction becomes severe. Prevention through ergonomic design is more effective than treatment after injury develops.

OSHA Safety Specialists with ergonomics expertise reduce injury rates, control workers' compensation costs, and improve workforce productivity and satisfaction. The Principles of Ergonomics course provides knowledge for effective ergonomics program management.

• Manufacturing and assembly — repetitive tasks, awkward postures, forceful exertions • Healthcare — patient handling, prolonged standing, computer documentation • Warehousing and distribution — manual material handling, order picking, conveyor work • Office environments — computer workstation design, repetitive keyboard/mouse use • Construction and trades — overhead work, heavy lifting, power tool vibration • Agriculture — repetitive harvesting, heavy lifting, machinery operation

| Course Module | On-the-Job Application | |--------------|------------------------| | MSD recognition | Identifying musculoskeletal disorder symptoms and risk factors | | Ergonomic risk factors | Evaluating force, repetition, posture, and vibration | | Workstation design | Designing and evaluating computer and industrial workstations | | Manual material handling | Lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying controls | | Tool design | Hand tool selection and power tool ergonomics | | Program management | Ergonomics team development and continuous improvement |

Force: Physical effort required — lifting heavy objects, gripping tools tightly, pushing heavy carts. High force increases muscle loading and tissue stress.

Repetition: Performing the same motions repeatedly with limited recovery time. Repetitive motions without adequate rest lead to cumulative tissue damage.

Awkward Postures: Working with the body in non-neutral positions — bent forward, twisted, reaching overhead, or kneeling. Sustained awkward postures increase tissue strain.

Contact Stress: Pressure from hard surfaces against body parts — leaning on sharp edges, tool handles pressing into palms, floor hardness affecting standing workers.

Vibration: Hand-arm vibration from power tools or whole-body vibration from vehicle operation. Vibration affects circulation and nerve function.

Other Factors: Cold temperatures, inadequate recovery time, psychosocial stress, and individual susceptibility also influence MSD development.