Ergonomics and Injury Prevention
What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the study of designing work environments, tasks, and equipment to fit the human body. Ergonomic intervention in the workplace involves:
- Identifying risk factors to reduce the risks of work-related injuries
- Providing education on healthy work habits to promote comfort and productivity
How We Can Help
Workplace Screenings: We evaluate work environments and provide recommendations to employers to reduce the risk for injury. These screenings help us identify problem areas so we can establish an action plan with employers for making improvements to the workplace.
Workspace Evaluations: We evaluate the employee’s workspace to identify occupational exposures. Based on the evaluation, we recommend solutions and provide guidance, education, and training to reduce discomfort and improve work performance.
Space Planning: We collaborate with organizations on their space design, furniture, and equipment to enhance employee comfort and productivity.
Ergonomics Education: We lead seminars on how to create a healthy workspace to improve musculoskeletal health. In these interactive sessions, attendees will share and gain practical information they can apply during their workweek. To learn more, check out our ergonomics educational materials on our resources page.
Return-to-Work/Post-Medical Leave: We help employers promote a smooth return-to-work transition for employees following a work-related medical leave. Our team offers recommendations for workplace accommodations and educates employees about stretching, relaxation, and posture.
Customized Programs: We work collaboratively with employers to create injury prevention programs for their workforce. This includes employees who have physically demanding jobs, such as EMS and material handling workers. To learn more about our EMS injury prevention program, click here.
Health and Safety Committees: We can help organizations establish their occupational safety and health (OSH) committees. The goal of these OSH committees is to bring together subject matter experts and stakeholders to address OSH concerns in the workplace.
Meet Our Team
Arlette Loeser, MA, OTR/L CIE, Director, Ergonomics, Injury Prevention and Accommodation
Arlette Loeser has over 20 years of experience in clinical and programmatic initiatives in ergonomics, assistive technologies, and safe patient handling. She has worked with small and large companies to conceive and implement injury prevention and return-to-work programs and has presented in educational forums worldwide.
Jonathan Dropkin, ScD, PT, CPE, Associate Professor, Faculty Ergonomist
Jonathan Dropkin has a background in applied physiology, physical therapy, and ergonomics. Jonathan’s clinical focus is on secondary prevention and the older worker. Likewise, his research focus is on the workability of the older adult.
Resources
There are several ways to promote comfortable and productive work environments. Check out these resources to learn more:
- Computer Workstation Setup Guide
- Ergonomics at Work
- Low Back Pain
- Sit to Stand Workstations
- Smartphones
- Get Up and Move!
- VIDEO: Anytime Stretching – Abdominal Core and Posture Alignment
- VIDEO: Anytime Stretching – Upper Body
- VIDEO: Anytime Stretching – Dynamic Standing and Movement
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to determine your workplace needs, please call us at 888-702-0630 or email OccMed@mssm.edu