Environment

The work environment can also contribute to ergonomic risk hazards. This can include lighting, temperature, and workstation design.

Lighting - when lighting is too bright or too dark for the work task, it can cause workers to use awkward postures to perform tasks and can reduce the quality of the work.

Temperature - working in cold temperatures can make the muscles tighten and can adversely affect a worker's coordination, dexterity, and grip strength, causing the worker to use more force than necessary to perform a task. Working in hot temperatures will increase the rate at which the body will fatigue.

Workstation design - placing workstations too low, too high, or too far away from the worker can lead to awkward posture, forceful exertion, and contact pressure.

To learn more about Labor & Industry Ergonomics visit our Labor & Industry Ergonomics Online Training web page.