Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers. Ergonomics deals with human characteristics, expectations, and behaviours in the design of the things people use in their work and everyday lives. Three broad branches of ergonomics include: physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.
OHSAH's Ergonomics Program strives to be a centre of excellence committed to providing ergonomics expertise to the BC Healthcare Industry. The overall purpose of the Ergonomics program is to provide integrated and innovative musculoskeletal injury prevention (MSIP) strategies to support safe and healthy workplaces within the healthcare environment.
Its goal is to provide evidence-based best practices and resource materials to assist in reducing the frequency, duration, time loss, and related disability of MSI through the implementation of preventative strategies such as identifying and assessing ergonomic risk factors, implementing and evaluating control measures, and providing workplace modification.
OHSAH works in collaboration with all six Health Authorities and affiliate healthcare facilities in BC to conduct research aimed at reducing musculoskeletal injuries in healthcare. The Ergonomics Program encompasses several initiatives including assisting facilities in developing MSIP programs, providing musculoskeletal injury prevention education and training, developing guidelines, consulting on facility redesign, and disseminating best practises.
