Environmental Health & Safety

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design and/or workplace design, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Also called biotechnology, human engineering, and human factors engineering.

Ergonomics includes the following characteristics:

  • Science of fitting jobs, tools or environments of work to the worker.
  • Encompasses the workstation, the tools or equipment of work, and the work flow design.
  • The goal is to prevent, or reduce the likelihood of, discomfort and injury associated with any and all aspects of work.
  • Worker education and training is essential toward maximizing the value and success of all ergonomic interventions.
  • Ergonomic principles can and should be applied to any and all types of work both occupational and domestic.

Ergonomic Services

  • Assessments

    Woman sitting in chair holding her back

     

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many UCR faculty and staff were working remotely, poor home-office ergonomics and pandemic-related stress can lead to health problems. Some of these health-related issues can manifest themselves by experiencing:

    • Back pain
    • Headaches
    • Stiff or painful neck
    • Painful wrists, hands, or elbows
    • Knotted shoulder muscles

    Whether you or your team may be experiencing any of these symptoms, or even if you want to be pro-active about your health, you are welcome to request a virtual ergonomic assessment to help you be healthy and productive while working remotely. The UCR Ergonomics Department is offering the following ways to schedule a ergonomic assessment.

    Schedule an Assessment

    • Individual: EH&S will conduct the ergonomic assessment of your workstation. To schedule an ergonomics assessment, please fill out the online Ergonomic Assessment Form . For questions, send an email to ehsih@ucr.edu 

    Training

    • Groups: EH&S has developed an informative and engaging presentation for groups who want to keep their teams healthy and productive while working remotely.  To schedule your ergonomics group training, please contact ehsih@ucr.edu 

  • Self Assessment

    ​

    Person looking at computer monitor screen

     

    Computer Ergonomics Self-Assessment is an online self-assessment and Training program targeted at office workers. This online program, hosted by Risk & Safety Solutions, helps you identify your risks, automate injury-prevention activities, and analyze results.

    • Mandatory for certain office-worker job categories.
    • Recommended for all faculty and staff who work more than 2 hours per day at a computer.
    • Start your Computer Ergonomics Self-Assessment. 

  • Matching Funds Program​

    money on a table

     

    The ergonomics matching funds procedures are applied to recommended and approved office ergonomic equipment for eligible UCR staff and faculty.  The program helps departments offset the cost of recommended office improvements.

  • Ergonomics Training

    Person stretching arms in front of a laptop

    ​

    Ergonomic training, known as Smart Body Management, aims to teach employees how to use their bodies efficiently in all aspects of their work and personal life. Whereas Ergonomics typically focuses on the types of tools we use, and where to place them, Smart Body Management deals with employee habits, posture and work technique. The participant will learn about the mechanism of all musculoskeletal injuries, why one may experience frequent, nagging aches and pains, and how to effectively get rid of them and keep them at bay. This training is an engaging, interactive experience that helps to motivate people to make positive changes in their daily habits, which will have a profound impact on their well-being. Successful application of Smart Body Management principles provides the individual with increased energy, fewer aches and pains, a reduced risk of injury, and an improved quality of life.

    For information, please contact EH&S at ehsih@ucr.edu

  • Laboratory Ergonomics​

    three laboratory workers at a bench

    ​

    Laboratory Products

    • Arm Support
    • Bottles/Dispensers
    • Computers
    • Jar Openers
    • Matting/Foot Rests
    • Micromanipulation
    • Micromanipulation - Tools and Padding
    • Microscopes
    • Pipettes
    • Seats
    • Storage Bins
    • Miscellaneous

  • Working Remotely​

    Person working at a laptop

    ​ 

    Working Remotely provides useful tips and simple strategies to improve your ergonomics and your work-from-home (or remote) experience.

Move Well Series

Visit YouTube to watch the video "Secrets to Achieving a Workstation Ergonomics Ideal Setu!"  

 

Contact Us 

Jansen Cunanan