New York Floor Coverers Association

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) result when there is a mismatch between the physical capacity of workers and the demands of the job.

Each year thousands of workers in the United States report work related MSDs such as tendinitis, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back injuries. Many of these are caused or aggravated by work related stressors such as such as lifting, reaching, pulling, pushing, and bending.

Companies, both large and small, have developed ergonomic programs that use a programmatic approach to identify and solve their ergonomic problems.

While helpful, outside consultants or experts are not necessary. The majority or ergonomic problems can be satisfactorily addressed by low cost interventions utilizing in-house resources.

Recognition of ergonomic stressors as a source of injury for employees is well established.
Control strategies for most of these stressors is also well established.
Illustrated advisors identify recognized hazards and provide proven control strategies to minimize the hazardous effect of those hazards. Advisors are usually more general describing a class of industry or task group such as Computer Workstations, Grocery Warehousing or Baggage Handling.
Success stories and case abstracts are specific and describe real world problems identified in specific industries and provide solutions to control those specific problems.
Ergonomics programs provide a framework within which employees and employers can work together to; identify jobs that are causing problems, develop solutions and modifications to reduce the risk of the job, and monitor changes to ensure that they are effective.