Ergonomics and body mechanics in the work place

Ergonomics in the work place has become more critical in recent years, both from a sedentary and a dynamic perspective. As mentioned, overall work-place injuries have decreased, but carpal tunnel disease has risen steadily. It is essential that health care providers understand the basis of ergonomics to ensure quality of care to the injured worker as well as to promote safe work practices. The field of ergonomics has had more concrete scientific evidence from which to draw conclusions than body mechanics. Health care providers are able to make an assessment of a work station and have clear scientific evidence to support their rationale to change that work station. The controversy still goes on regarding the correct position the spine should assume when one attempts to lift. Only with continued basic scientific research will we solve that dilemma.