Occupational medicine is the branch of medicine that is focused on the prevention and management of occupational injury, illness, and disability, and the promotion of the health and productivity of workers. It is important to note that occupational diseases present similarly to non-occupational disease. The difference lies in the establishment of causation and its implications for treatment.
Ergonomics vs. Human factors
Unfortunately these terms are often used interchangeably in workplaces. Ergonomics refers to the process where the job is tailored to the worker. Whereas human factors emphasizes designs that reduce the potential for human error. Thus ergonomic hazards refer to workplace conditions that are risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders. These inculde,
Ergonomics vs. Human factors
Unfortunately these terms are often used interchangeably in workplaces. Ergonomics refers to the process where the job is tailored to the worker. Whereas human factors emphasizes designs that reduce the potential for human error. Thus ergonomic hazards refer to workplace conditions that are risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders. These inculde,
- Work pace
- Repetitive movements
- Forceful movements
- Static load
- Non-neutral postures from improper work methods and/or improperly designed workstations, tools, and equipment
- Hand-arm vibration
- Hand tools
- Job design
- Temperature extremes
A brick layer lowers a cinder block in place. Note the strain placed on the lumbar spine and truncal extensors as well as the strain placed on the wrist to maintain a grip on the block with poor hand holds.
Image Source: Victoria Squissato
Previous ι Next