The role of ergonomics in the elimination and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal problems.

Ergonomics, the study of the relationship between the human and the environment, can be effectively applied to identify those aspects of a job that lead to the injuries and to the design or redesign of a job to prevent injury. This article addresses the importance of ergonomics in the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and the questions the orthopaedic nurse should ask to assist in the design of safer workplaces.