Ergonomics is the study of work and the human relationship to work. It includes task analysis, behavior/equipment modification and workplace/task design. The workplace is customized to fit the person.

The goal of ergonomics is to promote employee health and safety by decreasing workplace exposure to ergonomic risk factors.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), also known as Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs), are injuries that occur over time and are caused by repeated trauma or exposure. CTDs may affect the back, neck, shoulder, forearm, wrist, or hand.

Examples of CTDs include:

• Tendonitis
• Tenosynovitis
• DeQuervain Syndrome
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Low back pain

The first step in preventing injury is awareness. Be attuned to your body and to the early signs of cumulative trauma disorder. Be aware of the risk factors inherent to your job and implement changes and recommendations as best you can.

Yes, with good ergonomics and behavior/tool modification, most of the time RSI are preventable and reversible. Early detection is important to remediate the problem before it is too late.

If you think you may have sustained a work related injury, please contact your supervisor and/ or Disability Management Services.

3333 California Street, Suite 330
San Francisco, CA 94143
Ph: 415-476-2621
Fax: 415-476-2328

	Campus Employees	Medical Center Employees
Email Address:	@UCSF.edu	@UCSFMedCenter.
Pay Schedule:	Paid Monthly	Paid twice monthly or bi-weekly.

UCSF Medical center has a separate ergonomics program. For more information, please contact the Medical Center.

To order a new chair, first complete the online ergonomics training and then review the online preferred product list. We recommend you try the chair prior to purchasing; the ergo lab has demo chairs of our preferred products for you to sample. You can make an appointment for a chair fitting at the ergo lab by contacting your Department Safety Advisor (DSA) or call 415-476-1300.

To request an individual or group evaluation, please contact your Department Safety Advisor (DSA) or call 415-476-1300.

Everybody can benefit from ergonomics.