National Ergonomics Month is celebrated annually in October. While ergonomics broadly is the scientific study of people at work, one important aspect of ergonomics is to prevent injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by poor workstation design and work environment. NIOSH ergonomists have been pioneering the study of MSDs through the development of risk assessment tools, the use of emerging technologies and sharing information on effective interventions. MSDs happen when injury occurs to muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs. Rather than by slips, trips, falls, or other accidents, MSDs are caused by sustained physical exertion. When these
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