What are ergonomic injuries?

Ergonomic injuries refer to injuries that arise from repetitive motions, awkward body positions, and heavy lifting, often in the workplace. These injuries typically affect muscles, tendons, and nerves, leading to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or lower back pain. In jobs that require manual labor, such as those in landfill operations, workers are frequently exposed to tasks involving repetitive lifting or prolonged periods in non-ideal postures, making them particularly susceptible to ergonomic injuries.

Understanding the nature of ergonomic injuries is crucial for implementing safety measures and training programs that can help mitigate these risks in the workplace.