Research Paper on:
Overview of Ergonomics

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
in hospitals, the stretching and twisting of construction work and the repetitive action of typing. As a means by which to address these unnatural conditions, ergonomics serves to lessen  the potential for damage or injury while still performing these tasks. According to OSHA, work-related musculoskeletal disorders represent over one-third of all workplace injuries and illnesses that ultimately result  in days away from work. "These injuries cost business over $15 billion in workers compensation costs each year. Total direct costs may run as high as $45 billion or  more" (Frequently Asked Questions on Ergonomics). One can readily argue that repetitive injury is one of todays most common work injuries, inasmuch as the contemporary workplace cannot function without computers.  To sit at a desk for a minimum of eight hours in the same position, striking the keyboard in the same manner and maneuvering the mouse with little variation  all adds up to physical pain. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, characterized by wrist stiffness, finger numbness and a burning sensation going up the arm, became the office workers condition in  the last years of the twentieth century, putting untold numbers of people on the disabled list while they painfully worked through the debilitating condition with physical therapy. As well,  back problems continue to be a primary concern for those who spend all day in an all-too-often incorrectly fitted chair, oftentimes remaining in the exact same position for hours on  end without giving the body a chance to stretch and refocus. There is certainly enough to deal with in the workplace to have  the added pressure of stress. However, escaping environmental stress on the job is about as easy as not breathing: it just cannot be done. With that being the