Ergonomics can help reduce the potential for ill health at work including aches and pains of the wrists, back and shoulders.  Ergonomics is based on finding the correct fit between a person and his/her work.  The overall aim is to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment are all suitable for the worker.

Many aspects need to be assessed to ensure a correct fit between the person and the work.  The aspects include the job and the demands on the worker, the equipment available, the information used, the physical working environment and the social environment.  By assessing the aspects a safe, effective and productive work system for each employee can be designed.

Ergonomic problems can be identified in a number of ways including general observations and by using Risk Assessment and Inspection Forms.

It is recommended by the Health & Safety Executive that several approaches should be used to identify an ergonomic problem.