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- Ergonomics

# Emergency Services Ergonomics and Wellness

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Emergency Services Ergonomics and WellnessSeptember 2020, 258 pages

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## Summary and references

### Summary

The science of ergonomics and human factors can be used to reduce the risk of injury while working. Sprains, strains and muscular pain by way of overexertion are the most prevalent of all industrial injuries sustained by emergency responders. These injuries result in time away from work and costly medical expenses. The multifaceted components of ergonomics are most successful when the workforce is encouraged to participate in all aspects of the process, including identifying risk factors, analyzing and developing practical solutions, implementing changes, and evaluating the overall effectiveness.

### References

Dennerlein, J. T. (2016, October). Ergonomics and musculoskeletal issues. International Encyclopedia of Public Health (2nd ed.): 577-584. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128036785001399?via=ihub

Evarts, B., & Molis, J. L. (2018, November). United States firefighter injuries 2017. National Fire Protection Association. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Emergency-Responders/Firefighter-injuries-in-the-United-States

Evarts, B., & Stein, G. (2019, March). U.S. fire department profile 2017. National Fire Protection Association. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Emergency-Responders/US-fire-department-profile

Marras, W. S., & Karwowski, W. (2006). Interventions, controls, and applications in occupational ergonomics (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis Group.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2018, March). Emergency medical services workers: Injury data. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ems/data.html

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2018, December). Ergonomics. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/

U.S. Fire Administration. (2016, August). Fire-related firefighter injuries reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (2012-2014). Retrieved from https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=794838

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Page last reviewed: Feb. 8, 2021

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