Ergonomics is defined as the use of scientific information to create an environment that promotes healthy body mechanics. Ergonomics can be applied to every aspect of life. The use of ergonomics promotes a healthier and more efficient lifestyle. Working at a desk presents many risks of injury, though it would seem to be fairly benign. Not using proper ergonomic can result in many musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinitis, de Quervain's, ganglion cysts, bursitis, and the most well known, carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as many other conditions. It is very important to have an ergonomic workstation to prevent these injuries as well as make you a more efficient employee. The picture to the left shows the proper setup for your workstation.

According to the latest data available from leading insurance companies, workplace injuries due to repetitive motion cost employers an estimated 2.8 billion dollars annually. One of the most often overlooked aspects of an established safety program by companies is one of developing an ergonomics component to their program.

Trauma at the workplace is typically divided into two categories: acute and cumulative. Acute trauma refers to an injury sustained with an accident, while repetitive stress injuries fall into the cumulative category. Cumulative trauma involves the breaking down of the body's soft tissues as a result of many factors including excessive force, bad posture, and even temperature as well as personal traits such as diabetes and obesity. A senior consultant for Applied Safety and Ergonomics Inc. stated, "When you have a combination of these risk factors come together, that's when a person is most at risk for developing cumulative trauma disorders."