According to NIOSH, the three primary risk factors that cause MSDs are high force, awkward posture, and long duration or high frequency. Increasing the combination or number of these risk factors increases the chance of employees developing discomfort, pain, and/or an MSD.

• Posture – In neutral posture, the joints can absorb force more easily that in others. Awkward and extreme postures increase susceptibility to injury, as they may stress joint components and reduce or block blood flow.
• Force – Gripping, pinching, pushing, pulling, and lifting objects place additional force on the body’s joints. Increasing these forces requires additional muscle exertion, and places greater loads on joints and connective tissues which can cause fatigue and may contribute to MSD when there is inadequate time for rest and recovery.
• Frequency – Higher frequency of awkward postures and/or forces increases the potential for damage to a joint.

If you feel you are experiencing discomfort due to the setup of your workstation, please try to adjust your workstation using the referenced Office Ergonomics Guidelines.
If after attempting this self-help approach, you are still experiencing discomfort, please fill out and submit the Ergonomic Evaluation form.
You will be contacted via e-mail or phone by an EH&S Coordinator to schedule an evaluation appointment.

Additional Resources
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD’s)

Frequent, short rest breaks throughout the day may be effective in reducing the incidence of Musculoskeletal Disease (MSD) discomfort during repetitive and static work. Follow these simple guidelines:

• Use correct posture when working. Keep moving as much as possible throughout the day.
• Take short 1-2-minute stretch breaks every 20-30 minutes. After each hour of work, take a break or change tasks for at least 5 minutes.
• Avoid eye fatigue by resting and refocusing your eyes periodically. Look away from the monitor and focus on something in the distance. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look approximately 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Rest your eyes by covering them with your palms for 10-15 seconds.
• Always try to get away from your computer during lunch breaks.

• Many apps are available for both Android and iPhone platforms.
• Click here to access a partial list.
• The apps are not endorsed by the University of Florida in any way and are provided as an additional resource guide for personal use only.

GatorCare, the wellness partnership between University of Florida and UF Health, offers a variety of programs and resources.
Visit Windows to Wellness to find campus resources available to UF and UF Health employees including Occupational Wellness.

Walking maps are available for:

• UF Campus
• UF Health
• UF Health – Off Campus