Statistics show work-related problems have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. In 1996, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported as many as 600,000 American workers a year are seriously injured due to overexertion or repetitive motion on the job. 

Some $20 billion is spent annually for repetitive stress injuries to the upper extremities, and over $100 billion in indirect expenses such as lost productivity and employee turnover.

Add to that an estimated $50-$100 billion in direct expenses for low back problems, and the magnitude of this problem becomes increasingly clear.

In the past few years, a great deal of research has been conducted to identify and address the causes of musculoskeletal disorders and how they are connected to work habits and work environments. Increased interest in Ergonomics -- the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers -- has also been developed.

Preventing Work-Related Injuries