Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a major challenge. According to researchers at National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), MSDs, caused by repetitive tasks, awkward postures or sustained exertion affect large numbers of workers. In 2020 in the U.S., the rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorder cases was 26.9 per 10,000 full-time workers.
From a cost perspective, ergonomic injuries aren’t trivial: according to U.S. data, they account for billions of dollars in workers’ compensation, lost productivity and indirect expenses. In short: a healthier workplace isn’t just a nicer workplace, it’s a smarter investment.
The initiative traces its roots back to 2003 when the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) designated October as a month to highlight ergonomics and human-factors work. Each year, organisations use the month to raise awareness, run training, update workstations and re-evaluate how tasks are structured.
One guide from a U.S. occupational-health organisation urged employers to “work smarter, stay safer,” reminding teams that good ergonomics reduces injury risk, supports productivity and improves job satisfaction.
Practical Wins: What Workplace Professionals Can Do Now
Here are some high-impact areas to focus on this October:
Workstation review: Position monitors at eye-level, ensure keyboard/mouse use allows arms to rest comfortably, and evaluate chairs for lumbar support and adjustability. Guidance from various state agencies highlights these as core checks.
Movement and micro-breaks: Extended sitting or static standing takes its toll. Encouraging walking meetings, stretch breaks or alternating sitting/standing can reduce strain on neck, back and limbs.
In hybrid workplaces, flexible workspaces and distributed teams, the risk of ergonomic strain is evolving. Many workers are switching between home and office, and may not have optimal setups. Investing in ergonomics isn’t just about avoiding injuries, it’s about enabling high-performing, sustainable work.
From employee well-being to long-term operational stability, ergonomics connects directly to retention, engagement and organisational reputation. Given the high human + business cost of poorly designed work, a proactive ergonomic programme is increasingly not optional.