Ergonomics
Musculoskeletal health refers to the performance of the locomotor system, comprising muscles, bones, joints and adjacent connective tissues. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) comprise more than 150 different diseases or conditions, characterised by locomotor system impairments, often persistent pain and limitations in mobility and dexterity. These can lead to a reduced capacity to perform one’s work, lower levels of well-being and reduced ability to participate in society.
We are all potentially exposed to MSDs, whatever the nature of our work. We can actively contribute to preventing the risk for ourselves, by being aware, adopting a few simple gestures and habits and by making sure our workplace is correctly designed and organised.
Ergonomics consists of adapting work, equipment and environment to fit the person (and not the other way around).
MSD awareness campaign June 2023
The Medical Service is organising an awareness campaign on 1 June in the hall of the Main Building outside Restaurant 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include demonstrations of simple gestures and tricks to adopt, such as postural advice and ergonomic adjustments that may help improve comfort and health at work.
Further, a series of short muscular awakening exercise classes will take place on 6 June from 08:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Building 40.
Schedule for muscular awakening exercise classes 6 June 2023
Each class lasts for 15 minutes and will take place in building 40. In case of good weather, it will be done just outside of the building.
| Time | Activity |
| 08.45 | Muscular awakening, manual labour |
| 09.15 | Muscular awakening, manual labour |
| 09.45 | Muscular awakening, manual labour |
| 10.30 | Muscular awakening, office work |
| 11.00 | Muscular awakening, office work |
| 11.30 | Muscular awakening, office work |
| 12.00 | Muscular awakening, office work |
CERN’s medical service offers the following guides
Click on the image to access the guide. |
Click on the image to access the guide. |
An interactive e-learning course on how to adjust your computer workstation is also available.
Any other questions about ergonomics? Send an email to ergonomics-me@cern.ch.
External resources
Information about MSDs | EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work)
Information about MSDs | Améli (only available in French)
The Swiss Federal Commission for Occupational Safety (FCOS) has developed an online preventive tool, showing you how health and safety at the workplace can be improved with relatively little effort.