HE r g o n o m i c s is an applied, design-oriented science that, among many other things, can assist companies in reducing the occurrence of what OSHA has termed "musculoskeletal disorders" (MSDs). Applying ergonomics principles is a method through which MSDs, and their direct and indirect costs, can be controlled. Ergonomics is also applied to increase productivity and efficiency, reduce errors, improve quality, reduce waste, increase employee retention and satisfaction, and ultimately improve work, products, and a company's bottom-line