2. What Is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is a term used to describe the science that
studies the human being in relationship to other important
elements such as their work environment. The International
Ergonomics Association describes the discipline as one that
is “concerned with the understanding of interactions among
humans and other elements of a system, and the profession
that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in
order to optimize human well-being and overall system
performance”. In theory ergonomics can encompass many
things, but the reality is that it often focuses on the
improvement of comfort and efficiency.
3. One of the key issues with poor ergonomics is Musculoskeletal Disorders
which consists of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons.
Workers from many different industries can be affected differently as every
company has their own set of work related risks. Common causes of
Musculoskeletal Disorders include awkward posture, high forces, contact
stress, vibrations and exposure to cold.
Lifting incorrectly can result in a variety of injuries. Back strain is a very
common one. It results from over-stretching certain muscles, but it can be
avoided by practicing safe lifting techniques. A hernia is another injury
associated with lifting. A hernia does not generally result from a single lifting
effort. It is usually the result of continued extreme exertion,
especially done contrary to the structure of body.
4. Examples
of Musculoskeletal
Disorders :
Osteoarthritis
Muscle strains
and lower
back injuries
Rheumatoid
Arthritis
Epicondylitis
(Elbow)
Rotator cuff
injuries
(Shoulder)
The ultimate goal of
ergonomics is to create a
workplace that
accommodates a variety
of limitations to prevent
any Musculoskeletal
Disorders.
5. It is important to make sure you have a healthy workplace in which ergonomic
issues don't occur the best way to do this is to start off with the basics:
Posture
Informing staff on the importance of good posture and changing their
posture throughout the day
Keeping monitors centered to their keyboard and chair
Keeping workspaces organized to avoid bending, reaching and stretching
Staying relaxed - avoid tensing neck and shoulders when working
Seating
Having a stable chair with adjustable lumbar support that
maintains the natural S curvage
Adjustable armrests
Allows for a variety of seated postures
Made from comfortable, slip resistant fabric
Repetition
Alternate tasks where possible
Take several, short breaks instead of one long break
Be active within those short breaks
Change your Monitor's angle to avoid glare. Make sure you don't
create other issues such as neck strain to avoid glare.
Make sure the work environment is well lit to avoid eye strain
Make sure your monitor background is light, to avoid eyestrain
When necessary, adjust the monitors font size
Adjust your monitor so that the top of the screen is at eye level
Eyestrain
Psychological stress
Stress contributes to physical ergonomic problems
Constant use of a PC contributes to stress
Employees should learn to manage their stress levels
6. ● Adjust the chair height so that your elbows are at about desktop level.
● Adjust back of your seat for good support of the lower back, using a lumbar pillow if needed.
● If your seat has a tilt feature, set this so that you are comfortably supported.
● If your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor or there is pressure on the back of your legs, use a
footrest or lower the keyboard.
● Locate your monitor so that the top of the viewing area is at or below eye level.
● With elbows at desk level, your wrists should be straight. Use a wrist rest if desired, and if you
have armrests try to adjust them so that they support yourarms without being too high or too low.
● Locate the mouse next to the keyboard so that both elbows are at your sides whilst working.
Avoid pressing your hands or forearms against any sharp edges on the desk.
● Adjust screen brightness and contrast for clear comfortable viewing and clean the screen
frequently.
Steps for adjusting your workstation:
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