Ergonomics Greek - Ergon – Work Nomoi – Natural Laws.

Ergonomics

Greek - Ergon – Work Nomoi – Natural Laws

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics:

a discipline that involves arranging the environment to fit the person in it.

When applied correctly to the work environment, visual and musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue are reduced significantly.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Are injuries that result from excessive and repeated physical stress on the musculoskeletal system

Hands Wrists Elbows Shoulders Neck Back

Topics

General Concepts Posture Chair and seating

Features Adjustments

Monitor Keyboard and mouse

General Ergonomic Concepts

Change Posture throughout the day.

Ensure adequate under desk clearance.

Avoid office clutter.

Light reflects off monitors, causing glare and eye fatigue.

General Ergonomic Concepts

Avoid reaching. Keep your tools within a comfortable “reach envelope.”

General Ergonomic Concepts

Forearms held horizontally at about a right angle at the elbow, shoulders relaxed

Wrists in a neutral (straight) posture Backrest supporting lower back,

pelvis and natural curve of spine Thighs resting horizontally Feet fully supported by the

floor/footrest.

Posture

• Sitting upright or forward

• Not changing position

Main issues

Chairs and Seating

Global 4430

There is no one perfect chair that fits all people.

Neutral Posture 8000

Series

• Body types, sizes, disabilities and personal preferences all affect the choice of a chair.

• Wide array of ergonomic chairs• Differ in the types of adjustments, how the

adjustments are made, and how the chair is constructed

• Cost is the primary factor in determining chair selection - can exceed $1,000 for a good ergonomic chair

Chairs and Seating

Right side controls

Left side controls

Controls

Chair Anatomy

5-legged base with Casters

Back Considerations

Size (High, Mid,

Low)

Contour

Support

Back Height Adjustment

Adjust the height of the back of the chair to provide support to your lower back.

Back Angle

Adjust the angle of the back of the chair to give you comfortable support.

Tilt

Occasionally tilt the chair forwards or backwards to relieve pressure on the underside of your thighs.

Seat Pan Height

Pneumatic cylinder

BELOW KNEECAP

Stand in front of the chair and adjust the height of the seat so that it is below your kneecap.

Use a footrest if your feet cannot rest flat on the floor or if there is pressure underneath your thighs.

Seat Pan

Contour

Width

Depth

Front Edge

Construction

Seat Pan Depth

Seat Pan set back Seat Pan set forward

Sit so that there is a width of 2 -3 fingers between the front of the seat pan and the back of your leg.

Armrests

Should they be used?

Ease of removal

Range of height

adjustment

Range of pivot

adjustment

Covering material

Padding

When typing, elbows are held at a 90º - 100º angle.

Armrests can support the arm and relieve shoulder and other stresses.

Armrest Height

Range of forward

adjustment

Range of height

adjustment

Can it be removed?

Headrest

Workstation Relationship

Monitor screen should be set where top line of text is at eye level

Don’t use several colors at one time. Use extreme contrasts, ie) blue and red,

as eyes won’t tire as quickly. Blue shouldn’t be used for small letters

or numbers. Eyes can’t easily on small blue print.

Don’t use yellow or green – causes a vibrating effect.

Monitor

Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboard at a height where wrists are straight when fingers are on middle row of keys (if palms or wrists bend or drop when typing, a palm or wrist support may be needed to be used during rests from keying)

Arrange phone, reference books, pens, documents and materials used often in primary work zone (area within 12 inches of you) to minimize reaching. Items occasionally used should go into secondary zone (area 12-20 inches from you)

Workstation arrangement

Consider type of activities pursued in leisure time and whether it adds to or combats cumulative effect of work.

Eg: Exercise and activity that loosen the shoulder and neck muscles reduce effect of computer work. Activities such as knitting or playing computer games can add to neck and shoulder stiffness

Leisure Time