Ergonomics By: Ally Kim & Elizabeth Watt Course: ICS3M Due Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Jan 29, 2016
Ergonomics
By: Ally Kim & Elizabeth Watt
Course: ICS3M
Due Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2007
What is Ergonomics?
‘Ergonomics’ derives from two Greek words: ‘ergon’ (work) and ‘nomoi’ (natural laws)
The process of designing workplaces, products and systems to fit the worker
Ergonomists use data such as anthropometry, biomechanics, environmental physics, and social psychology
The purpose of ergonomics is to provide a comfortable work environment
How to Sit at a ComputerStep 1: Chair
Push your hips as far back as possible in chair
Adjust seat height (feet should be flat on the floor)
Adjust seat angle (should be 100°-110° reclined angle)
Adjust armrests (shoulders should be relaxed)
How to Sit at a ComputerStep 2: Keyboard
Pull up close to keyboard
Keyboard should be positioned directly in front of body
Adjust keyboard height
Place mouse close to keyboard
How to Sit at a ComputerStep 3: Monitor, Document, TelephoneCentre monitor directly in
front of youPosition top of monitor 2”-
3” above eye level when seated
Reduce glare on screenPosition reference
documents between monitor and keyboard
Use handsets and speakerphone while using the telephone
How to Sit at a ComputerStep 4: Pauses and Breaks
Take short breaks every 20-30 minutes
Rest and refocus your eyes frequently
Use correct posture
Injuries From Bad Ergonomics
Neck fatigue Looking down at the keyboard
Back painTwisted posture or inadequate support
Eye fatiguePoor screen quality or staring at the screen for
too longShoulder pain
Keyboard position too high
The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed?
Keyboard Problems:Wrists rest on keyboardMouse pad
The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed?
Chair Problems:Can only sit slouched
or without back supportOffer little to no leg
support
The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed?
Monitor Problems:Placed considerably too
low
The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed?
Conclusion:Problems most
certainly do exist Improvements could
include more supportive chairs, mice at every workstation, and higher tables
Lighting and room set-up is good
Were you paying attention?
1) Which of the following is not key to ergonomics?
a. keyboard height
b. mouse size
c. glare on screen
d. angle of monitor
2) Which of these injuries could be avoided by using proper ergonomics?
a. carpal tunnel syndrome
b. subclavian steal syndrome
c. dromomania
d. dystonia
3) Which of the following statements is true?a. Your seat should be at a 80°- 90° angle
b. You should take short breaks every hour or so
c. The top of your monitor should be 2” to 3” above eye level when seated
d. Eye fatigue is inevitable when working with computers