ERGONOMICS and HEALTH & SAFETY

WHAT IS ERGONOMICS? Science studying ‘how best to make the work environment fit the worker’ Multi-disciplined Ergonomically optimised environment + Healthy working habits = Fewer injuries and increased productivity

‘ERGONOMIC ENVIRONMENT’ ROOM LAYOUT WORKSTATION DESIGN METHODS OF WORKING INTERFACE DESIGN

ROOM LAYOUT Working space available Lighting (reflection and glare) Noise and pollution Temperature(ventilation and humidity) Other considerations: Space away from workstation to relax Decor

WORKSTATION DESIGN: FURNITURE Desk: Height Stability Adequate work surface Chair: Support Adjustable Supplementary Furniture: Footrests Dividing screens

WORKSTATION DESIGN: EQUIPMENT Monitor Document holder Anti glare screen Input Devices: - Keyboard (ergonomic keyboard) Mouse (wrist rest) Joystick…….

METHODS OF WORKING Job Design (rest breaks, time away performing other tasks) Input Methods (alternative methods for performing tasks?) Training (correct use of equipment, methods of working) Eye Tests Risk Assessment

WHAT EFFECT CAN A POOR ‘ERGONMONIC ENVIRONMENT’ HAVE ON THE USER?

POSTURE PROBLEMS: EFFECTS ON THE USER RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury): ‘Inflamed tendons in hands, wrists & arms’ Posture Fatigue: Most common complaint is ‘lower back pain’ Stress: Uncomfortable / unpleasant accommodation Inadequate resting facilities

CORRECT Posture Position Neutral Keyboarding Posture: (See if it works!) Upper and lower back supported by chair Chair height set so that the chair seat does not compress the back of the knee Feet firmly planted on a surface for support (floor or footrest) Head balanced on neck (not tilted back or too far forward) Upper arms close to body and relaxed (not abducted to the side or flexed forward) Sitting so that the: Angle formed by the shoulders, hips and knees is >90 degrees Angle formed by the shoulder, elbow, and wrist is >90 degrees Angle formed by the hips, knees and feet is >90 degrees Wrists in a neutral position, level with forearm (<15 degrees deviation) Chair armrests not directly compressing any part of the forearms or elbows Moving a mouse with you forearm and not just your wrist (will reduce hand deviation)

INCORRECT Posture Position

VISION PROBLEMS Most common complaint of VDU users Eyes focused at fixed distance on vertical image on bright screen causing eye muscle to be continuously under tension

VDU USAGE: EFFECTS ON THE USER Symptoms: Headaches Difficulty in focusing / Double vision Interference with periphery vision Sore eyes - dryness or watering Avoidance: Positioning of VDU and user Screen quality Anti-glare precautions Regular breaks Interface design

OTHER CONDITIONS? Photosensitive Epilepsy Eye Infections: Skin Rashes: Caused by dirty equipment / rubbing eyes Skin Rashes: Stress / dry working conditions electrostatic discharge from VDU

Activities Use the software provided to: Evaluate your workstation Try the exercises Research on the internet to find guidelines and regulations relating to Health & Safety and Ergonomics when using computers A good link: http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/CUEHinfo.html Research relevant laws relating to Health and Safety when using a computer (see next slide…)

HEALTH & SAFETY AND THE LAW Health & Safety at Work Act (1974): Responsibility of employer to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees Display Screen Regulations (1992) EU ‘six pack’ Regulations: Employers obligation to perform risk assessment Ensure workstations meet directed minimum requirements Measures to prevent RSI, fatigue, eye problems in the use of technical equipment