Office Ergonomics D.Y. Maheshwari R & E (ACD) KPCL

???? 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

ERGONOMICS 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

OFFICE ERGONOMICS Office ergonomics can refer to office equipment, general office environment and workplace policies that are designed to improve the efficiency of the office worker by enhancing his/her physical comfort. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

NEED OF ERGONOMICS Decrease fatigue, pain and injuries Reduce occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) Increase comfort and productivity 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Risk Factors are Additive/Synergistic MSD or MSI Musculoskeletal Disorder / Injury An injury or disorder of the soft tissues, including tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves or related soft tissues, arising from exposure to risk factors such as awkward posture, repetitive motions, and forceful exertions. These injuries can be acute or cumulative. MSD Risk Factors: Repetition Compression/Contact Stress Force Posture/Position Duration Cold Risk Factors are Additive/Synergistic 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

ERGONOMIC INJURIES Carpal tunnel syndrome Back injuries/pain Tendonitis Rotator cuff injuries Tenosynovitis (trigger finger) Epicondylitis (tennis elbow) Carpal Tunnel – symptoms often burning/tingling/weakness in palm, thumb, index and middle fingers. Caused by compression of median nerve Back injuries – caused by poor posture, improper lifting. Can prevent with strengthening core muscles, improve posture and lifting. Rotator cuff injuries – includes shoulder muscles and ligaments. Caused by overhead work, heavy lifting. Tendonitis – inflammation of a tendon, tendon connects muscle to bone, often caused by overuse or increase in use Tenosynovitis – inflammation of tendon sheath Epicondylitis – caused by repetitive lifting at elbow, movement at wrist or grasping 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

MSD Signs and Symptoms Numbness or a burning sensation in the hand Reduced grip strength in the hand Swelling or stiffness in the joints Pain in wrists, forearms, elbows, neck, or back Reduced range of motion in the shoulder, neck, or back Dry, itchy, or sore eyes Blurred or double vision Aching or tingling Cramping Weakness 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Prevention Ergonomics Environment Person Behavior (Health and Safety) Breaks Process/Task Furniture Tools Equipment Weight Awareness Stretching Non-work activities Physical fitness Medical conditions Position/Posture Lighting Ventilation 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Change in Behaviour Neutral Body Posture 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Bad Postures 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

However… There is no single “correct” posture or arrangement of components that will fit everyone. Regardless of how good your working posture is, working in the same posture or sitting still for prolonged periods is not healthy. It is up to the individual to learn and practice proper posture. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Breaks/Rest Periods Breaks/Microbreaks – at least once per hour Reduce injuries, won’t decrease productivity Can be as short as 30 to 60 seconds Focus on an object 20 feet away Not required to stop work, can change task 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Stretches 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Change in Environment Workstation Design Work Environment Chair Work Surface (Desk) Monitor Input Devices (Keyboard & Mouse) Accessories Work Environment Lighting Glare Ventilation 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Chairs A Good Chair.. Provides lumbar support. Height can be adjusted. Width is appropriate for the individual using the chair. Backrest is adjustable. Seat depth – well-fitted or adjustable. Adjustable or removable soft armrests. Five-prong base. Well-fitted – small, medium or large chair. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Some Tips... Armrests Too low may cause you to lean over to the side to rest one forearm. Too high may cause you to maintain raised shoulders Too wide cause you to reach with the elbow and bend forward for support. Too close can restrict movement in and out of the chair. Too large or inappropriately placed may interfere with the positioning of the chair. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Work Surface (Desk) 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

A Good Work Surface Height is appropriate for person and task Desk surface should allow you to place the monitor directly in front of you, at least 20 inches away Keyboard tray, preferably adjustable Adequate work area No sharp edges on the sitting side No obstructions under the desk Frequently used items within reach 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Recommended Work Surface Zones 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Monitor Monitor Positioning & Viewing: The monitor should be located directly in front of you. The monitor front surface should be placed at around 20-40 inches (50 and 100 cm) from the eye. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Monitor Top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level. The centre of the computer monitor should normally be located 10 to 15 degrees below horizontal eye level. The monitor should also be tilted ~15 degrees for proper accommodation of the eye. Display screen is too high-Bad 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Monitor People wearing bifocals need to keep the monitor even lower to avoid tilting of neck. Free from glare, reflections and dust to avoid eye strain. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Input Devices Key Boards Mouse 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Keyboards Factors that lead to MSDs Keyboard height is too high or too low Side bending of wrist Keyboard kept too far or too near to the body 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Recommendations Put the keyboard directly in front of you. Adjust the chair height and work surface height to maintain a neutral body posture. Elbows should be about the same height as the keyboard and hang comfortably to the side of the body. Shoulders should be relaxed, and wrists should be straight and in line with the forearms. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Recommendations Consider using a keyboard tray if desk and chair are not adjustable, provided there is good leg room available. Consider alternate keyboard designs which promote neutral position. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Mouse Factors that lead to MSDs The mouse is not kept in same plane as the keyboard. The mouse is kept too far away. Inappropriate size of mouse - too big or too small leading to increase in finger force and bending of the wrist. Inappropriate sensitivity. Contact stress at the heel of the palm 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Recommendations Keep the mouse in the same plane and near the keyboard. Use a mouse pad with a wrist/palm rest to promote neutral wrist posture. Switch the side of keyboard on which the mouse is kept by changing hands. Limit the use of mouse by using the keys and function on the keyboard instead. Use appropriate size mouse. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Recommendations Sensitivity should be set so you can control the pointing device with a light touch and should be able to cover the full screen while the wrist is maintained in a straight, neutral posture. Consider use of alternatives like touch pad or finger tip joystick may be less fatiguing for certain operations 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Shortcut Keys 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Accessories Wrist / Palm supports Document reader Documents should be at the same height and distance as the monitor. BAD BETTER 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Accessories Foot Rest Phone Placing the telephone too far away Holding the phone between the shoulder and neck. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Work Environment Lighting Glare Ventilation 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Lighting & Glare Causes of Eye Strain & Headaches Bright lights shining directly on the display screen "wash out" images. Overhead lights Windows. High contrast between light and dark areas of the computer screen, horizontal work surface, and surrounding areas. Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Recommendations Arrange office such that source of light is parallel to your line of sight . (Overhead lights as well as windows) No light sources next to or behind monitor. Provide light diffusers and blinds on windows Can use anti-glare filter 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Ventilation Poor air circulation can result in stuffy or stagnant conditions. Air conditioners or heaters that directly "dump" air on users. Dry air can dry the eyes. Temperatures above or below standard comfort levels can affect comfort and productivity. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

Recommendations Do not sit directly under the AC vent. Or use air ventilation diffusers to redirect the air flow It is recommended to maintain humidity level between 20% to 60% The recommended ambient indoor temperatures range between 20° and 23.5° C during heating season and between 23° and 26° C during the cooling season. 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E

References United States Department of Labor www.osha.gov International Ergonomics Association www.iea.cc National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/ 14-Jan-19 Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. – R & E