Ergonomics Ergonomics By: Ally Kim & Elizabeth Watt

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 The term ‘ Ergonomics’ derives from two Greek words: ‘ergon,’ meaning work, and ‘nomoi’ meaning natural laws. Ergonomics is the process of designing and arranging workplaces, products and systems to fit the worker. Ergonomists use data such as anthropometry (such as body shapes and sizes), biomechanics (such as muscles and strength), environmental physics (which include noise, light, and radiation), and social psychology (involving communication and behaviour). The purpose of ergonomics is to provide a comfortable and productive work environment.

How to Sit at a Computer Step 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) 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 Computer Step 2: Keyboard Pull up close to keyboard Keyboard should be positioned directly in front of body Adjust keyboard height Place mouse close to keyboard Pull up close to keyboard Keyboard should be positioned directly in front of body Adjust keyboard height (shoulders should be relaxed, elbows should be open, and wrists and hands should be straight) Use wristrests to help ensure neutral seating position (however, do not rests hands on wristrest while typing) Place mouse close to keyboard

How to Sit at a Computer Step 3: Monitor, Document, Telephone Centre monitor directly in front of you Position top of monitor 2”-3” above eye level when seated Reduce glare on screen Position reference documents between monitor and keyboard Use handsets and speakerphone while using the telephone Centre monitor directly in front of you Position top of monitor 2”-3” above eye level when seated Sit at least an arm’s length away from the screen Reduce glare on screen Position reference documents between monitor and keyboard Use handsets and speakerphone while using the telephone (and ensure that telephone is placed near the computer)

How to Sit at a Computer Step 4: Pauses and Breaks Take short breaks every 20-30 minutes Rest and refocus your eyes frequently Use correct posture 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 pain Twisted posture or inadequate support Eye fatigue Poor screen quality or staring at the screen for too long Shoulder pain Keyboard position too high Injuries From Bad Ergonomics Injuries such as neck fatigue, back pain, shoulder pain and eye fatigue are very common from working with computers. They can be as a result from looking down at the keyboard, twisted posture or inadequate support, the keyboard position may be too high, poor image quality on the screen, staring at a screen for too long, or posture.

Were you paying attention? Which of the following is not key to ergonomics? keyboard height mouse size glare on screen angle of monitor Now, to check whether or not you were paying attention Question #1: Which of the following is not key to ergonomics? a. keyboard height b. mouse size c. glare on screen d. angle of monitor Answer: b. mouse size

2) Which of these injuries could be avoided by using proper ergonomics? carpal tunnel syndrome subclavian steal syndrome dromomania dystonia Question #2: Which of these injuries could be avoided by using proper ergonomics? a. carpal tunnel syndrome b. subclavian steal syndrome c. dromomania d. dystonia Answer: a. carpal tunnel syndrome

3) Which of the following statements is true? Your seat should be at a 80°- 90° angle You should take short breaks every hour or so The top of your monitor should be 2” to 3” above eye level when seated Eye fatigue is inevitable when working with computers Question #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 Answer: c. The top of your monitor should be 2” to 3” above eye level when seated

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