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.

General Ergonomic Concepts Light reflects off monitors, causing glare and eye fatigue. Avoid office clutter.

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

Posture 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.

Sitting upright or forward Main issues Sitting upright or forward Not changing position

Neutral Posture 8000 Series Chairs and Seating There is no one perfect chair that fits all people. Neutral Posture 8000 Series Global 4430

Chairs and Seating 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

Controls Right side controls Left side 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

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

Headrest Range of forward adjustment Range of height adjustment Can it be removed?

Workstation Relationship

Monitor 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.

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)

Workstation arrangement 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)

Leisure Time 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