WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT AND ERGONOMICS Topic 4 WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT AND ERGONOMICS

Objectives Describe the history of ergonomics Understand workstation design principle Understand ergonomic risk Understand Workplace Environment Appreciate the proper and safe methods of ergonomics in the workplace

Ergonomic: What is it? Ergonomics" comes from the Greek root words, "ergos", meaning, "work", and "nomos", meaning "laws", - the laws of work.

Ergonomic: What is it? Hence, ergonomists study human capabilities in relationship to work demands

The history of ergonomics As early as 18th century doctors noted that workers who required to maintain body positions for long periods of time developed musculoskeletal problems. Within last 20 years research has clearly established connections between certain job tasks and MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorders)

Ergonomics in OSHA 1994 PART V - GENERAL DUTIES OF DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS

Part V of this Act provides general duties of : section 20 - persons who design, manufacture import or supply any plant for use at work section 21 - persons who design, manufacture import or supply any substance for use at work.

objectives of ergonomics to facilitate the maximization both comfort and productivity in the workplace. to successfully develop environments that conform to the people in them instead of requiring people to conform to their environments.

workstation design principle sitting work position ????

workstation design principle standing work position It is important to maintain the natural S-curve of the back, whether sitting or standing. The most important part of this "S" is in the lower back, which means that it is good to keep a slight "sway back,"When standing, putting one foot up on a footrest helps to keep the spinal column in proper alignment.

Workplace Environment

Workplace Environment The 100.000 m2 of office space is subdivided into 200 workspace units which accomodate 32-38 workstations, as well as support facilities like: meeting room(s), social area, concentration/telephone cells etc

the proper and safe methods of ergonomics in the workplace Adjustable back height and angle􀂑 Adjustable arm rests Adjustable height􀂑 Five star base

Unsatisfactory “Design”Workstation Reaching for mouse Monitor too low Keyboard too high, wrists bent Chair too high, feet should be flat on the floor or on a foot rest Document holder too far back No arms on the chair Bad posture, leaning forward

Correct & Incorrect Techniques

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