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Computer Ergonomics Why is it important? & What are the risks?

What is Computer Ergonomics  The applied science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.  Derived from the Greek word “ergon” which means work, and “nomics” which is to study. So Ergonomics is the study of work.  Ergonomics aims at fitting the workstation to the person, rather than the person to the workstation.

What is Ergonomics design?  It’s the positioning of the body in relation with the computer desk, chair, mouse and the monitor so they are correctly aligned to the body to reduce injury.  An office Ergonomics Assessment can determine how best to align each person with the equipment they use.

Workstation Environment Arrange office to minimize the glare from overhead lights, desk lamps, and windows.  The right level of illumination can enhance your ability to see monitor images. Maintain appropriate air circulation.  Ventilation air flow rates within 3-6 inches per second and humidity of the air between 30% - 60%. Avoid sitting directly under air conditioning vents that “dump” air right on top of you.  In the summer between 68 and 74 degrees and the winter between 73 and 78 degrees.

Desk A well designed and appropriately adjusted desk will provide enough room for your legs and proper placement of computer equipments and accessories. Desk should be able to accommodate a variety of working postures.

Chair A well designed and appropriately adjusted chair is an essential element of a safe and productive work station. 1. The back rest should align with the spine and add lumbar support. 2. The seat should be comfortable and allow feet to rest flat on the floor. 3. Armrests should be soft and allow shoulders to relax and elbows to stay close to the body. 4. Should have a five-leg base with caster for easy movement on the floors.

Monitors Sit at a comfortable distance with a viewing distance of 20 – 40 inches from the eye to the front surface of the computer screen. Often placed too close or too far from the viewer can cause eyes to work harder to focus or strain to read small text. Eventually leading to excessive fatigue, eye strain, and neck and back pain 20 – 40 in

Keyboards That are too high or too low can lead to awkward wrist, arm, and shoulder postures. That are too high or too low can lead to awkward wrist, arm, and shoulder postures. Too close or too far away causes you to reach with the arms, leaning forward with the torso, and extreme elbow angles. Causing musculoskeletal disorders of the elbows, shoulders, hands, and wrists. Place keyboard directly in front of you at a distance that allows your elbows to stay close to your body with your forearms approximately parallel with the floor.

Pointer/Mouse Pointer devices come in many sizes, shapes and configurations. In addition to the conventional mouse there are trackballs, touch pads, finger tip joysticks and pucks. 1. Keep pointer/mouse close to the keyboard. 2. Alternate hands with which you operate the pointer/mouse. 3. Use keyboard short cuts to reduce extended use.