1. ERGONOMICS and HEALTH & SAFETY

2. WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
Science studying ‘how best to make the work environment fit the worker’
Multi-disciplined
Ergonomically optimised environment
+ Healthy working habits
= Fewer injuries and increased productivity

3. ‘ERGONOMIC ENVIRONMENT’
ROOM LAYOUT
WORKSTATION DESIGN
METHODS OF WORKING
INTERFACE DESIGN

4. ROOM LAYOUT Working space available Lighting (reflection and glare)
Noise and pollution
Temperature(ventilation and humidity)
Other considerations:
Space away from workstation to relax
Decor

5. WORKSTATION DESIGN: FURNITURE
Desk:
Height
Stability
Adequate work surface
Chair:
Support
Adjustable
Supplementary Furniture:
Footrests
Dividing screens

6. WORKSTATION DESIGN: EQUIPMENT
Monitor
Document holder
Anti glare screen
Input Devices:
- Keyboard (ergonomic keyboard)
Mouse (wrist rest)
Joystick…….

7. METHODS OF WORKING
Job Design (rest breaks, time away performing other tasks)
Input Methods (alternative methods for performing tasks?)
Training (correct use of equipment, methods of working)
Eye Tests
Risk Assessment

8. WHAT EFFECT CAN A POOR ‘ERGONMONIC ENVIRONMENT’ HAVE ON THE USER?

9. POSTURE PROBLEMS: EFFECTS ON THE USER
RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury):
‘Inflamed tendons in hands, wrists & arms’
Posture Fatigue:
Most common complaint is ‘lower back pain’
Stress:
Uncomfortable / unpleasant accommodation
Inadequate resting facilities

10. CORRECT Posture Position
Neutral Keyboarding Posture: (See if it works!)
Upper and lower back supported by chair
Chair height set so that the chair seat does not compress the back of the knee
Feet firmly planted on a surface for support (floor or footrest)
Head balanced on neck (not tilted back or too far forward)
Upper arms close to body and relaxed (not abducted to the side or flexed forward)
Sitting so that the:
Angle formed by the shoulders, hips and knees is >90 degrees
Angle formed by the shoulder, elbow, and wrist is >90 degrees
Angle formed by the hips, knees and feet is >90 degrees
Wrists in a neutral position, level with forearm (<15 degrees deviation)
Chair armrests not directly compressing any part of the forearms or elbows
Moving a mouse with you forearm and not just your wrist (will reduce hand deviation)

11. INCORRECT Posture Position

12. VISION PROBLEMS Most common complaint of VDU users
Eyes focused at fixed distance on vertical image on bright screen causing eye muscle to be continuously under tension

13. VDU USAGE: EFFECTS ON THE USER
Symptoms:
Headaches
Difficulty in focusing / Double vision
Interference with periphery vision
Sore eyes - dryness or watering
Avoidance:
Positioning of VDU and user
Screen quality
Anti-glare precautions
Regular breaks
Interface design

14. OTHER CONDITIONS? Photosensitive Epilepsy Eye Infections: Skin Rashes:
Caused by dirty equipment / rubbing eyes
Skin Rashes:
Stress / dry working conditions
electrostatic discharge from VDU

15. Activities Use the software provided to:
Evaluate your workstation
Try the exercises
Research on the internet to find guidelines and regulations relating to Health & Safety and Ergonomics when using computers
A good link:
Research relevant laws relating to Health and Safety when using a computer (see next slide…)

16. HEALTH & SAFETY AND THE LAW
Health & Safety at Work Act (1974):
Responsibility of employer to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees
Display Screen Regulations (1992)
EU ‘six pack’ Regulations:
Employers obligation to perform risk assessment
Ensure workstations meet directed minimum requirements
Measures to prevent RSI, fatigue, eye problems in the use of technical equipment