1. Ergonomics By: Ally Kim & Elizabeth Watt Course: ICS3M Due Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2007

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed? Keyboard Problems:  Wrists rest on keyboard  Mouse pad

9. The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed? Chair Problems:  Can only sit slouched or without back support  Offer little to no leg support

10. The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed? Monitor Problems:  Placed considerably too low

11. The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed? Conclusion:  Problems most certainly do exist  Improvements could include more supportive chairs, mice at every workstation, and higher tables  Lighting and room set- up is good

12. Were you paying attention? 1)Which of the following is not key to ergonomics? a.keyboard height b.mouse size c.glare on screen d.angle of monitor

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

14. 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