What is Ergonomics?

• It is the study of the interaction of a person to a machine.  For example an employee who works in an office at a desk setting.

Why is it important?

• No matter what the job is, ergonomics plays an important role in preventing injury and illness
• Increase productivity by improving worker's comfort
• Decrease loss of work time due to Repetitive Strain Disorders (RSI's)
• Decrease medical costs associated with RSI's
• Increase job satisfaction
• Decrease risks of developing chronic pain
• Decrease psychological distress levels

Basic Elements of Proper Ergonomics

• Adjustable work stations
  • Work surface
  • Chair: adjustable (sitting forward, protruding head, poor vision
  • Foot rest: for shorter individuals
• Computer
  • Screen: eye level, arms length away
  • Keyboard: pullout keyboard (wrists extend)
  • Mouse: don’t use mouse in extended arm position.  If you are left-handed, use a left-handed mouse.
• Lighting
  • Direct vs. indirect glare (indirect glare is much better).  If you have fluorescent lights take 2 out so you won’t   have such a glare on the screen.  This will decrease strain on eyes.
• Work Environment
  • Temperature:  Have it be comfortable (not too cold, not too hot).  In some environments you might not have a lot of control but you can get a heater or have a sweater at work just for those colder days.  For hot days, get a fan.
  • Noise:  Decreasing outside background noise can help with concentrating and focusing on work.

Other important factors
POSTURE

• Adjust the location of work and the angle of the workplace in such a way that your body can maintain an unstrained, comfortable position with your arms, forearms, and shoulders relaxed.
• Avoid awkward postures while sitting and standing.

• Breaks should be taken every 20-30 minutes
• Back care:  Get a lumbar support if sitting.  If standing for long periods of time get a shock absorption mat to put on the ground.
• Vision care: take breaks and look at something that is 20 ft. away for 10-15 seconds.
• Stress Management: information overload