Ergonomics stems from two Greek terms - ergo [work] and nomos [research.] In the broadest sense, ergonomics is the study of work. The effective goal of ergonomics is to strive to adapt the requirements of work responsibilities to the practical and cognitive aspects and conditions of the working group.
Even with many different work environments; from construction sites to hospitals to office environments; each with unique challenges related to ergonomics, this document will address office issues.
The body does need to be in a posture to reduce the muscle movement required to maintain body posture. With regard to the arm, the upper arm should be placed comfortably on one side of the upper body to reduce the neck and shoulder muscle activity required to move the elbow out of the body.
The forearms should be parallel to the floor to increase blood flow to the hands and wrists. The wrist should be in a neutral, healthy position - as long as the hands are flush with the forearms, you can stretch - keep the carpal tunnel as open as possible.
These arm positions are obtained by proper alignment of the seat heights that are highly correlated with the keyboard and mouse. Thus, for example, if the keyboard and mouse are sitting on a work surface rather than an adjustable keyboard tray, one may have to raise or lower their seat height so that the forearm is parallel to the floor and has an upper arm on its side. The mouse should always have the same height and distance as the keyboard.
This brings a new factor; use a wrist pad or wrist rest. When not keyed, the wrist rest helps create a cushioning position to rest the bottom of the palm [never wearing the wrist]. The padded resting point is preferably at the hard surface area or the edge of the working surface because it redirects stress due to the weight of the arm.
Note: The hands and wrists must not be in contact with the pad during keying as this will increase the pressure in the palm and force the wrist to stretch.
Neck fatigue occurs as long as the mass of the head far exceeds the pivot point above the backbone - the neck, shoulders and back muscles are required to maintain position. The desired neck position requires that the chin be held above the neck with the head. The display height should be adjusted so that the top of the text on the screen is slightly below the line of sight. The distance from the display should be at least 16 inches.
In addition, for people who use computers for long periods of time, when they wear glasses, they may want to determine if they need to prescribe a separate prescription for their computer. Due to focal length, screen glare, and other issues, people's prescriptions may often differ from computer screens. Using bifocals may not be enough. Employees should consult their ophthalmologist.
As an employer, ergonomics is important because healthy employees are productive employees.
Orignal From: What is ergonomics and why is it important?
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