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ERGONOMICS The term “ergonomics” is derived from two Greek words: “ergon” meaning work, and “nomoi” meaning natural laws. Ergonomists study human capabilities in relationship to work demands.
POSTURE In recent years, ergonomists have attempted to define postures which minimize unnecessary static work and reduce the forces acting on the body. All of us could significantly reduce our risk of injury if we could adhere to the following ergonomic principles:
All work activities should permit the worker to adopt several different, but equally healthy and safe postures.
Where muscular force has to be exerted, it should be done by the largest appropriate muscle groups available.
Work activities should be performed with the joints at about mid-point of their range of movement. This applies particularly to the head, trunk, and upper limbs.
A SOLUTION The UW has a Risk Management Specialist that can assist you with ergonomic assessments. She helps people develop the subtle coordination of thought and physical action required to monitor and alter harmful patterns of Posture and Movement. In short, we enable employees to put ergonomic principles into practice, and thus helps them reduce their risk of developing a repetitive strain injury.
For more information on workstation solutions or to schedule an assessment, visit our
website and/or complete the computer user pre-assessment survey:
www.uhs.wisc.edu/eoh/ergonomics/
University of Wisconsin – Madison
University Health Services | EOH Dept.
333 East Campus Mall suite 8303
Madison, WI 53715
Email: Michelle Discher
COMPUTER ERGONOMICS A condensed guide to ergonomics for the standard computer user.
Q & A ERGONOMICS
What is ergonomics? ……………………………… What’s the goal? ……………………………..……… What job injuries can be reduced through ergonomics?............................................... What are the symptoms? …………………..……
The science of fitting jobs to the people working them. Creating a comfortable work space, preventing injuries, and improving both health and productivity. Awkward body postures such as bending, reaching or twisting, contact stress from edges, hard surfaces or tools, excessive force from pressure while lifting, pushing, pulling or gripping a tool and excessive repetition. Pain, numbness, tingling, stiffness or cramping, inability to hold objects or loss of strength, which can develop slowly over years of repetitive activities.
STRETCHING AND MICROBREAKS
Performing simples stretches throughout the workday increases circulation and flexibility, improves posture, and reduces tension and the chance of injury. To get the best results, exercise and take short, frequent breaks.
Include a variety of movements in your workday frequently
Take shorter “microbreaks” (5-15 seconds) more frequently (every 20-40 minutes) rather than one longer break
Hold each stretch 5-10 seconds
To improve flexibility, strength and endurance, try holding each exercise a little longer or doing more repetitions
When stretching, you will feel a slight pull on the muscle. If this becomes uncomfortable, ease off or stop the stretch.
