Ergonomics

The Properly Designed Workspace

Ergonomics Defined

• The study of how a workplace and the equipment used there can best be designed– Comfort– Efficiency– Safety– Productivity

Hidden Hazards of Computer Use

Desk of Horrors

Organize Work Station

• Place materials you will type on the right

• Place supplies on the left

• Keep items you are not using off your desk

• Keep items away from your legs and feet

Before

After

Ergonomic Keyboard

• Designed to relieve stress – Reduces the chance of repetitive stress injury

• A syndrome that affects muscles, tendons and nerves in the hands, arms and upper back

– Reduces the chance of carpal tunnel syndrome

• A medical condition in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist

– Leads to pain, parenthesis, and muscle weakness in the forearm and hand

Ergonomic Keyboard

Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard

Ergonomic Chair

• Multi-function • 4-paddle control• 2-way adjustable

arms (up/down & in/out)

• Seat slider

Correct Foot and Ankle Position

• Sit up straight and lean forward slightly

• Feet flat on the floor

Proper Arm Placement

• Keep your keyboard parallel to the edge of the desk when using it

• Let your upper arms relax by your sides

• Keep your elbows in

• Wrists are level and not bent

• Keep your forearms horizontal and at right angles to the upper arm

Proper Keyboard Position

Improper Keyboard Position

Proper Hands and Wrists Continued

• Rest your fingers lightly on the keyboard

• Adjust your distance from the keyboard until you can work with your shoulders and arms in a relaxed position

• Keep your fingers slightly curved

Correct Hands and Wrists

Incorrect Hands and Wrists

Computer Use Vision Issues

Vision Adjustments

• Viewing angle– 16-17 inches from

the eye– Look down at

monitor 5-20° angle

• Document height– Same distance and

height from machine

• Lighting level– Evenly distributed

• Reduce glare• Blink eyes

– Reduces dry eyes

• Regular eye exam

Correct Screen Placement

Incorrect Screen Placement

Correct Head and Neck

Incorrect Head and Neck

Room Lighting

• Try to position your desk at right angles to a window

• Use blinds or curtains to reduce bright light• Keep the overall lighting level in your work

(ambient lighting) between 300 and 500 lux• If the overhead lights are reflected in the screen

turn them off• Use different types of lights to increase the

ambient light e.g. uplighters, lights with better diffusers

Health and Fitness

• Muscle and Joint Exercises– Hands– Neck– Shoulders– Back– Legs

• Regular fitness– Exercise– Eat properly– Rest adequately

Muscle and Joint Exercises

Ideal Desk

Ergonomics of the Future or Now?

Stance® Angle Chair

• Can be tilted to just about any angle– Standing position

• Experts say is good for the circulation

• Relieves pressure on the back

– Typical sitting position– Neutral position which

is precisely in between

How to Work Safely on a Computer

• Organize your work area• Maintain neutral positions• Use correct vision• Exercise frequently