ergo no my in workplace

8/9/2019 Ergo No My in Workplace

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Ergonomy in work placeErgonomy in work place

Ergonomy presentationErgonomy presentationFarnoosh KhodakaramiFarnoosh Khodakarami

Hengameh VahabzadehHengameh VahabzadehSupervisor:Mr.GhayoorSupervisor:Mr.Ghayoor

Fall 2006Fall 2006


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Ergonomy in work placeErgonomy in work place

Ergonomy:Ergonomy: Derived from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws)Derived from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws)

to denote the science of work, ergonomicsis a systemsto denote the science of work, ergonomicsis a systems--

oriented discipline which now extends across all aspectsoriented discipline which now extends across all aspects

of human activity.of human activity.

Ergonomistscontribute to the design and evaluationofErgonomistscontribute to the design and evaluationof

tasks, jobs, products, environments and systemsinordertasks, jobs, products, environments and systemsinorder

tomake themcompatible with the needs, abilities andtomake themcompatible with the needs, abilities andlimitationsofpeoplelimitationsofpeople


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Domainsofspecialization within the discipline ofDomainsofspecialization within the discipline ofergonomics:ergonomics:

--Physical ergonomicsPhysical ergonomics

::is concerned with human anatomical,is concerned with human anatomical,

anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as theyanthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they

relate to physical activity.relate to physical activity.

relevant topicsrelevant topics ::working postures, materials handling,working postures, materials handling,

repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplacerepetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplacelayout, safety and health.layout, safety and health.

-- Cognitive ergonomicsCognitive ergonomics :is concerned with mental processes,:is concerned with mental processes,

such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as theysuch as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they

affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.

relevant topics:relevant topics:mental workload, decisionmental workload, decision--making, skilledmaking, skilled

performance, humanperformance, human--computer interaction, human reliability, work stresscomputer interaction, human reliability, work stress

and training as these may relate to humanand training as these may relate to human--system design.system design.


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Organizational ergonomicsOrganizational ergonomics ::is concerned with theis concerned with theoptimization of sociotechnical systems, including theiroptimization of sociotechnical systems, including their

organizational structures, policies, and processes.organizational structures, policies, and processes.

relevant topicsrelevant topics ::communication, crew resourcecommunication, crew resourcemanagement, work design, design of working times, teamwork,management, work design, design of working times, teamwork,

participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work,participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work,

new work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and qualitynew work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality

management.management.


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Work place layoutWork place layout

work spacework space ::Physical design of a workspace includes working outPhysical design of a workspace includes working out

how much space needed, and positioning of furniture, tools, equipmenthow much space needed, and positioning of furniture, tools, equipment

and any other items needed to perform the tasks, in respect of posture,and any other items needed to perform the tasks, in respect of posture,

access, clearance, reach and vision of the user.access, clearance, reach and vision of the user.

work space factors:work space factors: What type of task will be carried out and what specific actions are to beWhat type of task will be carried out and what specific actions are to be

used to complete the task?used to complete the task?

Will the potential users of the workspace (your user population) be seatedWill the potential users of the workspace (your user population) be seatedor standing?or standing?

What postures will the users have to adopt?What postures will the users have to adopt?

What are the relevant body dimensions of the users? These dimensionsWhat are the relevant body dimensions of the users? These dimensionscan be found in anthropometric tables.can be found in anthropometric tables.

Do you need to design using minimum, average or maximum dimensions?Do you need to design using minimum, average or maximum dimensions?

How far can the users reach, horizontally and vertically?How far can the users reach, horizontally and vertically?

What are the visual aspects of the task?What are the visual aspects of the task?


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Body dimensionsBody dimensions

-- Designing for the 'averageDesigning for the 'average

-- Designing for adjustabilityDesigning for adjustability-- Designing for extreme individualsDesigning for extreme individuals

The workspace envelope :The workspace envelope :

A 'workspace envelope' is a 3A 'workspace envelope' is a 3--dimensional space within which youdimensional space within which youcarry out physical work activities when you are at a fixed location.carry out physical work activities when you are at a fixed location.


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Visual workspace :Visual workspace :Frequently viewed items should be positioned within aFrequently viewed items should be positioned within a comfortablecomfortable

zonezone in front of worker.in front of worker.This is normally withinThis is normally within 1515 aboveabove, or, or 3030 belowbelow, the horizontal, and, the horizontal, and

1515 to the left and rightto the left and right..

In the normal, relaxed position of the head, neck and eyes, the line ofIn the normal, relaxed position of the head, neck and eyes, the line ofsight is aboutsight is about 10 to 1510 to 15 belowbelow the horizontalthe horizontal

Distance is also a factor in visual fatigue.Distance is also a factor in visual fatigue.

Visual displays are comfortably viewed fromVisual displays are comfortably viewed from 500500--750mm750mm or moreor more


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Ergonomy in office workErgonomy in office work

Features of an office such as people, space, equipment, furniture andFeatures of an office such as people, space, equipment, furniture and

the environment, must fit together well for workers to feel healthy andthe environment, must fit together well for workers to feel healthy andcomfortable and to be able to work efficiently and productively.comfortable and to be able to work efficiently and productively.

The Environment :The Environment :

The environment, or surroundings, in which workers are workingThe environment, or surroundings, in which workers are workingincludes temperature, ventilation, humidity, lighting, noise etc factors.includes temperature, ventilation, humidity, lighting, noise etc factors.

Lighting:Lighting:

-- Most people like tobe able tosee daylightMost people like tobe able tosee daylight

-- Natural light is thought tomake people feel betterNatural light is thought tomake people feel better

-- Monitorsneed tobe positioned so that there isnoglare orreflectionon theMonitorsneed tobe positioned so that there isnoglare orreflectionon the

screen.screen.

-- Most people like tobe able tocontrol the artificial lighting levelsin their workMost people like tobe able tocontrol the artificial lighting levelsin their work

area.area.


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Light Source :Light Source :

The primary light source that man has relied on for thousands of years isThe primary light source that man has relied on for thousands of years is

the sun.the sun.

The variationin light levelsover theThe variationin light levelsover the 2424 hoursof the dayhoursof the day isisimportant for tworeasons:important for tworeasons:

-- ourbodies have natural rhythmsourbodies have natural rhythms

-- we appear to have a biological need for lightwe appear to have a biological need for light

Artificial light :Artificial light :two main types of lamps used to provide interior lighting :two main types of lamps used to provide interior lighting :

-- incandescent light (light bulbs)incandescent light (light bulbs)

-- fluorescent tubefluorescent tube

Light Levels:Light Levels:

different tasks need different minimum amounts of light to be performed at adifferent tasks need different minimum amounts of light to be performed at a

satisfactory level ( Ex. paperwork and screen work as screens emit their own light )satisfactory level ( Ex. paperwork and screen work as screens emit their own light )

Directionof lightDirectionof light

GlareGlare


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Temperature and ventilation:Temperature and ventilation:

A suitable physical climate is needed to feel comfortable and beA suitable physical climate is needed to feel comfortable and be

efficient at work. The environment feels comfortable when you are barelyefficient at work. The environment feels comfortable when you are barely

aware of the climatic conditions. It is only when the temperatureaware of the climatic conditions. It is only when the temperature

decreases or increases beyond your comfort limits that you become awaredecreases or increases beyond your comfort limits that you become aware

of discomfort.of discomfort.

comfort zone:comfort zone:

2020--22C in winter22C in winter

2020--24C insummer24C insummer


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Noise :Noise :

Noise is any annoying, disturbing or unwanted sound.Noise is any annoying, disturbing or unwanted sound.

Noise effectsonpeople :Noise effectsonpeople :

irritate people;irritate people;

interfere with verbal communication;interfere with verbal communication;

reduce working efficiency;reduce working efficiency;

disturb sleep;disturb sleep;

damage hearing.damage hearing.

The effectsofnoise:The effectsofnoise:

DeafnessDeafness

The main effect of noise is the development of deafness, especially whenThe main effect of noise is the development of deafness, especially when

you are exposed to high levels of continuous noise. This may result inyou are exposed to high levels of continuous noise. This may result in

'noise'noise--induced occupational deafness'.induced occupational deafness'.


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Noise and performance:Noise and performance:

Noise causes fatigue and loss of concentration and efficiency, resulting in aNoise causes fatigue and loss of concentration and efficiency, resulting in a

decrease in work output and an increase in the number of mistakes madedecrease in work output and an increase in the number of mistakes made

The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides some guidance on acceptableThe World Health Organisation (WHO) provides some guidance on acceptable

levels of noise in the community.levels of noise in the community.


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Why ergonomics is important in office?Why ergonomics is important in office?

Injuries like:Injuries like:

WRULDWRULD: work related upper limb disorders: work related upper limb disorders

Recent studies suggest a condition calledRecent studies suggest a condition called ee--thrombosisthrombosis, an, an

ailment where blood clots form as a result of sitting for a longailment where blood clots form as a result of sitting for a longlength of time, is growing among professionals with desk jobslength of time, is growing among professionals with desk jobs

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).

Professionals who spend an extensive amount of time in frontProfessionals who spend an extensive amount of time in frontof computers are at high risk for Repetitive Strain Injuriesof computers are at high risk for Repetitive Strain Injuries(RSI).(RSI). These musculoskeletal disorders, including carpalThese musculoskeletal disorders, including carpaltunnel syndrome, tendonitis, lower back pain and tensiontunnel syndrome, tendonitis, lower back pain and tensionheadaches,headaches,


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Posture at workPosture at work Changing your posture throughout the day is positive becauseChanging your posture throughout the day is positive because

when you change postures, the loads of sitting shift to differentwhen you change postures, the loads of sitting shift to different

parts of the body, allowing your body to recover from extendedparts of the body, allowing your body to recover from extended

static postures.static postures.

For most people, it is quite a challenge to maintain good postureFor most people, it is quite a challenge to maintain good posturewhile sitting in an office chair and working for long hours in frontwhile sitting in an office chair and working for long hours in front

of a computerof a computer

a surprising number of people sita surprising number of people sit at the frontat the front of their office chairof their office chair

andand hunch forwardhunch forward in an attempt to get closer to their computerin an attempt to get closer to their computer

screenscreen

leaning forward 30 degrees in an attempt to get closer to theleaning forward 30 degrees in an attempt to get closer to the

computer screen puts 3 to 4 times more strain on the backcomputer screen puts 3 to 4 times more strain on the back


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Technique to avoid hunching whileTechnique to avoid hunching while

sittingin anoffice chairsittingin anoffice chairTo avoid the natural tendency to hunch forward while sittingTo avoid the natural tendency to hunch forward while sittingin an office chair and working at a computer, Place a tennisin an office chair and working at a computer, Place a tennisball between the middle back and the office chair on eachball between the middle back and the office chair on eachside of the spineside of the spine

if one does get absorbed into work and starts to leanif one does get absorbed into work and starts to leanforward the tennis ball will fall out, serving as a concreteforward the tennis ball will fall out, serving as a concretereminder to stop hunching forward and straining the back.reminder to stop hunching forward and straining the back.

Because the mind senses the ball, it remains connectedBecause the mind senses the ball, it remains connectedwith the body instead of being completely absorbed bywith the body instead of being completely absorbed bywhat is on the computer screen. Maintaining morewhat is on the computer screen. Maintaining moreawareness of the body allows one to more easily maintainawareness of the body allows one to more easily maintainbetter posturebetter posture


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postureposture Your arms and legsYour arms and legs Make sure that your upper arms are vertical (or close toMake sure that your upper arms are vertical (or close to

it), and your forearms are horizontal (or close to it) so that there isit), and your forearms are horizontal (or close to it) so that there isapproximately a right angle at your elbowsapproximately a right angle at your elbows

your shoulders should be relaxed,your shoulders should be relaxed,

your elbows should just about be level with the desk surface or very slightlyyour elbows should just about be level with the desk surface or very slightlyabove. If not, you should adjust your chair to get you to the height that allowsabove. If not, you should adjust your chair to get you to the height that allowsthis.this.

Your head and neckYour head and neck Aim to keep your neck vertical and relaxed and yourAim to keep your neck vertical and relaxed and yourhead upright.head upright.

Look straight ahead at the screen, or slightly down (never upLook straight ahead at the screen, or slightly down (never up -- too muchtoo muchmuscle use!). Adjust the height of the screen if necessary.muscle use!). Adjust the height of the screen if necessary.

Adjust the distance of the screen soAdjust the distance of the screen sothat you can read the charactersthat you can read the characters

Keep your wrists straight, in line withKeep your wrists straight, in line withyour forearms, and relaxed.your forearms, and relaxed.

The forearm and hand make up 5%The forearm and hand make up 5%of an average body weight soof an average body weight soimproperpositioningcanresult in fatigueimproperpositioningcanresult in fatigue


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Posture at workPosture at work


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seatseat

SaetSaetHeightHeight

The seat should be able to adjust until your thighs areThe seat should be able to adjust until your thighs areparallel to theground.parallel to theground.

At a fixedAt a fixed--height work surface, the chair should beheight work surface, the chair should be

set at a height so the worker's elbows are level withset at a height so the worker's elbows are level with

the height of the workstationthe height of the workstation

Saet panSaet pan

The seat pan depth should be adjustable to provide a fistThe seat pan depth should be adjustable to provide a fist--width to threewidth to three--finger gap between the back of the calf and thefinger gap between the back of the calf and the

front edge of the seat pan.front edge of the seat pan.The seat pan should have a waterfall (rounded) front edgeThe seat pan should have a waterfall (rounded) front edge

Sharp corners, even when theyre made of padding, increaseSharp corners, even when theyre made of padding, increasethe pressure on the backs of the thighs. A rounded front edgethe pressure on the backs of the thighs. A rounded front edgedistributes the pressure over a larger area.distributes the pressure over a larger area.


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Backrest

The backrest height should be adjustable so the lumbar support can be fitted toThe backrest height should be adjustable so the lumbar support can be fitted to

the low backthe low back

The backrest should mirror the shape of your back to provide support. ItThe backrest should mirror the shape of your back to provide support. Itshould be able to support the natural curve of the spineshould be able to support the natural curve of the spine

ArmrestsArmrests

Armrests should be adjustable. They should allow the user's arms to restArmrests should be adjustable. They should allow the user's arms to restcomfortably and shoulders to be relaxed.comfortably and shoulders to be relaxed.

They should be rounded on the edges.They should be rounded on the edges.

Optional: most armrests are spaced too widely apart for the user to useOptional: most armrests are spaced too widely apart for the user to use

them comfortablythem comfortably


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SwivelSwivel

Any conventional style or ergonomic office chair should easilyAny conventional style or ergonomic office chair should easily

rotate so the user can reach different areas of his or her deskrotate so the user can reach different areas of his or her deskwithout strainingwithout straining


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Seat materialSeat material..

The material on the seat and back of the ergonomic office chairThe material on the seat and back of the ergonomic office chairshould have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on forshould have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on forextended periods of time. Having a cloth fabric that breathes isextended periods of time. Having a cloth fabric that breathes is

preferable to a harder surface.preferable to a harder surface.

The chairshould have at least 5 castors at the base toThe chairshould have at least 5 castors at the base to

ensure stabilityensure stability

FootrestsFootrests

If the feet cannot be firmly planted on the floor, then a footrest isIf the feet cannot be firmly planted on the floor, then a footrest is

requiredrequired

Footrests are way to shift postures or provide support for the feetFootrests are way to shift postures or provide support for the feetif the chair cannot be loweredif the chair cannot be lowered

A footrest should be height adjustable. Adjust the footrest untilA footrest should be height adjustable. Adjust the footrest until

the thighs are parallel to the floor +/the thighs are parallel to the floor +/-- 11--3 inches3 inches


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DesksDesks Desks are usually a standard height of aboutDesks are usually a standard height of about

720mm. This is fine for most people but.720mm. This is fine for most people but.Particularly short or tall people may need anParticularly short or tall people may need anadjustableadjustable--height deskheight desk

..

You need enough desk space for yourYou need enough desk space for your

paperwork,paperwork, the computer (monitor,the computer (monitor,keyboard andkeyboard and mouse) and any additionalmouse) and any additionalequipment that you need to do your job.equipment that you need to do your job.

The desk should not have any obstructionsThe desk should not have any obstructionsunderneath like drawers or supports, thatunderneath like drawers or supports, thatforce you to sit in uncomfortable positionsforce you to sit in uncomfortable positions

Some desks are 'radial'Some desks are 'radial' -- LL--shaped with ashaped with acurve in the middle where you sit. These cancurve in the middle where you sit. These canbe quite comfortable for computer work asbe quite comfortable for computer work asyou can have everything you need close atyou can have everything you need close athand in an arc around you.hand in an arc around you.


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KeyboardKeyboard The keyboard should be positionedThe keyboard should be positioneddirectly in front of the monitordirectly in front of the monitor when the user's fingers are placed onwhen the user's fingers are placed on the keyboard, the forearms should restthe keyboard, the forearms should rest

parallel to the floor with the upper armsparallel to the floor with the upper arms

hanging comfortably to the sides.hanging comfortably to the sides. The keyboard should not force the user'sThe keyboard should not force the user's

wrists into flexion. Constant flexion of thewrists into flexion. Constant flexion of thewrists will cause unnecessary musclewrists will cause unnecessary muscle

tension, which will often result in fatiguetension, which will often result in fatigueand injuryand injury Place your keyboard in front of you withPlace your keyboard in front of you with

enough room to rest your hands when youenough room to rest your hands when youare not typing.are not typing.


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MouseMouse

The mouse should be positioned at the same height as theThe mouse should be positioned at the same height as the

keyboard.keyboard.

The user should be able to access the mouse with their arm at aThe user should be able to access the mouse with their arm at a

comfortable 90 angle to eliminate any strain on the shoulder.comfortable 90 angle to eliminate any strain on t

he shoulder.. Bring the mouse as close to the keyboard as you can so that. Bring the mouse as close to the keyboard as you can so that

you don't have to stretch to use it.you don't have to stretch to use it.

MonitorsMonitors

The top of the screen should be at or below eye levelThe top of the screen should be at or below eye level

15 monitors are the minimum recommended size, though 1715 monitors are the minimum recommended size, though 17monitors becoming increasingly commonmonitors becoming increasingly common

The monitor should sit directly in front of the userThe monitor should sit directly in front of the user Adjust the distance of the screen so that you can read theAdjust the distance of the screen so that you can read the

characters clearlycharacters clearly The viewing distance to the computer screen should be betweenThe viewing distance to the computer screen should be between

1313 28 to minimize eyestrain. Lighting is also very28 to minimize eyestrain. Lighting is also veryimportant.important. The monitor should be at a 90 angle to a window,The monitor should be at a 90 angle to a window,where the light is least likely to produce a glarewhere the light is least likely to produce a glare

Visibility: Keep the computer screen clean by wiping it very lightlyVisibility: Keep the computer screen clean by wiping it very lightlywhen needed with a damp paper towel or monitor cleaningwhen needed with a damp paper towel or monitor cleaningsolution.solution.


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Phones (Headsets)Phones (Headsets)

Users who frequently use the phone and computer simultaneously or are onUsers who frequently use the phone and computer simultaneously or are on

the phone for extended periods of time should consider a headsetthe phone for extended periods of time should consider a headset

. Headsets reduce the tendency to cradle the phone and allow the user to. Headsets reduce the tendency to cradle the phone and allow the user to

work with both hands while conversing on the phonework with both hands while conversing on the phone


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BreaksBreaks

Proper break periods are commonly overlooked when close to a deadlineProper break periods are commonly overlooked when close to a deadlineor in a period of intense work.or in a period of intense work. Taking the recommended ergonomicsTaking the recommended ergonomicsbreaks will increase energy, productivity and comfort while decreasingbreaks will increase energy, productivity and comfort while decreasingstressstress

Short Breaks every hour are recommended for workers to perform at peakShort Breaks every hour are recommended for workers to perform at peakability and prevent injuriesability and prevent injuries

Short, frequent breaks are more beneficial than longer, more infrequentShort, frequent breaks are more beneficial than longer, more infrequentones.ones.

Sitting for more than an hour without moving can put stress on the bodySitting for more than an hour without moving can put stress on the bodydue to the static posture that you are forced to sustaindue to the static posture that you are forced to sustain

Active breaks are a short timeActive breaks are a short time--out from typing or tasks being performingout from typing or tasks being performingfor an extended period of time. This is not a break from work, just a breakfor an extended period of time. This is not a break from work, just a breakfrom the activityThe user can get up and stretch, stand up while on thefrom the activityThe user can get up and stretch, stand up while on thephonephone

Eye Breaks are one of the most important breaks for workers who spendEye Breaks are one of the most important breaks for workers who spendmost of their day staring at a computer screen. Eyestrain is a major causemost of their day staring at a computer screen. Eyestrain is a major causeof tension headachesof tension headaches

At least once an hour focus on an object that is at least 20 feet away.At least once an hour focus on an object that is at least 20 feet away.These few moments each hour can spare workers days of discomfortThese few moments each hour can spare workers days of discomfort

..


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ExercisesExercises

a good exercise would be to stretcha good exercise would be to stretch

muscles that are opposing the ones thatmuscles that are opposing the ones thatyou normally use. This will allow you toyou normally use. This will allow you toachieve a balance within muscle groups.achieve a balance within muscle groups.

Roll your head in circles, stretching moreRoll your head in circles, stretching more

toward each shouldertoward each shoulder Eyestrain tip: Blink often, and takeEyestrain tip: Blink often, and take

frequent rest pauses; close your eyes forfrequent rest pauses; close your eyes fora minute, refocus by looking away froma minute, refocus by looking away from

your monitor at something in the distance,your monitor at something in the distance,and roll your eyes up and down, left toand roll your eyes up and down, left toright.right.


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Thanks for your attention

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