Workstation Ergonomics

Make your work area more

comfortable & productive

• What is Ergonomics ?• Basic Risk factors • Work station essentials & General

rules for office ergonomics setups • Common risks• Signs and symptoms • Prevention• Summary

AGENDA

What is Ergonomics?

ERGO=“work”

NOMICS=“rules” or “laws”

Ergonomics literally means “the laws of work”

Basic Risk Factors• Repetitive activity• Non-Neutral Postures• Static Postures• Contact Pressures• Material Handling• Forceful exertions• Work Habit & Style• Environmental Factors

Workstation EssentialsOffice furniture

– Adjustable and supportive chair – A fixed height desk with a height adjustable

footrest, or, an adjustable desk

Workstation Essentials

Frequent changes in posture and regular breaks from sitt ing

Sufficient work surface

Workstation EssentialsSufficient area to enter and move about the work area and allow for frequent changes in posture

Storage for personal items and work requirements

Work Environment – satisfactory temperature – not too noisy– appropriate lighting– good air quality

General office setups

Monitor

• User should be in-line

• Top line should be at least 150 below eye level

• Lighting should be ambient

• Reduce glare if possible

• Use document holder

Keyboard/Mouse

• Keyboard and mouse should be at the same level

• Keep wrist in a neutral position

• Keep mouse close as possible

• Avoid clicking too hard

• Avoid typing too hard

Chair•Chairs should be adjustable•Forearms, thighs, and wrist parallel to the floor•Armrest should be adjustable•Avoid cradling the phone•Chair should have backrest

46-76 cm(arm’s length)

58-71 cm

40-52 cm

• Top of screen about eye level; lower for bifocal wearers

• Document holder in same plane as screen

• Chair: provide low back support, prefer adjustments can be made while seated

• Keyboard height allows elbows in and wrists straight

• Mouse same height and distance as keyboard

• Keyboard rest: if used, should be padded

• Allow room for legs and feet• Feet should rest on floor or

footrest

90-105°

90-105°

Computer workstation setup

W o r k s t a t i o n

W o r k s t a t i o n

FAULTY POSTURE 1

What is wrong with this picture?

Improve mouse location

What is wrong with this picture?

Wrong methods of carrying material

Reduce awkward posture

Telephone handling Experiments in lab

What is wrong with this picture?

What is wrong with this picture?

What is wrong with this picture?

What is wrong with this picture?

Common Risks for Office & Lab Personnel

Poor posture – back pain – head and neck discomfort – shoulder, arm, hand and wrist

discomfort – leg and foot discomfort– circulation problems – headaches

Glare and l ighting

• eye discomfort, eye strain and headaches

Poor working environment – exposure to noise, poor air

quality and uncomfortable temperature.

Long duration and lack of task variety musculoskeletal injury and occupational health hazards

B a c k P r o b l e m s

P o o r

P o s t u r e s

P o o rP o o r

S t r e n g t hS t r e n g t h

C a u s e s..

P o o r P o o r

B o d y M e c h a n i c sB o d y M e c h a n i c s

C r a d l i n g T e l e p h o n e

C a u s e s..

N e c k N e c k S t r a i nS t r a i n

T e n s i o n T e n s i o n H e a d a c h e sH e a d a c h e s

Signs and symptoms

• Fatigue

• Discomfort/pain

• Swelling

• Loss of motion

• Loss of strength

• Numbness and tingling

*Information provided by Richard W. Bunch, PhD, PT

Prevention

is better

than Cure

Prevention• Reduce excessive repetition• Work in neutral position• Take breaks (stretching)• Soft contact points• Material handling loads• Reduce excessive forces and weights• Environmental Factors • Work space

• Proper Workstation Setup

• Change the Postural

• Good Work habits

HOW TO PREVENT

Change the posture

• Neck Posture

• Sitting Posture

• Typing Posture

• Use of Mouse

Ideal

W o r k H a b i t s

• Take rest breaks

• Practice good body mechanics

• Exercise at work – s-t-r-e-t-c-h

EXERCISE THERAPY

20-20-20 rule20 minutes-20 feet -20 seconds

Workstation Ergonomic Self-Assessment

I f you are worried about the comfort of your workstation

you should carry out a

Workstation ErgonomicsSelf-Assessment

Workstation Evaluation

If the results of your self assessment identify that problems

exist with your workstation, you should in the first

instance discuss these issues with your Supervisor.

If you have any further concerns or require further

assistance, please contact the

Environment, Health & Safety Team.

Summary

• Remember good body position

• Modify your work place suitable to the work

• Give Regular breaks and do some ergo stretches

• Remember to report any pain/soreness

.GOOD ERGONOMICS IS GOOD ECONOMICS

It

Enhances comfortReduces musculoskeletal discomfort & work injuries.Decreases absenteeism.Improves individual efficiency.Improves job satisfaction and morale.

THERE BYINCREASING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE ORGANISATION