What is Ergonomics?

• It is the study of the interaction of a person to a machine.  For example an employee who works in an office at a desk setting.

Why is it important?

• No matter what the job is, ergonomics plays an important role in preventing injury and illness
• Increase Productivity by improving worker's comfort
• Decrease Loss of Work Time due to Repetitive Strain Disorders (RSI's)
• Decrease Medical Costs Associated with RSI's
• Increase Job satisfaction
• Decrease Risks of developing chronic pain
• Decrease Psychological distress levels

Basic Elements of Proper Ergonomics

• Adjustable work stations
      o Work surface
      o Chair: adjustable (sitting forward, protruding head, poor vision
      o Foot rest: for shorter individuals
• Computer
      o Screen: eye level, arms length away
      o Keyboard: pullout keyboard (wrists extend)
      o Mouse: don’t use mouse in extended arm position.  If you are left handed they make left handed mousse.
• Lighting
     o Direct vs. indirect glare (indirect glare is much better.)  If you have fluorescent lights take 2 out so you won’t   have such a glare on the screen.  This will decrease strain on eyes.
• Work Environment
     o Temp:  Have it be comfortable (not too cold, not too hot).  In some environments you might not have a lot of control but try and get a heater or have a sweater at work just for those colder days.  For hot days try and get a fan.
     o Noise:  Decreasing outside background noise can help with concentrating and focusing on work.

Other important factors
POSTURE

     o Adjust the location of work and the angle of the workplace in such a way that your body can maintain an unstrained, comfortable position with your arms, forearms, and shoulders relaxed.
     o Avoid awkward postures while sitting and standing.

• Breaks should be taken every 20-30 minutes
• Back care:  Get a lumbar support if sitting.  If standing for long periods of time get a shock absorption mat to put on the ground.
• Vision care: take breaks and look 20ft away.
• Stress Management: information overload

If you are using laptops try and make sure that the screen is low, hands are low and try to use an external mouse.