Office ergonomics 06-29-10

EVOLUTION?? : 

EVOLUTION??

ERGONOMICS : 

ERGONOMICS Fitting YOUR work station to YOU!

What is ergonomics? : 

What is ergonomics? Ergonomics is the science of fitting a job, job tasks, and job-related equipment to individual human physical and psychological characteristics . One of the focuses is on designing workstations, tools, lighting, and work tasks for safety, efficiency and comfort.

Why do I care? : 

Why do I care? Effective ergonomic design reduces discomfort and injuries and increases job satisfaction and productivity. Prevention/reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s).

How do I know if my work-station fits me? : 

How do I know if my work-station fits me? Listen to your body

How do I know if my work-station fits me? : 

How do I know if my work-station fits me? If you experience recurrent or worsening discomfort, especially if the discomfort includes non-remitting pain, numbness, or weakness, promptly consult a qualified physician. The earlier a problem is identified, diagnosed, and treated, the less chance there is that it will progress to a disabling condition

General Desktop Set-Up : 

General Desktop Set-Up Standard furniture cannot accommodate everyone’s needs Make sure surface is stable Consider job functions Keep frequently used objects close Keep area under desk uncluttered Use a document holder

Setting up your computer work station—The Chair : 

Setting up your computer work station—The Chair Push your hips as far back as they can go in the chair Adjust the seat height Adjust the backrest of the chair Adjust the armrests Use lumbar support

Setting up your computer work station—The Keyboard : 

Setting up your computer work station—The Keyboard An articulating keyboard tray can provide optimal positioning of input devices It should accommodate the mouse, provide leg clearance, and have an adjustable height and tilt mechanism. Tray should not push you too far away from other work materials such as your telephone.

Setting up your computer work station—The Keyboard : 

Setting up your computer work station—The Keyboard Pull up close to your keyboard. Adjust the keyboard height Position the keyboard directly in front of your body The tilt of your keyboard is dependent upon your sitting position Keep wrists in line with forearms Wrist rests can help to maintain neutral postures and pad hard surfaces Place the pointer as close as possible to the keyboard.

Keyboard Horizontal Alignment : 

Keyboard Horizontal Alignment

Setting up your computer work station—the pointing device : 

Setting up your computer work station—the pointing device

Setting up your computer work station—monitor and phone : 

Setting up your computer work station—monitor and phone Center the monitor directly in front of you When seated comfortably, user’s eyes should be 2-3” below top of monitor casing Horizontal distance at approx arms length Reduce glare by careful positioning of the screen Position source documents directly in front of you, between the monitor and the keyboard Place your telephone within easy reach Use headsets and speaker phone

AFTER ALL THAT, WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE YOU CAN MAKE? : 

AFTER ALL THAT, WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE YOU CAN MAKE?

YOUR BEHAVIOR!!! : 

YOUR BEHAVIOR!!! “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Remember MSD’s? : 

Remember MSD’s? MSD’s are disorders of the bones and soft tissue Frequently associated with heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or standing, repetitive work, sustained postures, non-neutral joint posture, localized pressure, use of force, cold temperature, and vibration

Keeping all that in mind… : 

Keeping all that in mind… Break up repetitious work Relax Use moderate postures for individual joints Minimize contact with hard or sharp surfaces Don't use too much force Move with an even motion Keep your hands and fingers warm Break up exposures to vibration

And another thing… : 

And another thing… Outside risk factors Non-work activities Predispositions Modifiable risk factors

The End!!! : 

The End!!! Prevention of MSD’s in the office workspace is a combination of equipment and behavior changes. Requires participation in both of these to make lasting change.

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