Ergonomics defined

Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of employees. Ergonomic principles are used to improve the "fit" between the worker and the workplace. A practical approach to Ergonomics considers the match between the person, the equipment they use the work processes and the work environment. A person's capabilities, physical attributes and work habits must be recognized to improve ergonomic factors in the workplace.

Before going further, let's have some facts. Did you know that 95% of all office workers use personal computers? In year 2000 alone work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) reached one million cases. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome comprises 15% of all workplace injuries and women outnumbered men 3 to 1sustaining Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Therefore, it is very important to know the basic principles behind the proper Ergonomics for each and every worker. Implementing a good ergonomic program in offices and workplace decreases injuries, illness and worker's compensation cost. It increases the efficiency at work and increased the worker's well being. And it also decreases the absenteeism rate and turnover. Which in turn, it increases the worker's morale.

Some common ergonomic related injuries include CTD's (cumulative trauma disorders), RSI's (repetitive stress injuries) and RMI's (repetitive motion injuries). All of these injuries are considered as MSD's (musculoskeletal disorders) which affects the muscles, tendons, nerves, joints and spinal disks. Common types of MSD's include Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Neck and Back injuries, Strains/Sprains, Bursitis, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Trigger finger.

It is therefore important to identifying common risk factors, conditions or circumstances that increase the chances of developing a MSD. The likelihood of developing an injury is dependent on the frequency and duration of exposure to risk factors. Both occupational and personal risk factors can affect an individuals well being at home or work.
REPETITION. Occurs when the same or similar movements are performed frequently. Repetition can also occur when different tasks are performed if those tasks have the same movements. Injury may result from repetition when the tissues do not have adequate time to recover. FORCE. Force is the amount of physical effort required by a person to do a task or maintain control of tools or equipment. A pinch grip produces 3-5 times more force on the tendons in the wrist than a grip with the whole hand. With excessive force the muscles are contracting much harder than normal, this can lead to stress on the muscles, tendons and joints. AWKWARD POSTURE. Awkward posture is a deviation from the "neutral" body position. A "neutral" body position is safest and most efficient position in which to work.
Awkward posture puts stress on muscles, tendons and joints. STATIC POSTURE. Static posture occurs when one position is held for a prolonged period of time. The muscles will become fatigued from a lack of blood flow during a static posture. This fatigue can lead to discomfort and even injury. CONTACT STRESS. Contact stress is caused by any sharp or hard object putting localized pressure on a part of the body. Contact stress will irritate local tissues and interfere with circulation and nerve function. Other factors includes Temperature extremes, Vibration, and psycho social interaction

By applying ergonomic principles in the office setting, risk factors are minimized, productivity is increased, and overall workplace quality is improved.The workstation must be adjusted to promote a neutral position while a person works. When adjusting a workstation, keep in mind that all of the equipment interacts.Making one adjustment may alter another. A simple workstation adjustment may include the adjustment of the chair, reach and focal requirements.It is also important to adjust the environment settings such as lighting, noise and temperature.

Also, by applying ergonomic principles in industrial settings, a safer, healthier and more productive work environment can be developed employees and employers need to know how to minimize risk factors by choosing the best tools and work techniques for a given task. Common examples for this is that the base of support for all the equipment must be considered and the placing the equipment and materials to appropriate area. It is also important to consider the appropriate initial design of the work station or work area or improving the design of the existing work area or equipment.

When Ergonomics are improved in the workplace, workers tend to "work smarter, not harder". And quality, comfort and safety make them more productive and happy people.

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