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National Secretaries and Personal Assistants’ Symposium 26-27 September 2012
Heather Talbot M.Sc. Physiotherapy (Wits)
Sklaar, Laidler and Associates Physiotherapists
Science of designing workplaces, equipment and tasks within the capabilities of the human body and mind.
Ergo = work/effort Nomos = natural law/surroundings
The goals of ergonomics are to optimise:
human well-being overall system performance.
Ergo System human
machine environment
productivity
What does it all mean? 1. Human
• emotional and physical well-being • poor working habits
2. Machine • appropriate equipment • maintenance and safety of equipment
3. Environment • physical e.g. workstation design, temperature, lighting and noise • emotional e.g. relationships and support systems amongst colleagues
Cycle of Injury
Stiffness
Protective posture
Pain
Weakness
Injury
Postural strain
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive movements Sustained postures Poor postural habits Fatigue Decreased level of
fitness
Pause Exercises
Mobilise after being in a position for greater than 30 minutes
Reach arms up to the ceiling Flex and extend supported neck Glide shoulder blades up and down Rotate thorax and lower back Nod head gently Mackenzie lower back extension in standing
Ideal Computer Station Design • Adjustable tilted screen. • Screen and work surface free of
glare and reflection. • Good lighting (avoid a glare or
reflection on the screen). • Adjustable chair with casters and
suitable armrests. • Space under the desk clear for
legs. • Keyboard and mouse in close
proximity.
Correct Sitting Posture Sit far back into the chair so that back
is well supported. Head in a balanced position (avoid
poking head forwards). Top of screen at eye level. Shoulders relaxed and upper arms
vertical. Forearms and wrists horizontal and
supported. Knees bent to +/- 90 degrees. Hips positioned slightly higher than
knees. Feet flat on the floor (foot rest for
shorter people).
Common Workstation Faults
Armrests are not suitable for the desk
Perching on the edge of the chair.
Mouse pad is too far back on the desk. Keyboard lead is too short.
Holding the telephone between the neck and shoulder.
Sitting at an angle to the screen. Holding the telephone between the neck and shoulder.
Stressors
A significant life change or event can be a stressor. Either a major positive or negative event can be
stressful. Stressors may precipitate, exacerbate or perpetuate
neck and back pain.
The Mind-Body Connection
Brain has developed over millions of years. Most primitive part of the brain is the brainstem. Limbic system was the first true emotional component
of the brain to develop. Cortex allows for thought, reflection and analysis to
take place. Cortex facilitated the development of emotional
“fine-tuning “.
The Stress Response Signals are transmitted via the nervous system from the
brain to the body. Sympathetic nervous system is activated by the limbic
system. Hormones such as adrenalin, nor-adrenalin, cortisol and
prolactin are released. The body goes into “red alert” i.e. the “fight or flight
response”. Parasympathetic nervous system is activated when the
threat has passed. The body goes into “green alert” i.e. the “rest and digest
response”.
Symptoms of Stress Physical Emotional and Behavioural
Loss of appetite Constipation or diarrhoea Tiredness Insomnia Poor concentration and memory Skin rashes Colds and flu Reduced sex drive Chest pain
Irritability Irrationality Anxiety Emotionally variable Negativity Feeling of doom Intolerance to noise Over eating
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is a common problem of modern living. Sympathetic nervous system remains constantly
aroused. Immunity system is suppressed. Internal organs are prone to disease. Recurrent musculoskeletal symptoms.
Learning How to Relax
Breathing exercises. Visualisation and meditation. Exercise. Creative hobby or outlet. Massage and aromatherapy. Take regular holidays.
Ten Habits of Effective Life Managers
Know how to relax. Eat right and exercise
often. Get enough sleep. Don’t worry about
unimportant things. Don’t get angry often. Are organised.
Manage their time efficiently.
Have and make use of a strong social support system.
Live according to their values.
Have a good sense of humour.
References
1. Discovery Health Back Care Programme 2007 2. www.apple.com/about/ergonomics 3. www.kwantlen.ca/shared/assets/ergonomic
Questions
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THANK YOU
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