Ergonomics

By: Ally Kim & Elizabeth Watt

Course: ICS3M

Due Date: Tuesday, May 22, 2007

What is Ergonomics?

‘Ergonomics’ derives from two Greek words: ‘ergon’ (work) and ‘nomoi’ (natural laws)

The process of designing workplaces, products and systems to fit the worker

Ergonomists use data such as anthropometry, biomechanics, environmental physics, and social psychology

The purpose of ergonomics is to provide a comfortable work environment

How to Sit at a ComputerStep 1: Chair

Push your hips as far back as possible in chair

Adjust seat height (feet should be flat on the floor)

Adjust seat angle (should be 100°-110° reclined angle)

Adjust armrests (shoulders should be relaxed)

How to Sit at a ComputerStep 2: Keyboard

Pull up close to keyboard

Keyboard should be positioned directly in front of body

Adjust keyboard height

Place mouse close to keyboard

How to Sit at a ComputerStep 3: Monitor, Document, TelephoneCentre monitor directly in

front of youPosition top of monitor 2”-

3” above eye level when seated

Reduce glare on screenPosition reference

documents between monitor and keyboard

Use handsets and speakerphone while using the telephone

How to Sit at a ComputerStep 4: Pauses and Breaks

Take short breaks every 20-30 minutes

Rest and refocus your eyes frequently

Use correct posture

Injuries From Bad Ergonomics

Neck fatigue Looking down at the keyboard

Back painTwisted posture or inadequate support

Eye fatiguePoor screen quality or staring at the screen for

too longShoulder pain

Keyboard position too high

The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed?

Keyboard Problems:Wrists rest on keyboardMouse pad

The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed?

Chair Problems:Can only sit slouched

or without back supportOffer little to no leg

support

The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed?

Monitor Problems:Placed considerably too

low

The S.C.S. Laptop Lab: Ergonomically Flawed?

Conclusion:Problems most

certainly do exist Improvements could

include more supportive chairs, mice at every workstation, and higher tables

Lighting and room set-up is good

Were you paying attention?

1) Which of the following is not key to ergonomics?

a. keyboard height

b. mouse size

c. glare on screen

d. angle of monitor

2) Which of these injuries could be avoided by using proper ergonomics?

a. carpal tunnel syndrome

b. subclavian steal syndrome

c. dromomania

d. dystonia

3) Which of the following statements is true?a. Your seat should be at a 80°- 90° angle

b. You should take short breaks every hour or so

c. The top of your monitor should be 2” to 3” above eye level when seated

d. Eye fatigue is inevitable when working with computers