Ergonomics is the science of designing workplaces and equipment to fit workers. It aims to reduce physical and mental stress by properly arranging workstations. Prolonged computer use without proper ergonomics can cause injuries like repetitive stress injuries. Key tips include having an upright sitting posture, keeping the screen at eye level, using an external keyboard and monitor for laptops, and taking breaks to reduce fatigue.
2. What is Ergonomics
The word "Ergonomics" comes from two Greek words "ergon," meaning work, and "nomos" meaning "laws." Today, however, the
word is used to describe the science of "designing the job to fit the worker, not forcing the worker to fit the job.
"Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them.
Most people have heard of ergonomics and think it is something to do with seating or with the design of car controls and instruments –
and it is… but it is so much more.
The term “ergonomics” can simply be defined as the study of work. It is the science of fitting jobs to the people who work in them.
Adapting the job to fit the worker
3. How can we use Ergonomics
The interdisciplinary science of ergonomics explores human capabilities and limitations and uses this knowledge to improve the design
of things that people.
Ergonomics may prevent musculoskeletal injuries (such as back strain or carpal tunnel syndrome) by reducing physical and mental
stress caused by the workstation setup. By focusing on the physical setup of your workstation and the tools you use, you can reduce
your chances.
Yes. Ergonomics is a globally-recognized science with a body of validated research findings and practices, and a worldwide community
of scholars. The International Ergonomics Association, a federation of national ergonomics societies, has 29 member organizations,
representing 16,000 ergonomists world-wide. In the United States, the profession publishes in numerous peer-reviewed journals
including the quarterly journal, Human Factors, which began publication in 1957. There are more than 75 graduate and undergraduate
ergonomics programs in accredited universities in the U.S. and Canada.
4. When was Ergonomics discover.
Yes. Ergonomics is a globally-recognized science with a body of validated
research findings and practices, and a worldwide community of scholars. The
International Ergonomics Association, a federation of national ergonomics
societies, has 29 member organizations, representing 16,000 ergonomists world-
wide. In the United States, the profession published in numerous peer-reviewed
journals including the quarterly journal, Human Factors, which began publication
in 1957. There are more than 75 graduate and undergraduate ergonomics
programs in accredited universities in the U.S. and Canada.
5. How Did Ergonomics Get Started?
In the United States, ergonomics--also known as human factors engineering --
became a real concern during World War II for improving the performance and
safety of military systems such as aircraft, naval ships, and large-scale weapons.
Based on work conducted by early researchers, designers began to recognize the
importance of reflecting the characteristics of the operator in the equipment they
designed. Post-war research expanded into the commercial sector to include
space systems, consumer products, industrial and office settings, and computer
systems.
6. How DID Ergonomics Get started part2.
In Europe, ergonomics began with an emphasis on human productivity and work
physiology. As the discipline matured, other fundamental objectives were rec
ognized, such as the provision of safer and healthier working environments and
the improvement of the quality of life. Today, the global ergonomics community is
equally concerned with improving the design of products and systems, and with
improving conditions in industrial and office workplaces.
7. Why computer Ergonomics?
Many people spend hours a day in front of a computer without thinking about the impact on their bodies.
They physically stress their bodies daily without realizing it by extending their wrists, slouching, sitting
without foot support and straining to look at poorly placed monitors.
These practices can lead to cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive stress injuries, which create a life-
long impact on health. Symptoms may include pain, muscle fatigue, loss of sensation, tingling and
reduced performance.
Ergonomics is a field of study that attempts to reduce strain, fatigue, and injuries by improving product
design and workspace arrangement. The goal is a comfortable, relaxed posture.
8. Adapt Laptops:
Laptop computers are not ergonomically designed for prolonged use. The monitor
and keyboard are so close together that they cannot both be in good positions at
the same time. For prolonged use, it's best to add a separate monitor and
keyboard. The laptop can be placed on books so the top of the screen is at eye
level, then use an external keyboard so that your elbows can rest at 90° by your
side.
9. Computer and Visual Ergonomics:
Here are some of the top computer ergonomics tips recommended by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). These
tips are designed to reduce the risk of stress, physical injury and computer eye strain from prolonged computer use.
1. Sit so your head and neck are upright and in-line with your torso, not bent down or tilted back.
2. Face your computer screen directly. Avoid viewing your screen with your head turned or your back twisted.
3. Keep your elbows comfortably close to your body.
4. Use a chair that provides support for your lower back and has a cushioned seat with a contoured front edge.
5. Keep your mouse close to your keyboard so you don't have to reach for it.
6. Position your computer display so the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. This will allow you to view the screen without bending your neck.
7. Adjust the position of your display to prevent reflections of overhead and outdoor lighting appearing on your screen.
8. Put your monitor close enough to your eyes so you can comfortably read text on the screen without leaning forward.
9. When working with print documents, use a document holder that positions them at the same height and distance as your computer screen.
10 .Use a hands-free headset when talking on the phone while working at your computer.
