What is Occupational Ergonomics?
Workplace ergonomics is the scientific study of designing an office or other working environment. Occupational ergonomics is a branch of workplace ergonomics that focuses on the physical and mental aspects of work, such as posture, movement, equipment, and stress. The idea is to create an environment where people can work without injury or discomfort and do their best work. Occupational ergonomics helps people be more productive.In this article, we will cover some of the basics of workplace ergonomics.
Workplace Ergonomics
Ergonomics is one of the most important areas of occupational health and safety. Occupational ergonomics simply refers to the design of workplaces, equipment and systems that create a safe and healthy work environment. Essentially, ergonomics helps to prevent injury among workers.
Human Factors Engineering
Human Factors Engineering is the interaction between man and his environment, including the designed system. This essentially means that a Human Factors Engineer focuses on how we interact with our environment such as workplaces, technology, products and services etc.
What are Ergonomics Risks?
Many workers who do not use Ergonomics can suffer from significant problems over time. It is therefore important to understand the workplace ergonomics risks and how they can affect you. The next step is to evaluate if the risks are something you can control or not. If you cannot control it, then it is time to investigate other options.
There are many distinct types of ergonomics risks that can cause injuries in the workplace. These include repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or back pain. The most widespread problem is back pain. This is because sitting in a chair all day is hard on the body. It is also a clever idea to look for a better chair that is ergonomically designed. A good chair should have good back support, a high back, and a tilt-back function. This will help prevent back pain.
The ergonomic approach
An ergonomic approach is a systematic approach to improving the health and well-being of employees. It is the practice of designing the workplace to make it as comfortable and efficient as possible. Additionally, consider the physical requirements of the employees and the way they work.
The ergonomic approach has three main components:
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- Ergonomic design involves the evaluation of the workspace and its users. The evaluation is to find if there are any risks of injury, discomfort, or other issues.
- Ergonomic Assessment is a discipline that deals with the design of systems. A design to fit work requirements efficiently and effectively.
- The Workplace selection is evaluated for design, equipment, and other factors that affect the safety of employees
Safely using Computer at Work
Computer users are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders can be caused or aggravated by prolonged use of a computer. We must take preventive measures to prevent such injuries from happening.
As a preventative measure, we need to figure out beforehand how we can examine the following:
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- Posture and body positioning
- Screen viewing patterns
- Screen focus position
- Screen angles
- Headset usage
- Keyboard and mouse usage
- Computer workstation setup
- Lighting and ventilation
These are just some of the aspects that need to be considered when using computers at work. Other aspects may include the use of a computer to assist in job performance. It may also include the amount of time spent working on computers.
It is therefore important to follow the proper safety guidelines when using a computer at work. By doing so, you can avoid potential health risks and stay productive. Remember to reach out to WellForWork for further assistance. Stay safe and have a productive day!
Working posture – what is the problem?
Workplaces that keep their employees seated for extended periods of time, or make their workers stand for prolonged periods of time, are likely to see more injuries and pain from strains, sprains, and back aches.
If you work on a cubicle farm, sitting at your desk all day might be making you sick. But it could also be hurting your productivity. When people sit for lengthy periods, their body automatically begins to tense up. This can lead to the development of chronic pain conditions. If you have been sitting all day and your back starts to ache, you may want to stand up and stretch for a few minutes every hour.
The study found that people who sit for prolonged periods of time are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. This can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back, knees, neck, and shoulders. The study also found that standing for extended periods of time can be a cause of back pain. In fact, the study concluded that if an employee is required to stand for eight hours a day, then the risk of a workplace injury increases by as much as five times.
In conclusion, if you are in pain, then you should take action. The pain will not go away until you do something about it. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact WellForWrok.
Reduce the risk of pain and injury
An ergonomics approach can help reduce the risk of pain and injury. By understanding how your body moves, you can adjust your workstation. These adjustments can help you improve your comfort and safety. Proper ergonomics also helps keep your energy levels up, which can lead to better productivity.
Here are six tips for improving workplace ergonomics:
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- Keep your arms supported.
- Make sure your chair is comfortable and stable. Adjust the height and tilt as necessary to ensure a good fit.
- Keep your head in a neutral posture: not leaning forward or to the sides.
- Use a keyboard tray that is adjustable and fits your wrists comfortably.
- Use a mouse that fits your hand well.
- Use a monitor with a wide viewing angle and adjustable tilt so you can see the screen clearly.
- Find an ergonomic keyboard that is comfortable to type on
- Use a headset if there is frequent use of a phone.
- Look at an object at 20 feet every 20 min for 20 sec.
- Take frequent breaks. Taking frequent, short breaks can help you to avoid the stress and fatigue that come from sitting for extended periods of time.
Computer Usage Tips
- WRISTS: Keep the wrists in a straight position. Do not bend them up down, or from side to side.
- ELBOWS: Keep elbows bent between 90 and 100 degrees (right angle), keep them close to your body, and support if possible.
- SHOULDERS: Relaxed (not slouched or raised).
- NECK: Facing forward and not looking up, down, or to either side.
- HIPS: Bended around 90 degrees with your thighs parallel to the ground.
- LOW BACK: Supported to maintain its natural curve.
- KNEES: Bent at approximately 90 degrees with a good gap between the back of your legs and the seat of the chair to allow you to place your fist.
- FEET: Resting flat on the floor or supported by a footrest.
In conclusion, it is important to have an ergonomic workstation set up that is adjusted to your individual needs. WellForWork can help you with this, and they offer a free consultation to help you get started. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort at work, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. Thank you for reading!
