What is Ergonomics

Ergonomics applies the knowledge of a human’s capabilities and limitations to the design of workplaces, workstations, tasks, tools, equipment, and the work environment. Ergonomics is fitting the workplace to the worker.

The goal of ergonomics in the workplace is to reduce the risk of a work-related musculoskeletal disorder by reducing worker exposure to hazards which promote musculoskeletal problems.

Ergonomic goals include:

• Increase productivity and performance
• Decrease each worker discomfort
• Improve the quality of each worker’s environment

Such injuries are collectively referred to as a Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder .

Such as:

• Cumulative Trauma Disorder
• Occupational Overuse Syndrome
• Repetitive Motion Injury
• Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorder
• Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder may occur from repeated physical movements doing damage to tendons, nerves, muscles, and other soft body tissues resulting from the typical tasks they perform. Some specific ailments include:

• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Epicondylitis,
• Tenosynovitis
• Ganglionic Cyst
• Raynaud’s Syndrome

Each is potentially serious and each of these ailments can happen even more quickly as a result of typing technique and body positions that place unnecessary stress on the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck.

Some of the Factors that Contribute to a Work-Related

Musculoskeletal Disorder:

• Repetition
• Pressure
• Duration
• Vibration
• Force
• Awkward posture or position
• Tool weight, size and shape
  
  Some Other Contributing Factors:
• Age
• Gender
• Stress
• Physical Condition
• Level of Training

Symptoms of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder:

Indicators that you may include some of the following signs and symptoms:

• Tightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness, or burning in the hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, or elbows
• Tingling, coldness, or numbness in the hands
• Loss of strength and coordination in the hands
• Pain that wakes you up at night
• Feeling a need to massage your hands, wrists, and arms
• Pain in the upper back, shoulders, or neck associated with computer use

If experienced it is important to report signs and symptoms as early as possible to prevent any serious injury.

Setting-up a Basic Computer Workstation

No two bodies are identical however, you can use to set up your workstation in a way that best fits your stature and provides you with the most comfort.