ERGONOMICS
 

             Ergonomics is the study of how the physical health of workers is affected by their workplace. Studies have shown that certain things in the workplace (including temperature, lighting, air quality and furniture and equipment design) can affect the speed at which employees work, workers' health and how often they are absent. Ergonomic design means creating a healthier work area for employees.

            When work environments are designed to be ergonomically correct, employees are happier, healthier, produce more work in a shorter period of time, miss fewer days, and quit jobs less frequently. As a result, businesses can save a lot of money

            When workplaces are not designed ergonomically, they can cause many types of injuries to employees. The most common types of injuries are musculoskeletal injuries (MSI). MSI happens when a worker performs the same task over and over, causing stress on nerves, muscles, tendons, or other body parts. The most frequently reported MSI in North America is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS occurs when a nerve in the wrist is used over and over with the wrong equipment. The wrist is then unable to move properly, and the person suffering cannot input data or hold objects in that hand. CTS is often caused by long hours of keying at a computer workstation that is not properly adjusted to the worker’s height.

The Work Environment

            The temperature of the workplace should be kept between 15˚C and 22˚C (62˚F and 78˚F). Plenty of air circulation (but not drafts from open windows) is important. This reduces the amount of dust and bacteria in the air, keeping workers healthier. Cleanliness is important because workers can develop allergies from exposure to dust, mold, and other particles in the air. Lights should not flicker because this causes eye strain. The colour of workrooms should be neutral and soft. Pure white, very dark, or shiny surfaces can cause tiredness.

Furniture

            Chairs should have a firm back and should allow elbows to be bent at a 90˚ angle.  The height of the seat should be 37.5 - 52.5 cm (15 and 21 inches) from the floor. The seat should be padded for comfort, but firm enough to maintain good posture. A good chair will help the worker’s back and circulation remain healthy.
 

            Tables and desks should provide enough space for workers to do their jobs without bumping into one another.  There should be enough space under the desk to allow workers to change their seating position to avoid leg injuries. The edges of tables and desks should be smooth and rounded to avoid injuries.  Also, medium and light-coloured surfaces help ease eye strain when reading. Surfaces should have a dull finish to reduce glare which hurts the eyes.

Computer Hardware

            Monitors should have flat screens to reduce eye strain. They should be positioned so that the top of the screen is at eye level, and at a distance of 45cm to 60cm (18 to 24 inches) from the face to reduce stress on the eyes and neck. Because monitors attract dust, then send it towards the user’s face, they should be cleaned often.

            Keyboards should be kept at elbow height and at an angle that causes the fingers to land on the home row at a 90˚ elbow angle. This prevents strain on the wrists. CTS occurs when these things are not adjusted properly.