Ergonomics

By Cole Jasmin
 Definition of Ergonomics
● As defined by Vocabulary.com: ● As defined by
“Something that is Collinsdictionary.com: “As

designed to work defined by

smoothly with the Vocabulary.com:
human body is “Something that is
designed to be designed to work
ergonomic.” smoothly with the
human body is
designed to be
ergonomic.”

https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/ergonomic, 10-23-19, https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/ergonomics, 10-23-19

 Physical Ergonomics is usually perceived as
Types of Ergonomics the most important type of ergonomics. This branch
focuses on The way that a person’s body will
interact with the tools they use at their job.
There are three types
of ergonomics:
The branch of Cognitive Ergonomics deals
● Physical with a person’s ability to process and handle data.
Studying how to help people retain and memorize
● Cognitive data is fully applied in this branch.
● Organizational

The third type of ergonomics is Organizational

Ergonomics pertains to the “optimization of an entire
workplace”. This branch will include finding ways to
make teamwork and communication better which will
in turn boost output and profit within a business,
http://www.khmedia.in/understanding-the-different-types-of-ergonomics.html, 10-23-19
Examples of Industries Affected by Ergonomics
(Not all affected industries are represented here)

● Agriculture - having your hands above your head for extended

periods of time (picking berries or such) can cause back
problems.
● Construction - if workers are often having to kneel down, lift
heavy item, twist or kneel down and don’t do so properly, it can
cause pain or work related MSDs (WRMSDs)
● Manufacturing - workers who spend extended amount of time in
the same position, are often exerting force with bad posture, or
working in cold condition could experience pain or WRMSDs..
● Offices - workers who spend extended amounts of times in the
same position or in bad posture, or looking at a glare computer
screen could develop WRMSDs.

https://ergo-plus.com/ergonomics-injury-prevention-guidelines-by-industry/,10-30-19
 Extended amount of
Examples time sitting can cause
Improper lighting at a desk can cause
pain/fatigue
Computer Vision Syndrome - a condition which
causes eye strain, eye fatigue, dry eyes, light
sensitivity, blurred vision, headaches and other
symptoms.

Worn out chairs/chairs

without enough support FACT - Standard desk
hurt posture and cause heights are too high for
back pain 95% of the population

Poor posture because of Tradition mouse use can

device placement/height hrt the rotation of your
of desk/height of chair wrist and lead to MSDs
causes back pain
http://www.khmedia.in/understanding-the-different-types-of-ergonomics.html, 10-29-19,
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/5-adjustments-you-need-make-your-desk-right-now-ncna813726, 10-29-19
Medical Risks
There are many medical risks and hazards that ● Neck Injury - prolonged bad positioning of your neck
can come with poor ergonomics, some are: (like looking down at a computer) can cause severe neck
pain/discomfort.
● MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders) - ● Ganglion Cysts - non cancerous lumps filled with fluid
repetitive motion (such as typing) can usually around a joint on hands or wrists that can cause
cause syndromes like Carpal Tunnel, pain to the touch orr interfere with joint mobility.
Tendonitis, Ruptured/Herniated Disk, etc. ● Fatigue - sitting in the same position with the same
● Back Injury/Posture - having bad posture for extended amounts of time can lead to fatigue.
posture while sitting at a desk or standing ● Weight Gain - sitting down burns little to no calories, if a
at a job site can result in back pain worker is sitting for hours on end they aren’t able to burn
originating from herniated discs/ruptured off enough calories in a day.
discs, overall weak muscles, etc. ● Increase Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease -
sitting for prolonged periods of time reduces the body’s
ability to regulate blood sugar (metabolic syndrome)
https://www.uncagedergonomics.com/blog/5-ways-poor-ergonomics-can-have-a-negative-impact-on-your-health/, 10-23-19,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ganglion-cyst/symptoms-causes/syc-20351156, 10-29-19
Benefits of Good
Ergonomics
● Efficiency - With workspaces designed
with “less exertion”, easier reaches, and
fewer motions, the efficiency and ● Attendance - Pain free and happy
timeliness of workers will improve. workers will reduce absences
● Quality - Since poor ergonomics will from the employees.
lead to fatigue and pains for some ● Cost - Less workers
employees, that can lead to compensation claims and less
frustration/impatience which can impact hospital bills from poor
the quality of work. ergonomics practices will reduce
● Morale - If employers are making an costs for employers and
effort in ergonomics for their employees employees.
it will make the employees feel like they
are important.

https://ergo-plus.com/workplace-ergonomics-benefits/, 10-29-19, https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/ergo/ergoadvantages.pdf,10-29-19

Equipment/Tools
● Monitor Arms - These attach to monitors and allow them to swivel so
they can be moved out of the way when not in use. They can be
adjusted to accommodate standing or seated positions as well.
● Document Holders - These tools help organization at a workspace and
also allow the documents to sit upright while workers read it and type
at the same time.
● Lumbar Support - When placed in a chair these tools reduce the
activity of our lower back muscles that are usually active while we sit.
● Computer Monitor Glare Support - This tool helps improve the
contrast on a computer screen, eliminate glare, and reduce blue light
emitted by the screen to help reduce headaches and migraines
triggered by looking at a computer screen.
● Wrist Support Brace - These tools help to properly position a workers
hand and wrist as they type to help prevent common MSDs.
http://www.ergonomics-info.com/ergonomic-computer-equipment.html, 10-29-19,
 Careers in Ergonomics
Job Descriptions: Career Specs:

● Ergonomic Specialist - These ● Average Annual Wage - $72,480

workers observe human ● Top 10% Wage - $104,460
behavior/habits in the ● Education - A degree is needed
workplace, consult with clients in a relevant subject such as
on ways to reduce health risks, design, biology, psychology,
or tain clients. physiotherapy, sports science,
● Other Ergonomic Specialists - medicine, physiology,
Other specialists may conduct occupational therapy, physics,
research in the industry for operational research or
insurance underwriters or mathematics.
government agencies.
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/279475-ergonomist-job-description, 10-29-19,
https://www.floridatechonline.com/blog/psychology/ergonomics-specialist-salary-and-career-profile/, 10-29-19