Ergonomics in an Office Environment

University of Politeknik Negeri Batam

Study Guide, Definitions & Notes

Definition of Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a science that studies the complex interactions between aspects of work which
include work equipment, work procedures, work processes or systems and the work environment
with the physical, physiological and psychological conditions of humans / employees to adapt
aspects of work to employee conditions, so that employees can work safely, comfortably,
efficiently, and more productively. Many employees who work in offices use computers that are
in the wrong sitting position. This can cause unproductive and uncomfortable working
conditions.

The benefits of ergonomics itself are avoiding the risk of occupational diseases and
increasing productivity.

Problems that occur when sitting in an unergonomic position

a. Easily tired and sleepy

We get tired very easily due to non-ergonomic sitting positions
b. Joint and bone problems
With a sitting posture that is not ergonomic can cause easy aches and pains in the neck,
shoulders, arms, back, waist, bone muscles and fingers. This happens because of the
negligence of the spine as a support for the body and it happens because of the
inappropriate body position when sitting. lack of oxygen when sitting is not ergonomic can
also be the cause.
c. Increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease
This is due to the decreased effectiveness of blood sugar regulation in the body. In
addition, sitting with a posture that is not ergonomic can increase blood pressure to be
high, especially in the upper limbs. The decrease in blood flow rate and oxygen levels in
 the blood vessels is what causes blood pressure to be high. If this continues to happen, then
a person can be at risk of heart problems.
d. Digestive System Disrupted
Metabolism can be disrupted due to the wrong sitting position without much realization.
Metabolism that is not in the ideal condition will also cause some unpleasant symptoms
such as constipation.
e. Stress Increases
A compromised nervous system will worsen breathing, leading to stress. On the contrary,
sitting upright with an open chest makes breathing easier while increasing the secretion of
hormones that make you more energized.

Creating an Ergonomic Work Environment

When employees are working in an office using a computer and sitting in a work chair, do the
following things:

a. Physical Work Area

 Chairs that fit the work area and writing area
 Sufficient space for WIP, e.g. data materials for data entry
 Sufficient legroom (designed for large people), space organization and reach (designed
for small people)

b. Chair Design
 Seat back height should be adjustable
 If there are armrests, they should be adjustable and unobtrusive.
 Seat height3 should be adjustable so that the feet rest flat on the floor or footrest with a
knee angle close to 90°.
 When sitting back, there should be at least 2 fingers of space between the back of the
knee and the edge of the seat.
c. Use of Chair
 Backrest fits the curve of the lower back
 Thighs parallel to the floor
 Armrests below elbow height, arms by the side of the body
 Feet rest comfortably on the floor or footrest
 The size of the chair must match the size of the employee using it
 Choose a work chair according to the type of work task
 Chairs should be stable, both wheeled and non-wheeled
 The back of the chair should support the arch of the waist (flexible tilt)

d. Keyboard
 Arms by the side of the body, not raised or open
 Hands are straight with forearms, neutral or straight
with wrist posture. Hands are in front of the body
center
 Keyboard must have arm/wrist support that is the same
height as the space bar
 The arm/elbow angle is about 90°

e. Mouse
 Beside the keyboard, right or left
 Easy to reach, with arms bent about 90o during use
 Placed at keyboard height
 Keep arms straight when using
f. Monitor
 Position at arm's length, not less than 50 cm
 The screen should be perpendicular to the window or light
source to reduce glare
 The screen should be set so that the top layer is at eye level
  Place the monitor lower for bifocal lens users
 The monitor should be centered in front of the body, behind the keyboard not on the
right or left

g. Sitting Body Posture

 Upper arm and lower leg vertical
 Head straight ahead
 Forearms and thighs parallel to the seat of the chair

Ergonomics Chair
A chair with a side design is an ergonomic chair that is suitable for office workers. In
addition, the chair on the side also has features that make us comfortable when sitting for a long
time while working.
a. A backrest feature for the head and neck. This feature
can reduce the risk of neck pain while working. a
b. The shape of the backrest like the picture fits the curve
of the lower back and makes it easier for us to breathe b c
c. The armrest has the right size and can be adjusted in
height d
d. The width of the chair is well padded and the depth
and tilt of the chair are just right. In addition, the
height of the chair can also be adjusted according to e
our comfort.
e. The wheeled bottom of the chair will facilitate mobility