ISC2D @eeng1@ocdsb.

ca
Todd Martinson
June 9, 2023

ERGONOMICS Easton Eng

Why Do I Have Backpain Now? Any Solution?

Ergonomics

WHAT IS IT?
Ergonomics is the science of modifying a workspace to the user's needs. It
encompasses understanding how individuals interact with their workspace and
aims to create an environment that supports sustainable work practices, boosting
the overall quality of life.

This includes your workspace design, posture, breaks, environmental factors

cognitive state and things you may have never even condsidered. In specific,
ergonomics takes into consideration the angle of your monitor, height of your
chair, layout for your keyboard and mice, height of your desk, air quality, humidity,
movement and much more (6).

This practice is used to prevent any injuries, discomfort and stress derived from
poorly designed workspaces. Additionally, proper ergonomics can increase
productivity and work efficiency.

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 Ergonomics

EMPLOYEES
By understading ergonomics, employees can
avoid discomfort, optimize their work
performance and prevent anything that might
impact their pay/salaries or life at home.
This also includes the employers, business owners
CEOs and most higher up postitions. It is their
responibility to provide workplaces which follow
key ergonomic principles.

WHO SHOULD
Photo : Commbox, June 9
2023

03 KNOW THIS?
Additionally, teachers and educators should have a
general knowlede of basic ergonomics to better
equip future generations with the skills they need to
thrive in their futues.
DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS
As the creaters of the products used in the
workspaces, they play a substantial role in
ensuring their products follow workplace
sustainable practices.
Photo : Alarmy, June 9 2023
 CANADIAN STATISTICS
Ergonomics in Canada are slowly being recognized as organizations being to realize the need for well
designed workspaces. While it may not seem like a major issue, you might just change your mind
based on the follow statistics.

01
MSDs accounted for 21 to 82
percent of reportable injuries
and illnesses (1).
02 04 03 04
The Canadian Orthopedic Care Approximately 2.3 million One in every 10
Strategy Group deems occupational Canadians aged 20 and over Canadian adults suffers
and non-occupational MSDs (around 10 per cent of the from RSI with numbers
combined to be “the most costly population) have reported having growing every year (4).
medical condition in Canada”, again, an RSI the previous year (3).
estimating direct and indirect costs
to be in the $22 billion range (1).
 Ergonomics

MUSCULOSKELETAL
DISORDERS
MSDs, also know as musculoskeletal disorders, is a condition
where the organs in the musculoskeletal system, muscles,
bones, tendons, ligaments, and joints, are damaged (2).

The causes of this include awkward postures, repetitive movements, poor workstation design,
inadequate recovery time and much more. Some specific examples might be lack of breaks which
causes tissue to become more susceptible to damage or excessive stress on muscles due to bad posture
(2).
Ergonomics and MSDs are closly related as ergonmics play a crucial role in reducing

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stress on the musculoskeletal system while MSDs are a result of damaged organs in the
musculoskeletal system. Since poor Ergonomics are the most prominent cause of MSDs,
proper ergonomics are the opposite and can reduce the risk of MSDs by preventing
injuries and musculoskeletal problems through proper ergonomic workspace principles. Photo : Blastingnews, June 9 2023
 Ergonomics

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES (RSIS) Upper Extremity Disorders

Caused by the repeated use of a specific body Most noticeably caused by prolonged arm use in
part, examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, non-neutral positions, examples include shoulder
tennis elbow, and tendonitis (5).
impingement, rotator cuff injuries and bursitis (5).

Photo : WHSC, June 9 2023

06 COMMON TYPES OF
MSD'S
Lower Extremity Disorders BACK AND NECK DISORDERS
Usually occur due to overstrain but can also be Typically caused by poor posture, heavy lifting, or
caused by prolonged standing, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting. Examples include, chronic
back pain, herniated discs and degenerative disc
awkward postures.. Examples include osteoarthritis,
disease (5).
hip bursitis, and plantar fasciitis (5).
Photo : BW People, June 9
2023
 MSD EXAMPLES
Ergonomics

07CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES (SHOULDER)

Very common msd disorder When the rotator cuff which is a
which affects the hand and wrist, group of muscles and tendons
most noticably caused by that surround the shoulder joint,
repetitive hand motions. Can become damaged. Causes pain,
cause weakness, pain, and weakness, limited range of
numbness in your fingers (2). motion and instability in your
shoulder (2).

TENDINITIS EPICONDYLITIS (ELBOW)

Inflammation or irritation of a Pain and inflammation in the
tendon, caused by overuse of a tendons that attach to the bony
specific tendon. Causes pain, prominences (epicondyles) of the
tenderness, swelling, and limited elbow. It is a result from
range of motion in the affecred repetitive stress or overuse of the
area (2). tendons (2).

Photo : ISHN, June 9 2023

Ergonomics

08 PREVENTING MSD'S
How can we prevent or reduce the chance of muscoskeletal system disorders?

Proper ergonomic
workplace design. This
means proper posture,
eye level monitor,
adjusted chair height,
adjusted desk height, etc.
Taking simple breaks or
doing other tasks can
prevent repetitive or
static movement, reduce
strain on specifc parts
and let muscles recover.
Being physically active or
simply maintaining good
levels of fitness and
conditioning, can
strengthen muscles to
better withstand
extrenuous stress.
Adjustable Devices, such
as adjustable chairs,
desks and monitors can
support your body and
reduce the risk of injury.

Photo : Intermountain Photo : Wayfair, June 9

Healthcare, June 9 2023 2023
Ergonomics

CONCLUSION
In breif, Ergonomics is a vital aspect of preventing
injuries, reducing discomfort and promoting
sustainable workplace practices. By
implementing the key ergonomic principles, such
as a proper workstation design, organizations can
significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs) and create a productive work
environment that employees and other
individuals love. Furthermore, proper ergonomics
will lead to improved performance, increased job
satisfaction, and reduced healthcare costs for

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employers.
Works Cited
1. "The Economics of Ergonomics." WHSC, www.whsc.on.ca/Files/Resources/Ergonomic-Resources/RSI-Day-
2016_MSD-Case-Study_The-economics-of-ergon.aspx. Accessed 9 June 2023.
2. "Musculoskeletal Disorders, Risk Factors and Reporting." Colorado State University, 2023,
rmi.colostate.edu/ergonomics/injuries-and-injury-prevention/musculoskeletal-disorders-risk-factors-
reporting/. Accessed 14 June 2023.
3. "Repetitive Strain Injuries Rising: StatsCan." CBC, 13 Aug. 2003, www.cbc.ca/news/science/repetitive-strain-
injuries-rising-statscan-1.367673. Accessed 9 June 2023.
4. "Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)." UFCW, 2023, www.ufcw.ca/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=30924&Itemid=122&lang=en. Accessed 9 June 2023.
5. "Types of MSD." IOSH, 2023, iosh.com/health-and-safety-professionals/improve-your-
knowledge/occupational-health-toolkit/musculoskeletal-disorders/types-of-msd/. Accessed 14 June 2023.
6. "What Is Ergonomics?" Humanscale, 2023, ca.humanscale.com/ergonomics/what-is-ergonomics/. Accessed
9 June 2023.