Ergonomics

1 11/29/2017
2 11/29/2017
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the
study of workers
interactions with their
working environment

It aims to design work

stations, equipment,
and tools to fit the
particular person
3
 Ergonomics can affect:
1. The speed at which employees
work

2. The workers health

3. How often workers are absent

4 11/29/2017
Benefits of an Ergonomic Environment

Employee Employer
Employees are: Employers are:
1. Healthier Saving more money
2. Happier
3. More productive
4. Miss fewer days
5. Less employee
turnover
5 11/29/2017
A Comparison
Human Capabilities Job Demands
1. Strength 1. Posture
2. Vision 2. Force
3. Hearing 3. Repetition
4. Body size 4. Environment
5. Flexibility 5. Time
6. Mental capacity

6 11/29/2017
A Balancing Act

Job Demands > Worker Capabilities

= Worker Fatigue & Injuries
= Worker Inefficiency
7 = Lost Productivity
Ergonomic Related Illnesses
1. Eyestrain
2. Headaches
3. Stiffness, tightness
in joints, muscles
4. Pain and Fatigue
5. Allergies
6. Backaches
7. Poor circulation
8. Injuries
2 Common Injuries
Musculoskeletal Carpel Tunnel
Injuries (MSI) Syndrome (CTS)
When a worker When a nerve in the
performs the same wrist is used over
task over and over, and over with the
causing stress on wrong equipment
nerves, muscles,
tendons, or other
body parts
 Ergonomic Computer Hardware,
Furniture & The Environment
11 11/29/2017
 Ergonomic Computer Hardware
Monitor
45 to 60 cm
1. Top of the screen
should be at eye level
2. Should be 45cm to
60cm from your face
3. Should be cleaned
often
4. Be at least 17 in
diagonal
12 11/29/2017
 Ergonomic Computer Hardware
Keyboard
1. Elbow height
2. Fingers should land on
home row at a 90
3. Keep shoulders
relaxed, and elbows at
your side
4. Floating Wrist

13 11/29/2017
Ergonomic Computer Hardware
Mouse
1. Keep mouse close
to keyboard
2. Use elbow (not
wrist) to move the
mouse
3. Use a light grip
4. Floating Wrist

14 11/29/2017
Ergonomic Furniture
Chair
1. Head/neck rest
2. Adjustable arm rest
3. Adjustable height
4. 5 legs
5. Padded seat
6. Lumbar support

15 11/29/2017
16 11/29/2017
Ergonomic Furniture
Desk
1. Have enough room
around you and under
the desk
2. Edges of desk should
be round and smooth
3. Medium to light
coloured surface
(matte surface)
20 11/29/2017
The Work Environment
Lighting Wall, Ceiling &
Floor Colour
1. Low or glare free
2. Use blinds or 1. Neutral in colour
drapes to control 2. Avoid glossy
the light from surfaces to
windows minimize glare
3. Light level should
be suitable for the
task
23 11/29/2017
The Work Environment
Temperature Air Circulation
Between 15C and Plenty of air
22C circulation - but not
drafty!
Keep it clean - molds,
dust, allergies

24 11/29/2017
Ergonomics and Exercising
1. Eyes: Blinking, Looking away from monitor

Hand and wrist exercises

1. Neck and shoulder exercises

2. Whole body: Standing up, Stretching

25 11/29/2017
 Identify what is wrong in the opening
picture of the video.

26 11/29/2017
Hawthorne Studies
Desk flipping and chair stacking

27 11/29/2017
Activity

Complete
3.
Ergonomics
Search
Worksheet.
doc on
X:Drive
28 11/29/2017
Activity
Complete 6. Ergonomics
Lab
Assignment.doc on X:Drive

29 11/29/2017