LESSON 7: EVALUATING AND

CONTROLLING HAZARDS AND RISKS

> The regular use of computer can cause
various health problems like stress,
eyestrain, and injuries to different body
parts namely the wrists, neck, and back.
There is no single proper posture or
arrangement of components that will suit
everyone .
Computer Workstation Ergonomics
 Computer Workstation Ergonomics is the
discipline of matching the job to the worker
using the most appropriate equipment to
optimize human well being and other all
performance
 Good Working Positions
 It is important to understand the concept of
neutral body positioning when setting up
computer workstation. Neutral body
positioning is a comfortable working posture
in which joints our naturally aligned. Stress
and strain on the muscles, tendons and skeletal
system are reduced when working with the
body in a neutral position.
 Working Postures
The design of the workstation should be arranged
to make computer tasks easier to carry out:

> Head and neck should be upright or in-line with the torso.
> Head and neck, and trunk/torso should face forward.
>Trunk/Torso should be perpendicular to the floor.
> Shoulders and upper arms should be in-line with the trunk/torso
generally set perpendicular to the floor and in a relaxed position.
> Upper arms and elbows should be positioned close to the body.
> Forearms, wrists and hands should be straight and in-line.
> Wrists and hands should be straight.
> Thighs should be parallel to the floor and the lower legs should be
perpendicular to the floor.

> Rest feet flat on the floor for supported by a stable footrest.

> It is important to change one’s working position frequently. Working in

the same posture for prolonged periods of time in unhealthy.

> Make small adjustment to the chair or backrest.

> Stretch your finger, arms and torso.

> Stand up and walk around for a few minutes periodically.

Four Reference Posture
 Upright Sitting Posture

 The user’s torso and neck are vertical and in-

lined, the thighs are horizontal, and the lower
legs are vertical.
 Declined Sitting Posture

 The user’s thighs are inclined with the Buttock

higher than the knee and the angle between the
thighs and the torso is greater than 90 degrees.
The torso is vertical or slightly reclined and the
legs are vertical
 Standing Posture

 The user’s legs, torso, neck, and head are

vertical and in-line. The user may elevate one
foot on a rest.
 Reclined Sitting Posture

 The user’s torso and neck are straight and

reclined between 105 to 120 degrees from the
thighs.
 Considerations for evaluating Seating
Equipment
 The back rest should provide support for the lower back/lumbar
area.

 The seat width and depth should accommodate the size of a specific
user.

 Seat front doesn’t press against the back of the user’s knees and
lower legs.

 The seat has cushioning that is surrounded with a “water fall” front.

 The arm rest, if used, should support both fore arms while carrying
out computer tasks so as not to interfere with user’s movement.
Considerations for evaluating Input devices such as the Mouse and
Keyboard

 Make sure the platform for the keyboard and or input device
stable and large enough to hold the device.

 An input device, like the mouse or trackball, should be located

right next to the keyboard so it can be operated without having
to reach for it.

 Make sure the input device is easy to activate and the

shape/size fits the user’s hands, i.e., It is not to big or too
small.

 The user’s wrists and hands do not rest on a sharp or hard

edge.