COMPUTER

ERGONOMICS
Ana Portes | Jesus Rodriguez | Jesus Amaury
Roger Salcedo | Ricardo Calderon
Computer Ergonomics 2

ERGONOMICS
Defined as the science of fitting a workplace to the user's needs,
ergonomics aims to increase efficiency and productivity and
reduce discomfort.
Computer ergonomics addresses ways to optimize your
computer workstation to reduce the specific risks of computer
vision syndrome, neck and back pain, and carpal tunnel
syndrome. It also reduces the risk of other disorders affecting
the muscles, spine, and joints.
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IMPORTANCE
Many people spend hours a day in front of a computer without thinking
about the impact on their bodies. They physically stress their bodies
daily without realizing it by extending their wrists, slouching, sitting
without foot support and straining to look at poorly placed monitors.
These practices can lead to cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive
stress injuries, which create a life-long impact on health. Symptoms may
include pain, muscle fatigue, loss of sensation, tingling and reduced
performance.
Ergonomics is a field of study that attempts to reduce strain, fatigue, and
injuries by improving product design and workspace arrangement. The
goal is a comfortable, relaxed posture.
Presentation title 4
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS
OF WORKING AT A COMPUTER
FREQUENTLY?
Computer Ergonomics
EYESTRAIN
• It occurs due to glare from the screen
and lack of blinking. Muscles also get
strained because you’re constantly
looking around at new information as
you scroll.
• Symptoms vary, as do their severity.
Often, people experience general eye
discomfort, watery or dry eyes, and
even blurred vision. This may be
accompanied by a headache,
difficulty focusing, and light
sensitivity.
• Sometimes symptoms can be worse
and more frequent in people who
already have eye conditions.
BACK PAIN
• Outside of strenuous labor, it is
almost always linked to not
having the proper sitting posture
at the computer or other
workstations.
• If you sit for a long time,
especially without good computer
posture, you will feel stiffness
and aches that progress in
severity. A bad chair might
contribute or be the primary
source of this discomfort.
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POOR CIRCULATION
• Holding the fixed upright position
can pose problems for circulation.
This squeezes blood vessels and
takes blood away from your upper
limbs. The very limbs that need it.
• That’s why you can feel fatigued
even though you’ve just been
sitting down for hours.
• A lack of cardiovascular activity
further reduces overall blood flow.
It begins to pool in your lower
half and legs. This is only
worsened by pressure from your
chair.
HOW TO PREVENT THEM?
Computer Ergonomics
PREVENT EYESTRAIN
• Take regular breaks - it’s vital. If
you can’t get away from your desk,
simply looking at something in the
distance, preferably out a window,
has the same effect.
• Doing this for a couple of minutes
relaxes the muscles in the eye. Best
to do this at least once an hour.
• Lighting is also important. While
you should certainly have some
sunlight in the office and take
breaks outside, too much through
the window can worsen eyestrain.
The same is true of large overhead
lights.
PREVENT BACK PAIN
• Proper computer posture supported
by a well-adjusted desk and chair
will prevent most back pain.
However, it’s sometimes necessary
to invest in an ergo computer desk
and gaming chair for maximum
results.
• Don’t let the ‘gaming’ term put you
off. These bucket-style chairs are
specifically designed to support the
lower back and spine, much like
racing car seats. It’s just that gamers
tend to spend a lot of time in front
of the computer and have become
the target market. For every brightly
colored chair is an office-black
equivalent.
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INCREASE CIRCULATION
• Other than a more comfortable seat
that doesn’t apply as much pressure
to the underside of your legs,
reduced circulation is a necessary
evil of sitting at a computer. The
only sure-fire way to get the blood
pumping is to stand up and move.
• Instead of taking breaks sitting -
even if you have an ergonomic desk
- aim to walk around the office or
go outside. Increasing the heart rate
is key.
• Keep a bottle of water at your
workstation to stay hydrated. Even
the early stages of dehydration
affect your blood.
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SUMMARY
A lot of us never think about correct computer posture and
ergonomics. Then we wonder why our back hurts. The truth is, even
just sitting slightly off-angle each day at work can take its toll on
your health in the future.
The good news - most problems aren’t permanent and can be fixed
with an ergonomic computer desk, chair, and other equipment.
As long as you listen to your body and follow the guidelines,
working at a computer won’t affect your wellbeing.
THANK YOU