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Ergonomics

The document discusses ergonomics, emphasizing the importance of designing work environments to fit individual needs and capabilities. It outlines the role of ergonomists in creating safe and productive workspaces, considering various factors such as body size, environmental conditions, and sensory overload. Additionally, it provides practical advice on proper computer seating and eye strain prevention techniques.

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Shizhe Chen
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21 views4 pages

Ergonomics

The document discusses ergonomics, emphasizing the importance of designing work environments to fit individual needs and capabilities. It outlines the role of ergonomists in creating safe and productive workspaces, considering various factors such as body size, environmental conditions, and sensory overload. Additionally, it provides practical advice on proper computer seating and eye strain prevention techniques.

Uploaded by

Shizhe Chen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

ERGO

NOMI Your work,


CS your life

Your name, Class, Student Number

Today’s Date
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Ergonomics..................................................................................................................................1
The Job of the Ergonomist.....................................................................................................................1
Designing Work Areas to Fit People..........................................................................................................................1
Other Ergonomic Factors to be Considered...............................................................................................................1
How to Sit at a Computer..........................................................................................................................................1
Prevent eye strain......................................................................................................................................................2
ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics relates to the human body in relation to the working environment. A


guiding principle of good ergonomics is to fit the environment, equipment and/or task to
the person, not the other way around!

Ergonomists do this by applying data and techniques from several different areas of
research. Anthropometry considers differences in body sizes and shapes, and biomechanics1. Environmental factors
and their effect on humans are also considered, including temperature, vibration, noise and light. In addition,
individual factors such as skill, strength, learning, social differences, communication, and group behaviours.

THE JOB OF THE ERGONOMIST

Ergonomists consult with people in their workplace, and need to listen carefully to understand all of the factors that
contribute to the individual’s interaction with the environment around them, the equipment they must use, and the
tasks they are required to perform. They must consider specific human capabilities, as well as limits, when they
consider the most effective workspace and task design. In this way ergonomists work to create the most comfortable,
safe and productive work environment.

DESIGNING WORK AREAS TO FIT PEOPLE

People come in all shapes and sizes, meaning the ergonomist must take many factors into consideration in the design
process. Factors may be broad or narrow: from the size of the work area down to the presence of noise and vibration,
direction and strength of light, variations in temperature and humidity, and the amount of work an employee is
expected to carry out in the time allotted.

OTHER ERGONOMIC FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED

Information is provided to people through many senses: hearing, vision, and touch. It is important not to overload any
one sensory channel, however, as there may be too many for a worker to consider. Assigning audio signals to warn a
pilot of a problem will be ineffective and dangerous if there are too many to remember. Audio signals will be
ineffective in a noisy environment, so several different methods of communicating danger must be incorporated for
warnings, e.g. flashing lights as well as audio signals. Workers who operate heavy machinery may have physical effects
from excessive vibration, and will need hearing protection if their environment is noisy. Protection from toxic
chemicals and biohazards is of utmost importance.

HOW TO SIT AT A COMPUTER

1 Your Chair
a An adjustable chair is recommended.
b Sit with your back firmly against the back of the chair, by pushing your hips to the very back of the seat.
2 Ensure that your back is supported by adjusting the reclining angle of the seat back. Between 100° and 110°
degrees is recommended. Note that you may need extra small cushions or inflatable pillows to achieve the best
position. The seat height should be adjusted so that your feet are flat on the floor, and your knees level with or a
little lower than your hips.
3 Screen, Document
a Position your screen to avoid awkward postures. Your neck should be in a neutral position, and your
muscles should feel relaxed.

1
Biomechanics is the study of the structure, function and motion of the mechanical aspects of biological
systems, at any level from whole organisms to organs.

873084861.docx Page 1 of 4 [Type here]


 The height of the top of the screen may be 5cm – 8cm above eye level, but some people may find
having it at eye level is more comfortable2. For those who wear multifocal glasses, slightly lower than
eye level may work best.
 Keep about an arm’s length away from the screen, and make any adjustments to the distance for
comfort and/or to suit your vision.
 Light sources, e.g. from a window or overhead lighting can cause uncomfortable glare. Reposition
your screen to minimise this. Adjusting the brightness settings on your screen can also help.
 To maintain a neutral, relaxed position when referring to source documents, either use an in-line
copy stand, or a document holder next to the screen.

PREVENT EYE STRAIN


Remember to blink – this keeps your eyes moist.
Every ten minutes or so, focus on items at different distances so that your eye muscles don’t get fatigued from
remaining in the same position.

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