This document discusses physiotherapy approaches to workplace ergonomics. It begins by defining ergonomics as the scientific study of interactions between humans and other elements of a system. Ergonomics aims to optimize human well-being and system performance. The document then outlines several disciplines associated with ergonomics including anthropometry, biomechanics, industrial engineering, and physiotherapy. It also discusses the benefits of workplace ergonomics, such as increased safety, reduced costs, and improved productivity. Finally, the document describes several physiotherapy techniques for improving workplace ergonomics like postural correction, rest exercises, modalities, and diversional therapy.
2. TOPIC OUTLINE
THE FOCUS OF ERGONOMICS
DISCIPLINE ASSOCIATED WITH ERGONOMICS
BRIEF HISTORY OF ERGONOMICS
ERGONOMICS DOMAIN OF SPECIALIZATION
BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS
WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS PROCESS
WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS RISK FACTORS
PHYSIOTHERAPY APPROACH ON SAFE BODY ERGONOMICS
4. ERGONOMICS
According to International Ergonomics Association
(2000), it is defined as the scientific discipline concerned
with the understanding of interactions among human and
other elements of a system, & the profession that applies
theory, principles, data, & methods to design in order to
optimize human well-being & overall system performance.
5. ERGONOMICS
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines ergonomics as the science of
“designing the job to fit the worker, rather than forcing the worker to fit the job” (Ho, 2017)
• Ergonomic principles adapt work to a specific person by designing tasks & tools or equipment to
fit the individual to prevent injuries to the musculoskeletal system
“Fitting the Job to the Worker”
NOT
“Fitting The Person To The Job”
6. ERGONOMICS
• What is Ergonomics?
• ERGON= “work”
• NOMOS = “Rules or laws”
• It literally means the “laws of work”
or “science of work”.
17. BENEFITS OF WORKPLACE ERGONOMICS
Makes the job safer by preventing/reducing injury and
illness related to work.
It reduces cost and save money.
Enhances employee’s productivity
Improves Quality
Improves Employee Engagement
22. PHYSICAL ERGONOMICS
Is concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and
biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity.
Relevant Topics Include
Working Postures
Materials Handling
Repetitive movements
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Workplace layout
Physical Safety and Health
23. COGNITIVE ERGONOMICS
Is concerned with mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning and motor response, as
they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system.
Relevant Topics
Mental Workload
Decision making
Skilled performance
Human-computer interaction
Human reliability
Work stress
Training as they may relate to systems design
24. ORGANIZATIONAL ERGONOMICS
Is concerned with the optimization of sociotechnical systems, including their organizational structures, policies and
processes.
Relevant topics may include;
Communication
Crew resource management
Work design
Design of working times
Teamwork
Participatory design
Community Ergonomics
Cooperative work
New work paradigms
Virtual organizations
Telework
Quality management
25. PHYSIOTHERAPY APPROACH
• Physiotherapy aim is to improve workspaces and its environments to reduce the risk of injury.
• These physiotherapy approach to workplace ergonomics have multiple effect on the physical,
cognitive and organizational components on the individual and its working environment
26. PHYSIOTHERAPY APPROACH
Postural Correction and Therapeutic Handling
Rest Interval Exercises and stretches
Manipulation and Modalities ( I.FT, U.S, TENS)
Diversional Therapy (Relaxation techniques, yoga
aromatherapy, music therapy, recreational activities)
Ergonomic Re-education & Counselling
31. TAKE HOME MESSAGE
THERE IS NO “ONE SIZE FITS ALL”.
It’s not just the furniture! Habits must also change.
Remember, repeated poor postures or movements, expose your muscles to micro traumas, which
gradually develop into serious MSD that can be quite hard to manage.
Exercises and rest interval stretches are very important as a lifestyle modification.
And, its freely available…you don’t really need to pay for it, yet it comes with a plethora of
benefits!
YOUR EFFICIENCY NEEDS ERGONOMICS (“A happy and injury free staff is a productive
staff”)
32. REFERENCES
BOOKS
Bridger, R.S (2003). “Introduction to Ergonomics”. Taylor and Francis Inc.
ONLINE SOURCES
UNC Institutional Integrity & Risk Management Environment, Health & Safety
(2020). “Home and Hobby Ergonomics”. Retrieved from ehs.unc.edu/workplace-
safety/ergonomics/outside
Wikipedia (2020). “Human factors and ergonomics”. Retrieved from
en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Human-factors-and-ergonomics#History-of-the-field
33. REFERENCES
ONLINE SOURCES
Department of Industrial Engineering Dalhousie University(n.d).
“What is Industrial Engineering?” Retrieved from
dal.ca/faculty/engineering/industrial/about/whatisIE.html
ErgoPlus (n.d.). “Workplace Ergonomics Resources.” Retrieved from ergo- plus.com/workplace-
`` ergonomics/
Middlesworth, Math (n.d.) “Ergonomics 101: The definitions, Domains and Applications of
Ergonomics” Retrieved from ergo- plus.com/ergonomics- definition-domains-applications/