2. What is Ergonomics?
ď´ERGO=âworkâ
ď´NOMICS= ârulesâ or âlawsâ
ď´ Ergonomics literally means âthe
laws of workâ
3. SO EXACTLY WHAT IS
ERGONOMICS?
It is study of people efficiency at their working
environment.
It is one of the definition of Ergonomics.
It is understandable that there are different
definitions because ergonomics is all about
differences
4. DIFFERENCES
ď´ This are differences in
size, shape, strength and
ability of individual
workers.
This differences call for
different designs in
equipment , furniture,
Workstations and routines.
6. 3 Main Ergonomic Principles:
1. Work activities should permit worker to adopt
several different healthy and safe postures.
2. Muscle forces should be done by the largest
appropriate muscle groups available
3. Work activities s/b performed with joints at
about mid-point of their ROM (esp. head,trunk,
UE)
7. FACTS
ď´The average person working at a keyboard can
perform 50,000 to 200,000 keystrokes a day
ď´Overexertion & falls are the most common
cause of workplace injury
ď´An average of 125,000 back injuries due to
improper lifting each year.
ď´Muscles overuse results in tiny tears in the
muscles and scarring; these contribute to
inflammation and muscle stiffness
8. Ergonomic Factors
ď´Two Categories of Ergonomic Factors
1. Environmental
ď´ Hearing
ď´ Vision
ď´General comfort and health
2. Physical
9. Environmental Factors
ď Some examples of ergonomic environmental problems
are:
ď´ Sick Building Syndrome
ď´ Excessive noise
ď´ Improper lighting
ď´ Temperature extremes
10. Physical Stressors
ďPhysical stressors place pressure or stress on parts
of the body:
ď´ Joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, bones
ďSometimes these injuries are referred to as
âCumulative Trauma Disordersâ (CTDs) or
âRepetitive Strain Injuriesâ (RSIs)
17. Musculoskeletal Disorders:
Signs and Symptoms
ď´Decreased grip
and/or pinch
strength
ď´Swelling
ď´Fatigue
ď´Loss of function
ď´Numbness
ď´Burning sensation
ď´Tingling
ď´Pain
ď´Cramping
ď´Stiffness
18. An ounce of Prevention is worth a
pound of cure !
19. What to do ??
a) Warm up & stretch before activities that
are repetitive, static or prolonged
b) Take frequent breaks from ANY sustained
posture every 20-30 minutes
c) Respect pain positions or stop painful
activity
d) Recognize early signs of inflammatory
process
21. Posture
Think of posture in terms of joint position
Static and awkward postures lead to:
ď§ Decreased movement
ď§ Decreased circulation
ď§ Increased stress and fatigue
22.
23. Maintain Neutral Posture
a) Maintain erect position of back
& neck without shoulders relaxed
b) Position equipment & work directly in
front of and close to your major tasks
c) Avoid static positions for prolonged
time; muscles fatigue---MOVE to
circulation!
24. Modify Tasks
a) Alternate activities frequently; rotate
heavy &/or repetitive tasks without
lighter less repetitive ones.
b) If stress become worse REASSESS task
setup & look for alternative methods
c) Avoid repetitive or prolonged grip
activities