Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a discipline dedicated to creating the best working environment possible, and this discipline applies to many areas beyond the use of computers. However for our purposes, this section focuses on ergonomics at the computer workstation. Have you ever seen a person working with a tiny monitor using a keyboard sitting atop a tall desk? Their arms look like bird wings flayed out to the sides and their eyes have crow’s feet from perpetual squinting. A quick inspection of most computer workstations usually reveals simple measures that can be taken to correct obvious ergonomic problems. These remedies not only can help people work longer and more efficiently, but can lead to fewer mistakes, decreased lost work days, decreased employee turnover, and increased morale. Presented below is a simple checklist you can use to check out the work stations in your office – give it a try.

Computer Workstation Ergonomic Checklist
 

• Chair must be comfortable and adjustable
• Chair should be on rollers to allow for proper positioning, and re-positioning
• Chair should not have arms, or should have arms that fold down
• Computer monitor should be right in front of chair, not to the side
• Keyboard should be in keyboard tray so that arms are level when typing
• Monitor should be large, a flat screen monitor is preferred over a CRT
• Monitor should not have glare, install curtains or a glare screen if necessary
• Arm should not rest on a sharp corner or edge of desk
• Lighting should be plentiful, sunlight and florescent light is preferred over incandescent
• Work area should not be cluttered
• A foot rest should be used by persons whose legs do not adequately reach the ground
• Noise should be kept to a minimum
• An ergonomically designed keyboard and mouse should be considered
• Use a phone headset to free up hands and prevent cradling the phone with the neck

The following diagram is typical of ergonomic configurations. For the person who sits at a computer workstation 8 hours a day, a few simple adjustments can make a significant difference over the course of a year, or many years.

Ergonomic Products

Presented below are a few examples of products that can help you create a more ergonomically correct working environment:

Ergonomically Correct Keyboard	Keyboard Wrist Pad	Mouse Pad
Monitor Riser	Keyboard Tray	Wrist Support
Adjustable Chair with Folding Arms	Monrency Arm Rest	Grip Squeeze Balls
Glare Screen	Ergonomic Mouse	Padded Floor Mat
Back Support	Edge Protectors	Head Phones
Desk Lamp	Office Lighting	Workstation

Health at the Workplace

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. Although painful sensations may indicate other conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body's peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized.

The risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is not confined to people in a single industry or job, but is especially common in those performing assembly line work - manufacturing, sewing, finishing, cleaning, and meat, poultry, or fish packing. In fact, carpal tunnel syndrome is three times more common among assemblers than among data-entry personnel. A 2001 study by the Mayo Clinic found heavy computer use (up to 7 hours a day) did not increase a person's risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. During 1998, an estimated three of every 10,000 workers lost time from work because of carpal tunnel syndrome. Half of these workers missed more than 10 days of work. The average lifetime cost of carpal tunnel syndrome, including medical bills and lost time from work, is estimated to be about $30,000 for each injured worker.

Ergonomic Links

How to Sit Checklist - http://www.ergonomics.com.au/howtosit.htm
Examples of Bad Ergonomic Design - http://www.baddesigns.com/examples.html
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/carpal_tunnel.htm#whatis
Ergonomics for the Office - http://www.office-ergo.com/
OSHA’s Approach to Ergonomics -
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/four-pronged_factsheet.html
UCLA Ergonomics - http://ergonomics.ucla.edu/

Recommendations

q   Examine each workstation in your office for ergonomic flaws
q   Use a checklist to conduct a thorough review
q   Purchase ergonomic tools to create a better work environment

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