Ergonomics

INEN 30133
Activity Sheet
Name: Ulalan, Gazelle Joy C. Assessment: 1

Section/Time: 3-BSIE-2 Score:

In your own understanding, Brieftly explain what is Ergonomics by giving

example? 50pts.

- Based on what I have read, ergonomics or human factor is the systematic discipline
concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of
a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design
in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. In here, If the
ergonomic design is good, it removes the incompatibilities between the work and the
worker and creates the optimal work environment.
As a 3rd year industrial student, ergonomics is not new for me. I heard it since my
first-year class in the fundamentals of industrial engineering, but I am that
knowledgeable about how it is done. All I remember is that ergonomics is the study of
how people work in their environment.
One example is the monitor of the computer. It is the center of the office
workstation. Basically, if you are working in front of the computer, all of your
attention is focused on it throughout the day. Because it is the center of the workplace,
the improper positioning of it can cause you to adjust your body in a damaging way as
a result. Common thing is that you need to tilt your chin up or bend your head to
accommodate for the improper positioning of the monitors. This causes eyestrain,
headaches and body discomfort.
We need to consider here the viewing angle and distance of the monitor to the
worker. It is safe to assume that placing the monitor at around 15 degrees below
horizontal line of sight will result in comfortable positioning of the body. While the
viewing distance depends on the capacity of the worker. It will be the correct viewing
distance if the worker can easily read the screen without placing any strain in the
worker’s eyes.
Same as the monitor, desk and chairs are commonly subjected for ergonomics
because most of the time, workers use these in performing work. The positioning of the
mouse and keyboard should be positioned close together with the keyboard centered on
the desk to provide comfortability. Make sure that the keyboard is aligned to the center
of the body. Imagine when the mouse is placed far from the keyboard. It will not be
comfortable to the worker when he is doing an urgent task. Arranging what is on your
desk and also its height needs to be appropriate to the worker’s chair for good posture.
Next is the chair. Throughout the day, we spend so much time in front of our computer
and we need a good and comfortable chair for this. Failing to do so will result in many
illnesses, even bad posture. In ergonomics, these things are being considered in
choosing the right chair. First is a comfortable cushion. With this, spending much time
sitting in the chair is going to be the best bet for comfort. Second, is the armrests. It
gives the arms a healthy resting place when they aren’t use. Next is the adjustable seat
height. Because everyone’s bodies are different, it is important to be able to adjust the
height of the chair to suit the worker’s height. Next is the adjustable backrest and
lumbar support. It is really necessary for an office chair. Angling your chair forward
will allow you to use correct posture and reduce the likelihood to slouch. Also, the
human spine backs have a slight inward curve. The lumbar support will support the
posture by gently pushing forward the lower back of the worker. Next is the ability of
the chair to swivel and roll around. Reaching the items on the desk can strain the body.
Making these areas more easily accessible is the key to reduce the threat of injury
towards the worker.
Lastly, ergonomics teaches us to organize the items in the office by its frequency
of use. Placing the items that is being used more often within arm’s reach is necessary.
Items used less frequently can be kept further away to avoid cluttering the workplace
and cause harm and injury.
For me, the knowledge in ergonomics will help us increase the productivity,
improves the quality of the work produced, boost morale among the employees, also, a
reduction in employee turnover and lastly, we become more focused and concentrated
at work.