What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is a science of fitting the job

to the worker

Failure of Ergonomics can result in health problem:

Postural problems

Visual problems

Fatigue and stress

 DSE – Possible effects on health

Postural problems (WRMSD)

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Shoulders and Neck Disorders
• Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Back Injury Health problems

Visual problems

• Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS): eye strain, dry eyes

• Headache

Fatigue and Stress

DSE – What happens when you work with a bad
posture?
HEADACHE

NECK AND SHOULDER EYESTRAIN

STIFFNESS

BACKACHE JAW STIFFNESS

DECREASED CIRCULATION
INSUFFICIENT BREATHING

PRESSURE ON NERVES
PRESSURE ON DISCS AND TENDONS
AND LIGAMENTS
DECREASED
COMPRESSION CIRCULATION
OF INTERNAL NUMBNESS
ORGANS AND PAIN
 Anatomy of the Carpal Tunnel

The base of the wrist tunnel is

composed of eight small bones,
called carpal bones.

The top is covered with the carpal

ligament.

Through the small carpal tunnel

passes the nine flexor tendons, along
with the median nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Burning, tingling fingers

• Numbness in the fingers

• Pain relieved by dangling the hand

over the edge of the bed and by
shaking

• Cold arm and hand

Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome

• Symmetrical muscle pain above and below the waist

• Headache and jaw pain
• Tender points ( at least 11 out of 18)
• Impairment of daily activities
• Depression and fatigue
• Sleep disorders
Myofascial muscle pain which is more localised than
fibromyalgia.
• Trigger points ( string-like areas in the shoulders and
neck)
 Posture, Posture, Posture

The spine has three natural curves !!!

• Cervical
• Thoracic
• Lumbar

These curves allow for the centre of gravity to

be placed over the feet.

Disruption of the curves can come from chronic poor posture, or from
lifting incorrectly !!!
 Computer Vision Syndrome

• Watery, burning, red, sore, tired eyes

• Headache
• Pain in neck and back

Prevention !!! • Contact lens discomfort

• Take vision breaks • Sensitivity to light increased
• Glance across the room
• Refocus your eyes
• Blink
 DSE – Why all the concern?

1995 Self Reported Work - Related

Illness
12

10
Days lost - millions

1.2 million suffer from WRMSDs:

8 44% - back injury

32% - neck and upper limb
6
9% - lower limbs
4 15% - more than one part of the body

0
WRMSD Stress Other
 Musculoskeletal Disorders – Understanding
Cause

Causes

Poor / Awkward Posture Static Posture Patterns of work

• Twisted / Angled spine / neck • Poor job design • Period of intensity

• Twisted / Angled wrist / hands • Inadequate breaks • Overlong hours
• Stretched arm • Work culture • Period with large amount of
repetition

Individual Factors

• Prior injury / Hypertension Prolonged or incorrect Stressful circumstances

• Rheumatoid arthritis application of force Psychosocial factors
• Thyroid disorders / Diabetes
• House work / Second jobs
 DSE – A good working posture

15-20 o

Adjust your furniture and not your body

 DSE – Keyboard and Mouse

• Forearm and wrist in a neutral position

• Use all fingers and both hands when keying

• Do not overstretch your fingers

• Use keyboard shortcut

• Use helpful mouse functions, e.g. automatic

movement of pointer to the dialog box;

• Learn to type
5
LEFT T RIGHT
HAND G HAND • Keep your mouse close to work area
B

• Use whole arm and shoulder to move mouse

 DSE – Keyboard Tips

Don’t hammer the keys

Office Ergonomics
Office Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a science of fitting the job
to the worker
 Office Ergonomics

• Achieve good working posture

• Adjust workstation and achieve good viewing conditions

• Pause every 15 – 20 minutes

• Do something else
• Look into distance
• Stretch

• Take 5 minutes of breaks every hour

• Break at regular intervals
• Rest your eye muscles
• Exercise your limbs and neck
 Exercising your limbs and neck
Exercise 5
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3 Exercise 4
Middle-Upper
Knee Kiss Windmill Back Relaxer Pectoral Stretch
Back Stretch

Exercise 6 Exercise 7 Exercise 8 Exercise 9 Exercise 10

Side Stretch Fingers Stretch Shoulder Roll Neck Quadriceps
 Health Planning

Health is a state of total physical, psychological and social

well being

Our aim is to achieve:

“no harm to people”

The tool to deliver this is Health Planning