Ergonomy in work placeErgonomy in work place

Ergonomy presentation Ergonomy presentation Farnoosh KhodakaramiFarnoosh KhodakaramiHengameh VahabzadehHengameh VahabzadehSupervisor:Mr.GhayoorSupervisor:Mr.Ghayoor

Fall 2006Fall 2006

Ergonomy in work placeErgonomy in work place

Ergonomy:Ergonomy: Derived from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws) Derived from the Greek ergon (work) and nomos (laws) to denote the science of work, ergonomics is a systems-to denote the science of work, ergonomics is a systems-oriented discipline which now extends across all aspects oriented discipline which now extends across all aspects of human activity.of human activity.

Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of Ergonomists contribute to the design and evaluation of

tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order

to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and

limitations of peoplelimitations of people

Domains of specialization within the discipline of Domains of specialization within the discipline of ergonomics:ergonomics:

- - Physical ergonomicsPhysical ergonomics : :is concerned with human anatomical, is concerned with human anatomical,

anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they

relate to physical activity.relate to physical activity.

relevant topicsrelevant topics : :working postures, materials handling, working postures, materials handling,

repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace

layout, safety and health. layout, safety and health.

- - Cognitive ergonomicsCognitive ergonomics :is concerned with mental processes, such :is concerned with mental processes, such

as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect

interactions among humans and other elements of a system. interactions among humans and other elements of a system.

relevant topics :relevant topics :mental workload, decision-making, skilled mental workload, decision-making, skilled

performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress

and training as these may relate to human-system design.and training as these may relate to human-system design.

Organizational ergonomicsOrganizational ergonomics : :is concerned with the is concerned with the

optimization of sociotechnical systems, including their optimization of sociotechnical systems, including their

organizational structures, policies, and processes.organizational structures, policies, and processes.

relevant topicsrelevant topics : :communication, crew resource communication, crew resource

management, work design, design of working times, teamwork, management, work design, design of working times, teamwork,

participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work,

new work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality new work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality

management.management.

Work place layoutWork place layout

work spacework space : :Physical design of a workspace includes working out Physical design of a workspace includes working out

how much space needed, and positioning of furniture, tools, equipment how much space needed, and positioning of furniture, tools, equipment and any other items needed to perform the tasks, in respect of posture, and any other items needed to perform the tasks, in respect of posture, access, clearance, reach and vision of the user.access, clearance, reach and vision of the user.

work space factors :work space factors : What type of task will be carried out and what specific actions are to be What type of task will be carried out and what specific actions are to be

used to complete the task?used to complete the task? Will the potential users of the workspace (your user population) be seated Will the potential users of the workspace (your user population) be seated

or standing?or standing? What postures will the users have to adopt?What postures will the users have to adopt? What are the relevant body dimensions of the users? These dimensions What are the relevant body dimensions of the users? These dimensions

can be found in anthropometric tables. can be found in anthropometric tables. Do you need to design using minimum, average or maximum dimensions? Do you need to design using minimum, average or maximum dimensions? How far can the users reach, horizontally and vertically? How far can the users reach, horizontally and vertically? What are the visual aspects of the task?What are the visual aspects of the task?

Body dimensionsBody dimensions

- Designing for the 'average‘- Designing for the 'average‘

- Designing for adjustability- Designing for adjustability

- Designing for extreme individuals - Designing for extreme individuals

The workspace envelope :The workspace envelope :

A 'workspace envelope' is a 3-dimensional space within which you A 'workspace envelope' is a 3-dimensional space within which you carry out physical work activities when you are at a fixed location.carry out physical work activities when you are at a fixed location.

Visual workspace :Visual workspace : Frequently viewed items should be positioned within a Frequently viewed items should be positioned within a comfortable comfortable

zonezone in front of worker. in front of worker.

This is normally within This is normally within 15° above15° above, or , or 30° below30° below, the horizontal, and , the horizontal, and 15° 15° to the left and rightto the left and right..

In the normal, relaxed position of the head, neck and eyes, the line of In the normal, relaxed position of the head, neck and eyes, the line of sight is about sight is about 10 to 15° below10 to 15° below the horizontal the horizontal

Distance is also a factor in visual fatigue.Distance is also a factor in visual fatigue. Visual displays are comfortably viewed from Visual displays are comfortably viewed from 500-750mm500-750mm or more or more

Ergonomy in office workErgonomy in office work

Features of an office such as people, space, equipment, furniture and Features of an office such as people, space, equipment, furniture and the environment, must fit together well for workers to feel healthy and the environment, must fit together well for workers to feel healthy and comfortable and to be able to work efficiently and productively.comfortable and to be able to work efficiently and productively.

The Environment :The Environment : The environment, or surroundings, in which workers are working The environment, or surroundings, in which workers are working

includes temperature, ventilation, humidity, lighting, noise etc factors.includes temperature, ventilation, humidity, lighting, noise etc factors.

Lighting :Lighting : - Most people like to be able to see daylight- Most people like to be able to see daylight

-- Natural light is thought to make people feel better Natural light is thought to make people feel better

- Monitors need to be positioned so that there is no glare or reflection on the - Monitors need to be positioned so that there is no glare or reflection on the

screen.screen.

- Most people like to be able to control the artificial lighting levels in their work - Most people like to be able to control the artificial lighting levels in their work

area.area.

Light Source :Light Source :

The primary light source that man has relied on for thousands of years is The primary light source that man has relied on for thousands of years is the sun.the sun.

The variation in light levels over the 24 hours of the dayThe variation in light levels over the 24 hours of the day is is important for two reasons:important for two reasons:

- our bodies have natural rhythms- our bodies have natural rhythms

- - we appear to have a biological need for lightwe appear to have a biological need for light

Artificial light :Artificial light : two main types of lamps used to provide interior lighting :two main types of lamps used to provide interior lighting : - - incandescent light (light bulbs)incandescent light (light bulbs) - fluorescent tube- fluorescent tube

Light Levels :Light Levels :

different tasks need different minimum amounts of light to be performed at a different tasks need different minimum amounts of light to be performed at a satisfactory level ( Ex. paperwork and screen work as screens emit their own light )satisfactory level ( Ex. paperwork and screen work as screens emit their own light )

Direction of light Direction of light

GlareGlare

Temperature and ventilation :Temperature and ventilation :

A suitable physical climate is needed to feel comfortable and be A suitable physical climate is needed to feel comfortable and be

efficient at work. The environment feels comfortable when you are barely efficient at work. The environment feels comfortable when you are barely

aware of the climatic conditions. It is only when the temperature aware of the climatic conditions. It is only when the temperature

decreases or increases beyond your comfort limits that you become aware decreases or increases beyond your comfort limits that you become aware

of discomfort.of discomfort.

comfort zone:comfort zone:

20-22ºC in winter20-22ºC in winter

20-24ºC in summer20-24ºC in summer

Noise :Noise :

Noise is any annoying, disturbing or unwanted sound.Noise is any annoying, disturbing or unwanted sound.

Noise effects on people : Noise effects on people : irritate people;irritate people; interfere with verbal communication;interfere with verbal communication; reduce working efficiency;reduce working efficiency; disturb sleep;disturb sleep;

damage hearing.damage hearing.

The effects of noise:The effects of noise:

DeafnessDeafness

The main effect of noise is the development of deafness, especially when The main effect of noise is the development of deafness, especially when

you are exposed to high levels of continuous noise. This may result in you are exposed to high levels of continuous noise. This may result in

'noise-induced occupational deafness'.'noise-induced occupational deafness'.

Noise and performance:Noise and performance:

Noise causes fatigue and loss of concentration and efficiency, resulting in a Noise causes fatigue and loss of concentration and efficiency, resulting in a

decrease in work output and an increase in the number of mistakes madedecrease in work output and an increase in the number of mistakes made

The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides some guidance on acceptable The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides some guidance on acceptable

levels of noise in the community.levels of noise in the community.

Why ergonomics is important in office?Why ergonomics is important in office?

Injuries like:Injuries like:

WRULDWRULD: work related upper limb disorders: work related upper limb disorders

Recent studies suggest a condition called Recent studies suggest a condition called e-thrombosise-thrombosis, an , an ailment where blood clots form as a result of sitting for a long ailment where blood clots form as a result of sitting for a long length of time, is growing among professionals with desk jobslength of time, is growing among professionals with desk jobs

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).    

Professionals who spend an extensive amount of time in front of Professionals who spend an extensive amount of time in front of computers are at high risk for Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).   computers are at high risk for Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).   These musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel These musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, lower back pain and tension headaches,syndrome, tendonitis, lower back pain and tension headaches,

Posture at workPosture at work Changing your posture throughout the day is positive because Changing your posture throughout the day is positive because

when you change postures, the loads of sitting shift to different when you change postures, the loads of sitting shift to different

parts of the body, allowing your body to recover from extended parts of the body, allowing your body to recover from extended

static postures. static postures.

For most people, it is quite a challenge to maintain good posture For most people, it is quite a challenge to maintain good posture

while sitting in an office chair and working for long hours in front while sitting in an office chair and working for long hours in front

of a computerof a computer

a surprising number of people sit a surprising number of people sit at the frontat the front of their office chair of their office chair

and and hunch forwardhunch forward in an attempt to get closer to their computer in an attempt to get closer to their computer

screenscreen

leaning forward 30 degrees in an attempt to get closer to the leaning forward 30 degrees in an attempt to get closer to the

computer screen puts 3 to 4 times more strain on the backcomputer screen puts 3 to 4 times more strain on the back

Technique to avoid hunching while Technique to avoid hunching while

sitting in an office chair sitting in an office chair To avoid the natural tendency to hunch forward while sitting in To avoid the natural tendency to hunch forward while sitting in

an office chair and working at a computer, Place a tennis an office chair and working at a computer, Place a tennis ball between the middle back and the office chair on each ball between the middle back and the office chair on each side of the spineside of the spine

if one does get absorbed into work and starts to lean if one does get absorbed into work and starts to lean forward the tennis ball will fall out, serving as a concrete forward the tennis ball will fall out, serving as a concrete reminder to stop hunching forward and straining the back.reminder to stop hunching forward and straining the back.

Because the mind senses the ball, it remains connected Because the mind senses the ball, it remains connected with the body instead of being completely absorbed by with the body instead of being completely absorbed by what is on the computer screen. Maintaining more what is on the computer screen. Maintaining more awareness of the body allows one to more easily maintain awareness of the body allows one to more easily maintain better posturebetter posture

postureposture Your arms and legsYour arms and legs Make sure that your upper arms are vertical (or close to Make sure that your upper arms are vertical (or close to

it), and your forearms are horizontal (or close to it) so that there is it), and your forearms are horizontal (or close to it) so that there is approximately a right angle at your elbowsapproximately a right angle at your elbows

your shoulders should be relaxed,your shoulders should be relaxed,

your elbows should just about be level with the desk surface or very slightly your elbows should just about be level with the desk surface or very slightly above. If not, you should adjust your chair to get you to the height that allows above. If not, you should adjust your chair to get you to the height that allows this.this.

Your head and neckYour head and neck Aim to keep your neck vertical and relaxed and your Aim to keep your neck vertical and relaxed and your head upright.head upright.

Look straight ahead at the screen, or slightly down (never up - too much Look straight ahead at the screen, or slightly down (never up - too much muscle use!). Adjust the height of the screen if necessary.muscle use!). Adjust the height of the screen if necessary.

Adjust the distance of the screen so Adjust the distance of the screen so that you can read the characters that you can read the characters

Keep your wrists straight, in line with Keep your wrists straight, in line with your forearms, and relaxed.your forearms, and relaxed.

The forearm and hand make up 5%The forearm and hand make up 5% of an average body weight soof an average body weight so improper positioning can result in fatigueimproper positioning can result in fatigue

Posture at workPosture at work

seatseatSaetSaet

HeightHeightThe seat should be able to adjust until your thighs areThe seat should be able to adjust until your thighs are

parallel to theground. parallel to theground. At a fixed-height work surface, the chair should beAt a fixed-height work surface, the chair should be

set at a height so the worker's elbows are level with set at a height so the worker's elbows are level with

the height of the workstationthe height of the workstation

Saet panSaet panThe seat pan depth should be adjustable to provide a fist-The seat pan depth should be adjustable to provide a fist-width to three-finger gap between the back of the calf and the width to three-finger gap between the back of the calf and the front edge of the seat pan.front edge of the seat pan.The seat pan should have a waterfall (rounded) front edgeThe seat pan should have a waterfall (rounded) front edge

Sharp corners, even when they’re made of padding, increase Sharp corners, even when they’re made of padding, increase the pressure on the backs of the thighs. A rounded front edge the pressure on the backs of the thighs. A rounded front edge distributes the pressure over a larger area.distributes the pressure over a larger area.

BackrestThe backrest height should be adjustable so the lumbar support can be fitted to The backrest height should be adjustable so the lumbar support can be fitted to the low backthe low backThe backrest should mirror the shape of your back to provide support. It The backrest should mirror the shape of your back to provide support. It should be able to support the natural curve of the spineshould be able to support the natural curve of the spine

ArmrestsArmrests Armrests should be adjustable. They should allow the user's arms to rest Armrests should be adjustable. They should allow the user's arms to rest

comfortably and shoulders to be relaxed.comfortably and shoulders to be relaxed. They should be rounded on the edges. They should be rounded on the edges. Optional: most armrests are spaced too widely apart for the user to use Optional: most armrests are spaced too widely apart for the user to use

them comfortablythem comfortably

SwivelSwivel Any conventional style or ergonomic office chair should easily Any conventional style or ergonomic office chair should easily

rotate so the user can reach different areas of his or her desk rotate so the user can reach different areas of his or her desk without strainingwithout straining

Seat materialSeat material..

The material on the seat and back of the ergonomic office chair The material on the seat and back of the ergonomic office chair should have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on for should have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. Having a cloth fabric that breathes is extended periods of time. Having a cloth fabric that breathes is

preferable to a harder surface.preferable to a harder surface.

The chair should have at least 5 castors at the base to The chair should have at least 5 castors at the base to ensure stabilityensure stability

FootrestsFootrests

If the feet cannot be firmly planted on the floor, then a footrest is If the feet cannot be firmly planted on the floor, then a footrest is

requiredrequired

Footrests are way to shift postures or provide support for the feet Footrests are way to shift postures or provide support for the feet

if the chair cannot be loweredif the chair cannot be lowered

A footrest should be height adjustable. Adjust the footrest until the A footrest should be height adjustable. Adjust the footrest until the

thighs are parallel to the floor +/- 1-3 inchesthighs are parallel to the floor +/- 1-3 inches

DesksDesks Desks are usually a standard height of about Desks are usually a standard height of about

720mm. This is fine for most people but. 720mm. This is fine for most people but. Particularly short or tall people may need an Particularly short or tall people may need an adjustable-height deskadjustable-height desk

. . You need enough desk space for your You need enough desk space for your

paperwork,  the computer (monitor, keyboard paperwork,  the computer (monitor, keyboard and  mouse) and any additional equipment and  mouse) and any additional equipment that you need to do your job. that you need to do your job. 

The desk should not have any obstructions The desk should not have any obstructions underneath like drawers or supports, that underneath like drawers or supports, that force you to sit in uncomfortable positionsforce you to sit in uncomfortable positions

Some desks are 'radial' - L-shaped with a Some desks are 'radial' - L-shaped with a curve in the middle where you sit. These can curve in the middle where you sit. These can be quite comfortable for computer work as be quite comfortable for computer work as you can have everything you need close at you can have everything you need close at hand in an arc around you. hand in an arc around you.

KeyboardKeyboard The keyboard should be positionedThe keyboard should be positioned directly in front of the monitor directly in front of the monitor when the user's fingers are placed on when the user's fingers are placed on the keyboard, the forearms should rest the keyboard, the forearms should rest

parallel to the floor with the upper arms parallel to the floor with the upper arms hanging comfortably to the sides.hanging comfortably to the sides.

The keyboard should not force the user's The keyboard should not force the user's wrists into flexion. Constant flexion of the wrists into flexion. Constant flexion of the wrists will cause unnecessary muscle wrists will cause unnecessary muscle tension, which will often result in fatigue tension, which will often result in fatigue and injuryand injury

Place your keyboard in front of you with Place your keyboard in front of you with enough room to rest your hands when you enough room to rest your hands when you are not typing. are not typing.

MouseMouseThe mouse should be positioned at the same height as theThe mouse should be positioned at the same height as the keyboard. keyboard.The user should be able to access the mouse with their arm at a The user should be able to access the mouse with their arm at a comfortable 90 angle to eliminate any strain on the shoulder.�comfortable 90 angle to eliminate any strain on the shoulder.�. Bring the mouse as close to the keyboard as you can so that . Bring the mouse as close to the keyboard as you can so that you don't have to stretch to use it.you don't have to stretch to use it.

MonitorsMonitors

The top of the screen should be at or below eye levelThe top of the screen should be at or below eye level

15” monitors are the minimum recommended size, though 17” 15” monitors are the minimum recommended size, though 17” monitors becoming increasingly commonmonitors becoming increasingly common

The monitor should sit directly in front of the userThe monitor should sit directly in front of the user Adjust the distance of the screen so that you can read the Adjust the distance of the screen so that you can read the

characters clearly characters clearly The viewing distance to the computer screen should be between The viewing distance to the computer screen should be between

13” – 28” to minimize eyestrain. Lighting is also very important.   13” – 28” to minimize eyestrain. Lighting is also very important.   The monitor should be at a 90 angle to a window, where the light �The monitor should be at a 90 angle to a window, where the light �is least likely to produce a glareis least likely to produce a glare

Visibility: Keep the computer screen clean by wiping it very lightly Visibility: Keep the computer screen clean by wiping it very lightly when needed with a damp paper towel or monitor cleaning when needed with a damp paper towel or monitor cleaning solution.solution.

  Phones (Headsets)Phones (Headsets)

    Users who frequently use the phone and computer simultaneously or are on Users who frequently use the phone and computer simultaneously or are on

the phone for extended periods of time should consider a headsetthe phone for extended periods of time should consider a headset

. Headsets reduce the tendency to cradle the phone and allow the user to . Headsets reduce the tendency to cradle the phone and allow the user to

work with both hands while conversing on the phonework with both hands while conversing on the phone

Breaks –Breaks –

Proper break periods are commonly overlooked when close to a deadline or Proper break periods are commonly overlooked when close to a deadline or in a period of intense work.   Taking the recommended ergonomics breaks in a period of intense work.   Taking the recommended ergonomics breaks will increase energy, productivity and comfort while decreasing stresswill increase energy, productivity and comfort while decreasing stress

Short Breaks every hour are recommended for workers to perform at peak Short Breaks every hour are recommended for workers to perform at peak ability and prevent injuriesability and prevent injuries

      Short, frequent breaks are more beneficial than longer, more infrequent Short, frequent breaks are more beneficial than longer, more infrequent ones.ones.

Sitting for more than an hour without moving can put stress on the body Sitting for more than an hour without moving can put stress on the body due to the static posture that you are forced to sustaindue to the static posture that you are forced to sustain

Active breaks are a short time-out from typing or tasks being performing Active breaks are a short time-out from typing or tasks being performing for an extended period of time. This is not a break from work, just a break for an extended period of time. This is not a break from work, just a break from the activityThe user can get up and stretch, stand up while on the from the activityThe user can get up and stretch, stand up while on the phonephone

Eye Breaks are one of the most important breaks for workers who spend Eye Breaks are one of the most important breaks for workers who spend most of their day staring at a computer screen. Eyestrain is a major cause most of their day staring at a computer screen. Eyestrain is a major cause of tension headachesof tension headaches

At least once an hour focus on an object that is at least 20 feet away. At least once an hour focus on an object that is at least 20 feet away. These few moments each hour can spare workers days of discomfortThese few moments each hour can spare workers days of discomfort

.  .  

ExercisesExercises a good exercise would be to stretch a good exercise would be to stretch

muscles that are opposing the ones that muscles that are opposing the ones that you normally use. This will allow you to you normally use. This will allow you to achieve a balance within muscle groups.achieve a balance within muscle groups.

Roll your head in circles, stretching more Roll your head in circles, stretching more toward each shouldertoward each shoulder

Eyestrain tip: Blink often, and take Eyestrain tip: Blink often, and take frequent rest pauses; close your eyes for a frequent rest pauses; close your eyes for a minute, refocus by looking away from your minute, refocus by looking away from your monitor at something in the distance, and monitor at something in the distance, and roll your eyes up and down, left to right. roll your eyes up and down, left to right.

Thanks for your attention