OFFICE AND WORKSTATION OFFICE AND WORKSTATION ERGONOMICSERGONOMICS

ConsiderationsConsiderations

Computer Workstation Ergonomics Risk Factors

Common Injuries Workstation Design

ERGONOMICS IS……ERGONOMICS IS……

The relationship of people to their tools, tasks, and environment

Tools are designed to fit the employee

What happens when things go wrong….

COMMONLY USED TERMSCOMMONLY USED TERMS

Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI) Overexertion Injuries (OE) Activity Related Soft Tissue Disorders

(ASTD) injuries or disorders of the muscles,

tendons,ligaments,joints,blood vessels, or related soft tissue including sprains and strains that may be caused or aggravated by work.

Signs and Symptoms of Signs and Symptoms of MSIMSI

Signs redness swelling movement is difficult skin colour change

Symptoms pain joint stiffness tight muscles feeling “pins & needles” numbness

IDENTIFIED POSITIONSIDENTIFIED POSITIONS

Neutral Posture (GOOD) Defined as the position our bodies take in

the absence of gravity (e.g., in space) Position in which repetitive stress injury is

least likely to occur

Static Positions (BAD) Muscles become fatigued when blood flow is

reduced

OFFICE WORKSTATION OFFICE WORKSTATION RISK FACTORSRISK FACTORS

Awkward postures Forceful exertions Repetition Static loading Localized contact stress DISCUSSION OF EMG,

DEMONSTRATION

IINJURIESIINJURIES

Tendonitis Bursitis Epicondylitis Eyestrain Headaches

TENDONITISTENDONITIS Tendonitis or

tenosynovits is an

inflammation of the tendon or tendon sheath

BURSITISBURSITIS Bursitis

bursa becomes inflamed due to excessive friction or rubbing. A bursa is a

sac like cavity filled with slippery fluid found between tendons and bony prominence-reduces friction

Carpal TunnelCarpal TunnelCarpal Tunnel

Syndrome

When lining around tendons is inflamed, there is less space for the nerve and it becomes compressed.

Workstation designWorkstation design Chair Monitor Keyboard Mouse Desk

CHAIRCHAIR

Choose one with maximum adjustments and simple controls Height Seat depth Seat angle Lumbar support Arm rests Tilt

NEUTRAL POSTURESNEUTRAL POSTURES

Sitting Head balanced naturally over shoulders (not protruding in front of body)

Shoulders relaxed, not hunched

Forearms and thighs parallel to the floor, at a 90 angle to upper arms and lower legs

Monitor PositioningMonitor Positioning

Directly in front of body

About 18-30 inches away from body (arm’s length)

Top of monitor about eye level, or slightly below

Key Board PositioningKey Board Positioning Keyboard tray with

adjustability (swivels left and right, tilts forward and back, allows for mouse, extends to different heights and positions)

Position so wrists are in neutral posture

Neutral Postures IncludeNeutral Postures Include

Wrist postureWrists straight, not bent or twisted

KeyboardsKeyboards

Several new styles of keyboards

Designed to promote neutral posture

MouseMouse

Should be at the same level and distance as the keyboard

New mouse designs (e.g., trackball) require less index finger work

Least flexible component

Obtain accessories to make due with existing furnishings

If able to purchase new, look for designs that will allow correct monitor, keyboard, and mouse positioning

DeskDesk

““Real Life”Real Life”

““Real Life”Real Life”

““Real Life”Real Life”

““Real Life”Real Life”