Introduction to Office Ergonomics In addition to this online slideshow, the OH&S Unit can run...

Introduction to Office ErgonomicsIntroduction to Office Ergonomics

In addition to this online slideshow, the OH&S In addition to this online slideshow, the OH&S Unit can run face-to-face training sessions that Unit can run face-to-face training sessions that includes practical instruction in how to set up a includes practical instruction in how to set up a

workstation. Call x35666.workstation. Call x35666.

1Occupational Health & Safety Unit

What is ErgonomicsWhat is Ergonomics

Ergonomics refers to the interaction between Ergonomics refers to the interaction between the individual, their work and work the individual, their work and work environment so that human capabilities are environment so that human capabilities are reinforced without exceeding human reinforced without exceeding human limitations.limitations.


Ergonomics is involved in the interaction Ergonomics is involved in the interaction of the three components of all work tasks:of the three components of all work tasks:

The WorkThe Work The Worker The Worker The WorkspaceThe Workspace


4

An example of poorly set up workstations.

5Another example.

What Does Ergonomics Aim To Do?What Does Ergonomics Aim To Do?

The aim of Ergonomics is to minimise the The aim of Ergonomics is to minimise the mismatch that occurs between the person mismatch that occurs between the person and the job or match the capabilities of and the job or match the capabilities of humans and the requirements of the job humans and the requirements of the job they are expected to perform. they are expected to perform.

Where possible, all attempts should be Where possible, all attempts should be made to made to fit the job to the personfit the job to the person. .


Workplace InjuriesWorkplace Injuries

Back painBack pain Shoulder and arm Shoulder and arm

painpain HeadachesHeadaches


Providing a telephone headset can reduce the incidence of headaches caused by cradling the phone in the neck while taking a message.

LightingLighting Workers should be able to seeWorkers should be able to see clearly. clearly. Safely perform their work.Safely perform their work. Measurement of light levels is in lux. Measurement of light levels is in lux. Examples of levels for reference material:Examples of levels for reference material:

– good, simple detail - 240 Luxgood, simple detail - 240 Lux– average detail - 320 Luxaverage detail - 320 Lux– poor, fine detail - 600 Luxpoor, fine detail - 600 Lux


More information on lighting issues later on in the slideshow.

Work RestWork Rest

The length of the pause and how often they The length of the pause and how often they are taken depends on the work, the person are taken depends on the work, the person and other factorsand other factors

Frequent short pauses are preferable to Frequent short pauses are preferable to infrequent longer pauses.infrequent longer pauses.


Staff should be encouraged to take regular rest breaks from a given task, even if this means changing the task.

Body MechanicsBody Mechanics

Tendons and ligaments cross over joints to Tendons and ligaments cross over joints to form levers.form levers.

The best, strongest and safest work position The best, strongest and safest work position is when the joints are at mid range. is when the joints are at mid range.


Muscle ActivityMuscle Activity

Dynamic muscle activity – when joints are at mid-range.Static muscle activity – when joints are at their extreme range.


12Above, all joints at mid-range causing dynamic muscle loading. This is a ‘comfortable’ posture.

Occupational Overuse SyndromeOccupational Overuse Syndrome

A collective term for a range of A collective term for a range of conditions characterised by discomfort or conditions characterised by discomfort or persistent pain in muscles, tendons and persistent pain in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues with or without visible other soft tissues with or without visible symptoms.symptoms.


Contributing FactorsContributing Factors

Repetitive movementRepetitive movementSustained or constrained posturesSustained or constrained posturesForceful movementsForceful movementsIncentive schemes that influence work rateIncentive schemes that influence work rateTight deadlinesTight deadlinesDependent on the duration and frequency Dependent on the duration and frequency of the tasks being performed.of the tasks being performed.


How Injuries OccurHow Injuries Occur

Static Muscle Contraction

Muscles Tense

Blood Flow is reduced

Muscle Nutrition is reduced

Waste products (lactic acid) build up

Muscle pain and fatigue

Injury/Disability


Efficient PostureEfficient Posture

Places minimal or balanced stress on Places minimal or balanced stress on different body parts. different body parts. Requires minimal muscular effort to Requires minimal muscular effort to sustain.sustain.Is perceived as comfortable by the Is perceived as comfortable by the individual.individual.


See example on Slide 12.

It is important to reinforce that all persons It is important to reinforce that all persons should vary posture regularly and usually should vary posture regularly and usually between sitting and standing/walking.between sitting and standing/walking.

17

Efficient PostureEfficient Posture

Occupational Health & Safety Unit

For example, rather than place a printer on a desk,locate it where the staff member has to get up and walk to retrieve printed documents

Setting Up The WorkstationSetting Up The Workstation

Work reachWork reachMost frequently used items should be Most frequently used items should be within approximately 350-450mm. within approximately 350-450mm. Less used items can be at a further Less used items can be at a further distance.distance.


This is a fundamental of ergonomics and eliminates unnecessary work.

Type of work performed. Type of work performed. Items being handled.Items being handled.Tools and controls usedTools and controls usedHeight of the workersHeight of the workers

19

Work surface height - standingWork surface height - standing


When setting up an area such as a bench or counter for work to be performed while standing the abovefactors should be taken into consideration.

Benches for collating/stapling - below Benches for collating/stapling - below elbow height.elbow height.Benches for writing - above elbow height. Benches for writing - above elbow height. Recommended height for reception Recommended height for reception counters - 900-1100mm.counters - 900-1100mm.However, depends on worker’s height.However, depends on worker’s height.

20

Work surface height - standingWork surface height - standing


Recommended dimensions for seated workstations can be obtained from the ‘toolbox’ on the OH&S web page.

Most workers can manage with a ‘fixed Most workers can manage with a ‘fixed height’ work area if chair is adjustable.height’ work area if chair is adjustable.Clerical Work - adjust chair height so top Clerical Work - adjust chair height so top surface of desk is just above elbow level.surface of desk is just above elbow level.Keyboard work - home row of keyboard Keyboard work - home row of keyboard should be at approximately elbow height.should be at approximately elbow height.Allow adequate clearance for thighs.Allow adequate clearance for thighs.

21

Work surface height - sittingWork surface height - sitting


Instruction on how to adjust a chair can be found in the ‘toolbox’ on the OH&S web page.

Main principles areMain principles are::Spine should be supported using the Spine should be supported using the backrest.backrest.Static loading needs to be minimised.Static loading needs to be minimised.

2222

Seat DesignSeat Design


Features should include:Features should include:A backrest that is adjustable in angle A backrest that is adjustable in angle and height and depth (not always and height and depth (not always available).available).Cloth covered back and seat.Cloth covered back and seat.Curved front edge.Curved front edge.

23



A good chair should have:A good chair should have:Gas strut for height adjustabilityGas strut for height adjustabilityFive star base for stability.Five star base for stability.

Kneeling chairs or exercise balls only to be Kneeling chairs or exercise balls only to be used with written medical recommendation.used with written medical recommendation.

24



““Executive” chairs Executive” chairs have limited have limited adjustability.adjustability.

25



Arm rests are usually unnecessary. Arm rests are usually unnecessary. Higher (drafting) chairs are usually harder to Higher (drafting) chairs are usually harder to get up onto, the ring may cause tripping.get up onto, the ring may cause tripping.Castors are suitable for carpeted floors. Castors are suitable for carpeted floors. Glides to be used on hard floor surfaces.Glides to be used on hard floor surfaces.

26



KeyboardsKeyboards

27

Should be placed in front of the screen and Should be placed in front of the screen and directly in front of the user so that there is directly in front of the user so that there is no need to twist or rotate to use it. no need to twist or rotate to use it. Should be placed near the front edge of the Should be placed near the front edge of the desk to reduce the reach distance.desk to reduce the reach distance.


28

‘‘Feet’ at rear of keyboard should beFeet’ at rear of keyboard should be kept kept in a lowered position to minimise the height in a lowered position to minimise the height and angle of the keyboard. and angle of the keyboard. Where possible the keyboard should be Where possible the keyboard should be moved away to allow the work surface to be moved away to allow the work surface to be used for other tasks such as writing.used for other tasks such as writing.

KeyboardsKeyboards


Split keyboards Split keyboards enable the joints to enable the joints to adopt a neutral adopt a neutral posture while posture while keying. keying.

29

KeyboardsKeyboards


30

KeyboardsKeyboards


Another split keyboard.

31

The use of wrist rests should be viewed The use of wrist rests should be viewed with some caution. with some caution. The whole hand should move and not be The whole hand should move and not be kept in one position with the fingers kept in one position with the fingers reaching sideways. reaching sideways.

Wrist RestsWrist Rests


32

Wrist supports (keyboard)Wrist supports (keyboard)


33

Wrist Supports (mouse)Wrist Supports (mouse)


Mouse mats with, a pad for supporting the wrist, come in various shapes and styles.

34

Top of the screen should be at horizontal eye Top of the screen should be at horizontal eye level or lower, to minimise neck flexion. level or lower, to minimise neck flexion. Where large screens are used, may need Where large screens are used, may need some of screen above horizontal eye level.some of screen above horizontal eye level.Screen should be 350-750 mm from eyes.Screen should be 350-750 mm from eyes.Distance can vary with individual Distance can vary with individual preferences.preferences.

Computer ScreensComputer Screens


35

Workers wearing bifocals may tilt head back Workers wearing bifocals may tilt head back which may result in neck discomfort. which may result in neck discomfort. Multifocal lenses not suitable for VDU’s. Multifocal lenses not suitable for VDU’s. Workers may purchase glasses prescribed for Workers may purchase glasses prescribed for computer, or position computer screen as low computer, or position computer screen as low as possible and with an increase tilt as possible and with an increase tilt backwards, if they have no other glasses.backwards, if they have no other glasses.

Computer ScreensComputer Screens


36

Adjustable document holder may reduce Adjustable document holder may reduce forward neck inclination which may cause forward neck inclination which may cause neck strain. neck strain. Documents should be placed level to screen Documents should be placed level to screen or between keyboard and the screen.or between keyboard and the screen.Reading documents resting on the desk for Reading documents resting on the desk for prolonged periods may cause neck and prolonged periods may cause neck and shoulder strain.shoulder strain.

Document HoldersDocument Holders


37

FootrestsFootrests

Footrests are required by people who are Footrests are required by people who are unable to place their feet flat on the floor unable to place their feet flat on the floor when sitting in a correctly adjusted chair. when sitting in a correctly adjusted chair. A correctly adjusted foot stool should allow A correctly adjusted foot stool should allow the person’s legs to be at right angles with the person’s legs to be at right angles with no pressure on the underside of the thighs.no pressure on the underside of the thighs.


38

Mouse and TrackballMouse and Trackball

The mouse should not place undue pressure The mouse should not place undue pressure on the wrist and forearm muscles:on the wrist and forearm muscles:Avoid stretching the arm in extension. Avoid stretching the arm in extension. Place the mouse beside the keyboard.Place the mouse beside the keyboard.Ensure mouse operates smoothly with the Ensure mouse operates smoothly with the minimum of force.minimum of force.


39


Keep the arm by the side of the body with Keep the arm by the side of the body with the forearm supported by the work surface.the forearm supported by the work surface.Move the keyboard out of the way if Move the keyboard out of the way if necessary.necessary.Avoid constant use without rest breaks.Avoid constant use without rest breaks.Learn to use it with either hand.Learn to use it with either hand.



Other issues:Other issues:Clogging – clean regularly, discard if bad.Clogging – clean regularly, discard if bad.Optical mice preferred as no clogging.Optical mice preferred as no clogging.Cordless mice can be used when left and Cordless mice can be used when left and right handed people are using a workstation right handed people are using a workstation or if box located too far from monitor.or if box located too far from monitor.Scroll wheels can reduce the amount of ‘cut Scroll wheels can reduce the amount of ‘cut and paste’.and paste’.


41

Laptop / Notebook ComputersLaptop / Notebook Computers

These do not allow correct ergonomics due to These do not allow correct ergonomics due to the compact nature of the equipment. the compact nature of the equipment. Arm and neck position are less than ideal. Arm and neck position are less than ideal. When using it for a long time it is better to When using it for a long time it is better to plug laptop into regular screen and keyboard.plug laptop into regular screen and keyboard.Can just use keyboard and mouse with screen Can just use keyboard and mouse with screen raised to normal monitor height.raised to normal monitor height.Use plug in mouse rather than touch pad.Use plug in mouse rather than touch pad.


42

Lighting issuesLighting issues

Glare:Glare:Occurs when one part of an area is much Occurs when one part of an area is much brighter than the background or vice versa. brighter than the background or vice versa. If a bright window is positioned behind a If a bright window is positioned behind a computer screen, the contrast and glare can computer screen, the contrast and glare can be considerable. be considerable.


43

Control light through windows (blinds).Control light through windows (blinds).Reduce contrast between foreground and Reduce contrast between foreground and background.background.Reposition workstation to reduce light Reposition workstation to reduce light falling on the work surface. falling on the work surface. Reduce general lighting to suit the task.Reduce general lighting to suit the task.

To Reduce GlareTo Reduce Glare


44

Light reflected from a surface can make it Light reflected from a surface can make it difficult to see what is on it. difficult to see what is on it.

To reduce reflections especially from To reduce reflections especially from computer screens, position screen side-on computer screens, position screen side-on to main light source. to main light source.

ReflectionReflection


If repositioning If repositioning doesn’t work, use doesn’t work, use screen filters.screen filters.

45

Screen FiltersScreen Filters


46

Shadows can encourage poor postures.To Shadows can encourage poor postures.To reduce:reduce:Reposition work.Reposition work.Redirecting lighting.Redirecting lighting.Install adjustable task lamp.Install adjustable task lamp.Remove barriers to light.Remove barriers to light.

ShadowsShadows


47

Posture Posture

Awkward posture can arise when people Awkward posture can arise when people find it difficult to see what they are working find it difficult to see what they are working with and they may lean closer to the object with and they may lean closer to the object or bring it closer to their eyes.or bring it closer to their eyes.


48

Visual RestVisual Rest

Eye muscles can become tired when Eye muscles can become tired when constantly focused on close work. constantly focused on close work. To control visual tiredness, the person should To control visual tiredness, the person should focus on an object at a different distance to focus on an object at a different distance to work that theywork that they have been looking at.have been looking at.


This is a similar principle to taking rest breaksby varying tasks.

49

Assessing specific issuesAssessing specific issues


When specific symptoms arise, it is When specific symptoms arise, it is necessary to: necessary to: Clarify the symptoms Clarify the symptoms Attempt to assess the cause of the Attempt to assess the cause of the symptoms when considering the symptoms when considering the ergonomics of the work and workstation.ergonomics of the work and workstation.

50

Use of a checklistUse of a checklist


The key issues are to determine:The key issues are to determine:Whether equipment is positioned Whether equipment is positioned correctly and is being used correctly.correctly and is being used correctly.Whether or not static muscle loading is Whether or not static muscle loading is occurring.occurring.Whether or not aspects of the work are Whether or not aspects of the work are repetitive.repetitive.

An ergonomics checklist and other useful documentation can be obtained from the ‘toolbox’ on the OH&S web page.

Introduction to Office Ergonomics In addition to this online slideshow, the OH&S Unit can run...

Documents

Transcript of Introduction to Office Ergonomics In addition to this online slideshow, the OH&S Unit can run...