Chapter 4 Workplace Environment and Ergonomics

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

AND ERGONOMICS

AW101 Occupational Safety and Health 1

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Ergonomics is the study of human potential and capabilities with respect to the demands at work.

“Ergon” which means work and “nomoi” which means laws of nature.

It was first coined by Wojciech Jastrzebowski in1875

Its earlier name was Human Factors. It is essentially used to design work environments that are safe and efficient.

HISTORY OF ERGONOMICS

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Ergonomics is a science concerned with the ‘fit’ between people and their work. It puts people first, taking account of their capabilities and limitations.

Ergonomics aims to make sure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each worker.

WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?

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To assess the fit between a person and their work, ergonomists have to consider many aspects. These include:

■ The job being done and the demands on the worker

■ The equipment used (its size, shape, and how appropriate it is for the task);

■ The information used (how it is presented, accessed, and changed);

■ the physical environment (temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, vibration)

ERGONOMICS

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Body Size and

Shape

Fitness and

Strength

Posture The Senses, Especia

lly Vision,

Hearing and

Touch

The Stresses and

Strains On

Muscles, Joints, Nerves

ERGONOMISTS CONSIDER ALL THE PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF A PERSON, SUCH AS:

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Applying ergonomics to the workplace: •Reduces the potential for accidents•Reduces the potential for injury and ill health• Improves performance and productivity.

HOW CAN ERGONOMICS IMPROVE HEALTH AND SAFETY?

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Sitting can be hard on youShift around in your seat, changing

positions frequently.

ERGONOMICS TIPS

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Take frequent micro-breaks (short time-outs to relax your body). Stand and stretch or do easy back exercises at your desk.

ERGONOMICS TIPS

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Position the work surface slightly above your waist

ERGONOMICS TIPS

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Plan out your work spaceArrange your work area in a logical

manner to save unnecessary movement. Ensure the supplies and equipment you use most often are within reach.

ERGONOMICS TIPS

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Check the lighting. It should be bright enough to see the work. Adjust window coverings and light sources to remove glare from computer screens and shiny work surfaces.

ERGONOMICS TIPS

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Ideas for better viewing of your computer screen and hard copy:

The center of the computer screen should be positioned about six inches below your eye level. Having to look at a computer screen positioned too high puts strain on your neck as you tilt your head back

5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

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When keying in information from hard copy, place the paper on a document holder about the same distance from your eyes as the computer screen. Don’t lay the paper on the desk top beside the keyboard.


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Give your eyes frequent breaks. Practice the 20/20 rule – Every 20 minutes take 20 seconds to look off into the distance to change your focus.


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Sit correctly to prevent back pain:

Lift your breast bone. Picture a string tied to the 2nd or 3rd top button on your shirt pulling straight up to the ceiling. Your shoulder blades should be down in back, helping you

maintain this upright posture


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Do not lean over your work. Angle work so that you can look straight ahead, or sit closer to your work area.


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Chapter 4 Workplace Environment and Ergonomics