ERGONOMICS

Jaymie M. Garrett

WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergonomics

WHO NEEDS ERGONOMICS?

Many companies that ask their workers to perform tedious tasks, such as computer work, have a higher incidence of work-related injury claims.– Duracell– Blue Cross/Blue Shield

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/colby.html

ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED…

This mouse is considered ergonomically designed. It allows the user to perform computer tasks without straining the wrist or fingers.

ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED…

This product is a ergonomically designed keyboard. It causes less wrist and forearm strain than a regular keyboard.

ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED…

This product has ergonomically designed shoulder straps for those heavy books you carry to class!

ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED…

This product is ergonomically designed to support the user to work in an upright, standing position!

WHAT ABOUT WINTHROP?

I’m sure you’ve all noticed that the chairs we sit in, or the keyboards and mice that we use ARE NOT ergonomically designed. The products that we use do not support us, and are not made for comfort. However, they could use new chairs for the computer labs, classrooms, and library, buy new keyboards and mice that are ergonomically designed, but I don’t think we’re all ready for the tuition increase that would require. So, I guess we must deal with the uncomfortable products that WU provides on campus.