The Evolution of Human s? Objectives. Agenda. Defining Ergonomics. History of Ergonomics. Office Ergonomics Train the Trainer.

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1 Office Ergonomics Train the Trainer The Evolution of Human s? Presented By: Steve Grimmett Ergonomic Consultant Agenda Introduction to Ergonomics Form and Function of the Human Body Ergonomic Issues in the Office Ergonomic Solutions Assessing Office Ergonomics Objectives To learn what causes discomfort when working on a computer workstation To learn how to correctly setup a computer workstation To understand how to prevent and manage discomfort through ergonomic changes Defining Ergonomics History of Ergonomics Ergonomics helps us to understand how to work safely and comfortably Ergonomics helps to determine the best tools, equipment & workstations to use The term ergonomics is derived from the Greek words ergon [work] and nomos [natural laws] In the 5 th century BC, Hippocrates described how a surgeon s workplace should be designed, and how the tools should be arranged.

2 The Science of Ergonomics Ergonomics 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. Ergonomics Ergonomics is concerned with the fit between people and their technological tools and environments. It takes account of the user's capabilities and limitations in seeking to ensure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each user. Goal of Ergonomics Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity. It is relevant in the design of such things as safe furniture and easyto-use interfaces to machines. Computer use trends In 2009, 80% of Canadians 16 or older used a computer for personal reasons, up from 73% in In Victoria, 86% of individuals 16 or older use a computer for personal reasons. Regulations Workers Compensation Act part apply to ergonomics Simply, the regulations require an employer to identify, assess, and control factors in the workplace that may expose workers to risk of musculoskeletal injury.

3 Form and Function of the Human Body Anatomy - The Spine Anatomy - Spinal Disc

4 Anatomy - Forearm The Carpal Tunnel Left wrist showing the carpal tunnel A passage for finger tendons and the median nerve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome The Eye & its Muscles Neutral Posture The posture when the joints are not bent and the spine is aligned and not twisted Biomechanics of the Wrist Biomechanics of the Shoulder

5 Biomechanics of the Neck Biomechanics of the Back Intra-discal pressure, posture and potential for injury Increased disc compression Defining Musculoskeletal Injuries MSI or Musculoskeletal Injury includes injury to the bone, ligament, tendon, joint s soft tissues, muscle, veins and arteries as well as nerves MSI Prevalence 7% of population will be affected with a MSI at any given time Using a computer 15 hrs/more per week increased the risk of MSI Recent surveys show that up to 44% of office workers will experience hand, arm, shoulder and neck symptoms each year. MSI - Not all Injuries are caused by the workplace If you tend not to be active after work - Couch Potato Syndrome you are at greater risk Poor body mechanics with activity at home & Sports Strong link between fitness and risk for MSI

6 Common Office Injuries Tendonitis Tenosynovitis Muscle strain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome How to identify injury Pain / Discomfort Redness Swelling Decreased strength and movement Decreased effeciency Increased breaks or sick days Low back pain Very common: 9/10 people will have it at some point in our lives Increased risk of low back pain with heavy lifting OR prolonged sitting/standing Sitters should move around, take microbreaks, stretch, get up Chairs should have good low back support Ergonomic Hazards Ergonomic Hazards 1. Posture Sitting and standing postures All the joints of the body 2. Force Examples lifting a box of paper too much force when you hit the keys on the keyboard

7 3. Repetition Ergonomic Hazards Data entry Word processing Mousework Ergonomic Hazards 4. Contact Stress Examples wrist & forearm back of the legs pressure at laptop edge Ergonomic Hazards 5. Static Postures A posture held for a long time may result in fatigue or injury over time Office Lighting Inadequate lighting can cause visual discomfort and fatigue Computer use requires less light than pen and paper Too much light can make computer screens difficult to view. Compromise reduce overhead lighting, and add task lighting. Glare Glare is when light level is higher than the eye has adapted to. Usually results from light reflecting off computer monitors, desk surfaces, or other shiny, polished objects. Light sources that are behind or above computer monitor may cause glare Practical ways to reduce glare Position computer monitor between overhead lights, not directly underneath Position computer monitor at right angle to window (ie, do not face or have back to window) Decrease overhead light levels Tilt computer monitor slightly downward Use blinds on windows

8 Workstation Layout Ergonomic Seating See handout on ergonomic task chairs Review features Understanding anthropometry Computer Workstation Setup Where do I start? Human measurements such as height, arm length, thigh length KEY CONCEPT: Everyone has different anthropometry Office Furniture Design With few exceptions, office furniture is developed for the AVERAGE person. Shortest person in the world is 29.5 tall, and the tallest person is (almost 9 feet) As a result, office furniture rarely fits a person without some modifications Organizing Work Flow Understand what the core job tasks are Understand how the worker completes job tasks Make no assumptions you might complete tasks in different orders.

9 How can these be adjusted? Desk Keyboard Mouse Monitor Chair Proper Workstation Set up seated work Keyboard Mouse The keyboard should rest flat Wrist should be neutral Do not rest wrist/palm on edge Desk or keyboard tray? Wrist rest? Same surface as keyboard Avoid reaching while using Wrong Right Wrong Mouse Consider proper working postures NEUTRAL all joints Chair Adjust chair height to allow Shoulders to be relaxed Elbows bent at 90 degrees Wrists in neutral Hips bent at approximately 90 degrees Seat should not compress backs of knees

10 Chair Allow 2-3 fingers space between backs of knees and edge of seat Foot Rest Feet should rest flat on the floor Can use an old phone book Poor Monitor Lower or raise depending upon chair height Top of screen at eye-level Optimal line of sight angle is ~15 degrees Viewing distance should be about arms length Bifocal/trifocal wearers? Avoid cradling phone Hold phone in non-dominant hand Phone Incorrect Notebook and laptop Computers Potential problems Inappropriate placement causing neck or upper extremity fatigue Display size Smaller keys and closer spacing The Laptop Consider having external mouse, keyboard, and monitor if use > 34% of day Proper use at home and hotels or offsite with clients

11 Solutions What is wrong with this set up? Plug regular size keyboard and mouse into laptop Use a computer docking station Frequent micro breaks for stretching and posture changes What is wrong with this set up? Retrofitting Accessories The sky is the limit when it comes to retrofitting. Always choose the simplest way possible to accomplish your goal Micro Breaks & Task Variety Intermittently perform other tasks Postural breaks Micro stretch breaks Benefits: reduces sustained postures and fatigue

12 Stretching Benefits Stretching a muscle through the day: increases blood flow and oxygen supply warms up the soft tissues Basic Stretching Guidelines Never bounce move slowly and hold 5-10 seconds Repeat a stretch times Basic Stretching Guidelines Stretch times per day Stop stretches that cause abnormal discomfort Breathe slowly and evenly when stretching Consult your health professional if you experience symptoms which do not resolve