Ergonomics + Design

ERGONOMICS AND DESIGN

"Ergonomics" is a word that we are hearing more and more often and there is a reason for this. Ergonomics, put simply, is the science of how human physical abilities and limitations interact with the layout and properties of the workplace.

It is about designing the workplace and workplace equipment so that it is optimizing the range of human physical movements, and not placing strain on the worker through repetition of movements that strain the body, causing it damage, fatigue, or contribute to the worker not being able to perform properly.
A cursory look at most offices may not reveal much, but a closer inspection may reveal a range of ergonomically unsound practices that could result in injury, stress and loss of income. All businesses need to be aware of the potential for income loss and staff injury if they do not do an ergonomic assessment.

Ergonomic seating can be defined as a comfortable working posture with a natural alignment of all your joints from head to toes. Before discussing on how to set your computer workstation, let’s have a look at the concept of Ergonomic seating (neutral body positioning).
This method of Ergonomic Seating helps you reduce the stress and strain on the muscles, tendons, and skeletal system thus reducing the risks of developing health problems

If you are a person who would like to maintain Ergonomic seating while working at the computer workstation, then you should be considering the following instructions:

• Ensure that your hands, wrists, and forearms are in a row, straight, and almost parallel to the floor.
• Ensure that your head and torso are in-line with head slightly bent forward, facing towards the front, and balanced.
• Ensure that your shoulders are at ease with upper arms hanging normally at the sides of your body.
• Ensure that your elbows are close to your body and bent between 90 and 110 degrees.
• The feet should be either supported by a footrest or should be relaxing on the floor.
• While leaning back or sitting in a vertical position, ensure that your back is supported fully with firm hold on the lumbosacral area.
• Your seat should be well padded in order to support your hips and thighs.
• Ensure that your knees and hips are in almost the same height with your feet slightly forward.

ERGONOMIC SEATING - TIPS
Even though you are positioned in the best of the postures at your workstation, it is not healthy to continue in that posture for long hours to maintain a good Ergonomic Seating. It is ideal to change your position every now and then. The following are some tips to maintain good Ergonomic Seating and thereby reduce your strain from continuing in the same posture in front of your computer.

• Your chair and backrest have to be adjusted at regular intervals.
• Your fingers, hands, arms, and torso need to be stretched periodically.

You need to stand up, stretch your back muscles, and stroll around for a few minutes now and again.