Workplace Ergonomics

Original Editor - User Name

This page is currently undergoing work, but please come back later to check out new information!

Top Contributors - Nehal Shah  

Introduction

In 1857, Wojciech Jastrzębowski, in his book "An outline of Ergonomics, or the Science of Work" written in Polish first coined the word " Ergonomics". This term is derived from Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (laws). There are several definitions of ergonomics documented in literature. The terms "ergonomics" and "human factors" can be interchangeably used where the former originated in Europe and the latter is used in America . According to the major definitions, ergonomics is both a science and technology. A science that instills fundamental learning and a technology which raises problems of design. This means that understanding of ergonomics contains all the elements of total human - environment system317 million people across the world suffer irreparable loss of life and property every year as per the reports of International Labor Organization (ILO). Approximately 2.3 million people die every year due to work related accidents or illness. Financial losses up to 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP)

Studies have shown that major cause of musculoskeletal disorders are due to ergonomic risk factors at work place. This is due to factors like high repetition, excessive forces and awkward postures. Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability especially in their working years causing lost earnings and worker compensation claims

Contextual Factors for Workplace Ergonomics

Application of ergonomics involves real life settings. Hence application of ergonomic findings in practice needs a good grasp of context at individual and societal levels. Contextual factors for the application of ergonomics at various levels involves financial, technological, legal, organizational, social, political and professional factorsDue to work and workplace environment barriers like noise, light, postures, load, pace and work content, problems like quality deficiencies, human errors and ergonomic problems arise. This affects satisfaction and wellbeing of a person. To achieve this, the environment should be such that possibility of performing to a high standard at work is provided

Workplace stress puts a lot of pressure on a person. People suffer from confusion, worry, and anxiety are caused due to change in job. This is attributed to change in organization, salary, promotions, increase or decrease in work force and social changes Work itself can be a major source of stress

Working conditions affect a person can have a positive or negative effect and can affect them psychologically. This can affect the productivity of the organization. Studies have shown significant relationship between physical factors, ergonomics and job satisfaction of employees. There has been an association found between physical, environmental, safety, and psychological aspects of ergonomics and job satisfaction of employees

Faulty Ergonomics leading to Musculoskeletal Problems

Persistently working with a faulty body position during work leads to Musculoskeletal problems. These positions are described as under and assumed while doing work

• Hands above the head or arms above the shoulder for more than two hours a day

• Hand/s below knee for more than two hours a day
• Bent neck or back over 20 degrees for more than two hours a day
• Hunchback position for more than two hours a day
• Working on knees for more than 2 hours a day
• Working in a sitting position without back support or leg support as it applies static load on the muscles of lower limbs.
• Sitting with elbows high or too far from the body
• Working in small confined spaces such that joints are in full flexion or extension for prolonged periods
• Performing repetitive or prolonged movements. These movements puts pressure on muscles and tendons. Severity of this depends on repetition of activity, speed of movement, number of muscles involved, the force needed and body position while working. For example - Repetitive wrist movements with wrist extension more than 45 degrees and wrist flexion more than 30 degrees.
• Using keyboard, mouse or calculator in a steady state for more than four hours a day

Principles of ergonomics at Workplace

Following care must be taken while at work

• Work tools can be arranged such that they are easily accessible
• Performing work tasks at / from the right appropriate height
• Reduce excessive force
• Take care of work posture
• Reduce excessive repetitions
• Minimize fatigue
• Minimize direct contact pressure between body and work equipment
• Adjust / Change the work position frequently during the work shift
• Remove obstacles and provide easy access
• Work environment must be comfortable and airy
• Cordial atmosphere and good participation at work place
• Improve and upgrade work organization

Resources

• bulleted list
• x

or

1. numbered list
2. x