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Workstation Ergonomics Evaluations
Ergonomics is defined as the application of human biological
sciences with the engineering sciences to achieve optimum mutual
adjustment of people and their work, the benefits measured
in terms of human efficiency and well-being.
The UTHSC-H Chemical Safety program can assist
in correcting many of the ergonomic problems faced in your
immediate job environment. Most of the problems that result
in repetitive injuries can be solved with simple, yet effective
solutions. If you are experiencing discomfort and feel that
it is a result of current work station design, please feel
free to contact us at (713) 500-5832. Prior to that however,
you may choose to review the following information and apply
some of the principles mentioned.
Here are a few links that explain ergonomics a little better
and are also good self help primer:
F-One Ergonomics
NIH's
Ergonomics
OSHA
Workstation Ergonomics
Ergonomics means fitting the workplace to the workers by modifying or redesigning
the job, workstation, tool or environment. Workstation design can have
a big impact on office workers health and well-being. There are a multitude
of discomforts which can result from ergonomically incorrect computer
workstation setups. The most common complaints relate to the neck, shoulders,
and back. Others concern the arms and hands and occasionally the eyes.
For example, poor chairs and/or bad postures can cause lower back strain;
or a chair that is too high can cause circulation loss in legs and feet.
Certain common characteristics that have been possibly identified
and associated with increased risk of musculoskeletal problems.
These include,
- Design of the workstation
- Nature of the task
- Repetitiveness of the job
- Degree of postural constraint
- Work pace
- Work/rest schedules
- Personal attributes of individual workers
The key to comfort is in maintaining the body
in a relaxed, neutral position. The ideal work position is
to have the arms hanging relaxed from the shoulders. If a keyboard
is used, arms should be bent at right angles at the elbow,
with the hands held in a straight line with forearms and elbows
close to the body. The head should be in line with the body
and slightly forward.
Arranging Your Workstation
to Fit You
Adjust the height of the chair's seat
such that the thighs are horizontal while the feet are
flat on the floor.
Adjust the seat pan depth such that your back is supported
by the chair back rest while the back of the knee is comfortable
relative to the front of the seat.
Adjust the back rest vertically so that is supports/fits the
curvature of your lower back.
With the arms at your sides and the elbow joint approximately
90 degrees, adjust the height/position of the chair armrests
to support the forearms.
Adjust the height of the keyboard such that the fingers rest
on the keyboard home row when the arm is to the side, elbow
at 90 degrees, and the wrist straight.
Place the mouse, trackball, or special keypads, next to the
keyboard tray. Keep the wrist in a neutral position with the
arm and hand close to the body.
Adjust the height of the monitor such that the top of the
screen is at eye level. If bifocals/trifocals are used, place
the monitor at a height that allows easy viewing without tipping
the head back.
Place reference documents on a document holder close to the
screen and at the same distance from the eye.
A footrest may be necessary if the operator cannot rest his/her
feet comfortably on the floor.
The way a task is performed and the workstation environment
it is performed in can influence the risk of injury and general
work productivity. Good technique can make a job easy and safe.
This can be accomplished by simply:
- Adjusting the drapes or blinds to decrease/increase light
- Moving
the monitor away from sources of glare or direct light.
- Tipping the monitor slightly downward
- Using diffusers on
overhead lighting
- Placing an anti-glare filter on the screen
- Clean the monitor
screen on a regular basis
- Avoid cradling the telephone
between the head and shoulder. Hold the phone with your
hand, use the speaker phone, or a headset.
- Keep frequently
used items like the telephone, reference materials, and
pens/pencils within easy reach.
- Position the monitor directly
in front of the user.
- Move between different postures regularly
- Apply task lighting
as to your needs.
- Use the minimum force necessary to strike
the keyboard/ten-key keys.
- Use the minimum force necessary
to activate the hole punch and stapler.
- Vary your tasks
to avoid a long period of one activity.
- Take mini-breaks
to rest the eyes and muscles. A break does not have to
be a stop of work duties. However, it should be a different
style of physical activity such as changing from keyboarding
to using the telephone or filing.
- Neutralize distracting
noise by using ear plugs, playing soft music, or turning
on a fan.
- Maintain a comfortable workplace temperature
by using layers of clothing or a fan.
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