Ergonomics

Ergonomics derives from two Greek words: ergon, meaning work, and nomoi, meaning natural laws, to create a word that means the science of work and a persons relationship to that work. The International Ergonomics Association has adopted this technical definition: 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. That is not the most efficient definition of what ergonomics is. Let us keep things simple. Ergonomics is the science of making things comfy. It also makes things efficient. And when you think about it, comfy just another way of making things efficient. However for simplicity, ergonomics makes things comfortable and efficient. Ergonomics covers all aspects of a job, from the physical stresses it places on joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, bones and the like, to environmental factors which can effect hearing, vision, and general comfort and health: Physical stressors include repetitive motions such as those caused by typing or continual use of a manual screwdriver. Other physical stressors could be tasks involving vibration such as using a jackhammer, or tasks which involve using excessive force, such as lifting a heavy box of books. Working in an awkward position, such as holding a telephone to your ear with your shoulder, can also cause problems. Repetitive motions, vibration, excessive force, and awkward postitions are frequently linked to ergonomic disorders; however, the majority of "Cumulative Trauma Disorders" (CTDs) or "Repetitive Strain Injuries" (RSIs), are caused by repetitive motions that would not result in undue stress or harm if only performed once. Carpal tunnel syndrome, Tendonitis, Tenosynovitis, DeQuarvain's Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, many back injuries, and several other conditions may result from repetitive motions. Environmental factors could include such things as indoor air quality or excessive noise. "Sick building syndrome," with its accompanying headaches, congestion, fatigue and even rashes, can result from poor air quality in a building or office. Excessive noise around heavy machinery or equipment can cause permanent hearing loss. Improper lighting can cause eyestrain and headaches, especially in conjunction with a computer monitor.

Domains Of Specialization in Ergonomics

Physical Ergonomics Physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. The relevant topics include working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health. Cognitive Ergonomics Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. The relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system design. Organizational Ergonomics Organizational ergonomics is concerned with the optimization of sociotechnical systems, including their organizational structures, policies, and processes. The relevant topics include communication, crew resource management, work design, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work paradigms, organizational culture, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders

To understand Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), it is necessary to understand how the body works. Body movements are produced by contracting and relaxing muscles. The muscles are attached to bones by tendons. Tendons are smooth, and in some parts of the body they glide back and forth inside tubes called synovial sheaths. The sheath produces a lubricant called synovial fluid to help the tendons glide easily. CTDs result when repeated stress is placed on the tendons, muscles, or nerves causing inflammation or damage. The following are some of the most common CTDs: Tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons Tenosynovitis - inflammation of the synovial sheath Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - results when the median nerve is compressed, either from the swelling of tendons and sheaths or from repeated bending of the wrist

Some of the conditions that may lead to CTDs are: Repetition - long or concentrated hours of typing or using a mouse Posture - long hours of sitting in the same position while typing, especially if it is in an uncomfortable or poorly supported position, or if the wrists are bent Lack of Rest - intensive hours at the keyboard with few breaks

Ergonomics in IT Industry
What are computer ergonomics? If you spend time at a desk each day working on a computer, you probably know that staring at a screen and sitting down for long periods can be taxing on your health. Your neck starts to ache, your head might hurt, and your posture starts to droop. Computer ergonomics are put in place to reduce the effects of sitting at a desk and working on a computer for extended periods of time. Computer ergonomics are concerned with the placement of such things as the computer monitor, desk, and keyboard, as well as accessories that can be used to reduce the effects of working at a computer. Why are computer ergonomics important? Computer ergonomics are important because, believe it or not, working at a computer for prolonged periods of time can actually be harmful to your overall health. Example of Wrong Ergonomics:

Steps to avoid CTDs at workplace:

STEP 1: Your Chair Push your hips as far back as they can go in the chair. Adjust the seat height so your feet are flat on the floor and your knees equal to, or slightly lower than, your hips. Adjust the back of the chair to a 100-110 reclined angle. Make sure your upper and lower back are supported. Use inflatable cushions or small pillows if necessary. If you have an active back mechanism on your chair, use it to make frequent position changes. Adjust the armrests (if fitted) so that your shoulders are relaxed. If your armrests are in the way, remove them.

STEP 2: Your Keyboard An articulating keyboard tray can provide optimal positioning of input devices. However, it should accommodate the mouse, enable leg clearance, and have an adjustable height and tilt mechanism. The tray should not push you too far away from other work materials, such as your telephone. Pull up close to your keyboard. Position the keyboard directly in front of your body. Adjust the keyboard height so that your shoulders are relaxed, your elbows are in a slightly open position (100 to 110), and your wrists and hands are straight. The tilt of your keyboard is dependent upon your sitting position. Use the keyboard tray mechanism, or keyboard feet, to adjust the tilt. If you sit in a forward or upright position, try tilting your keyboard away from you at a negative angle. If you are reclined, a slight positive tilt will help maintain a straight wrist position. Wristrests can help to maintain neutral postures and pad hard surfaces. However, the wristrest should only be used to rest the palms of the hands between keystrokes. Resting on the wristrest while typing is not recommended. Avoid using excessively wide wristrests, or wristrests that are higher than the space bar of your keyboard. Place the pointer as close as possible to the keyboard. Placing it on a slightly inclined surface, or using it on a mousebridge placed over the 10keypad, can help to bring it closer.

STEP 3: Screen, Document, and Telephone Incorrect positioning of the screen and source documents can result in awkward postures. Adjust the screen and source documents so that your neck is in a neutral, relaxed position. Centre the screen directly in front of you, above your keyboard. Position the top of the screen approximately 2-3 above seated eye level. Sit at least an arm's length away from the screen and then adjust the distance for your vision. Reduce glare by careful positioning of the screen. o Place screen at right angles to windows o Adjust curtains or blinds as needed o Adjust the vertical screen angle and screen controls to minimize glare from overhead lights o Other techniques to reduce glare include use of optical glass glare filters, light filters, or secondary task lights Position source documents directly in front of you, between the screen and the keyboard, using an in-line copy stand. If there is insufficient space, place source documents on a document holder positioned adjacent to the screen. Place your telephone within easy reach. Telephone stands or arms can help.

STEP 4: Pauses and Breaks Once you have correctly set up your computer workstation use good work habits. No matter how perfect the environment, prolonged, static postures will inhibit blood circulation and take a toll on your body. Take short 1-2 minute stretch breaks every 20-30 minutes. After each hour of work, take a break or change tasks for at least 5-10 minutes. Always try to get away from your computer during lunch breaks. Avoid eye fatigue by resting and refocusing your eyes periodically. Look away from the monitor and focus on something in the distance. Rest your eyes by covering them with your palms for 10-15 seconds.

The UCLA Ergonomics site is acknowledged for this material.

Conclusion:
Thus we have studied different ergonomic problems faced in an Information Technology industry and the solutions to those problems.