Ergonomics

is the science of work area

interaction.
It

looks at how the working environment , including furniture, equipment, temperature and lighting affects the performance of employees.

For there to be efficiency in the workplace there needs to be adequate lighting.

Too much light, too little light and glare ( a very harsh, bright, dazzling light) are lighting problems that affect employees. These problems can lead to eye strain, headaches, and errors on the job, especially in cases where accuracy and precision(being exact) are essential.

Lighting problems can be solved by:

Replacing Using

light bulbs regularly

localised lighting, e.g. Using a task

lamp
Ensuring

that bulbs are not too bright or too

dim

 The

temperature in an office should be between 21degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius.

office should not be too hot or too cold.

The

Either

extreme would make employees feel uncomfortable and less efficient as they would be prone to making mistakes.

 Well-

designed office furniture helps to enhance the health of workers as well as improving their efficiency at the office. such as desks and chairs should be designed to suit the needs of the worker.

Furniture

The desk should not be too high or too low. There should be adequate leg room underneath. The space under the desk should not be used for storage, for example books. The desk should not be cluttered and only things frequently used should be kept close by, such as the mouse.

 An

ergonomically designed chair should follow the sitter as he or she changes position. chair should have an adjustable seat so that the users feet can touch the floor.
,even after adjusting the seat the sitters feet do not touch the floor , a footrest should be used.

The

If

The

chair should have adjustable arm rests.

 Chairs

should be cushioned to provide comfort for the sitter. chair should support the lower back to prevent poor posture(body position) and back pain.

The

 The

monitor should be of the flat panel type (not as reflective as other monitors). should be positioned away from direct light to avoid glare. should be placed directly in front of the user to prevent twisting of the neck

It

It

 Should

be elbow level, while the upper arms should be relaxed at the typists side to prevent strain on the wrists. When the user is typing the hand and wrist should be floating above the keyboard instead of resting on the keyboard or desk.

 Based

on the last point, is the office worker properly positioned using this key board?

 The

mouse should be held lightly and not tightly gripped.

should be used by moving the elbow instead of the wrist.

It

Repetitive motion disorder(RMD)

Eyestrain

 This

is a medical condition caused by carrying out repetitive work, holding one position for too long.

RMD can be prevented by: Taking frequent breaks from the work station
Changing

the sitting position at regular

intervals

 Doing

regular stretches or exercises, for example rotating the wrist or stretching forward and backward at the desk ergonomically designed equipment

Using

 This

is recognised by burning, blurred vision, watering, pain and headaches.

These conditions may be caused by:

Too

much or too little light

Glare
Not

on the computer screen

enough distance between the eye and the computer screen

To prevent eyestrain from occurring, the employee should:

prevent

computer glare by adjusting the monitor or using an anti-glare flare(reduces glare)

take frequent breaks and shift focus for near to far regularly

 Increased
A A

productivity and efficiency

decrease in accidents and injuries

decrease in illnesses and absence because of illnesses morale(satisfaction and confidence) and reduced stress levels

Improved

State whether the questions are true or false

The

name of our topic was economics.

Ergonomics

relate to the study of interacting with the workplace. is one aspect of ergonomics.

Lighting

 Too

much light can help employees to increase productivity.

Too

little light can cause eyestrain.

An

office should not be too hot but can be too cold.

 Well

designed furniture enhances the health of workers.

should be packed under desks to save space. should be cushioned to provide comfort for the sitter.

Items

Chairs

monitor should be positioned in direct light to assist the user.

The

keyboard should be elbow level.

The

mouse should be used by moving the elbow.

 Repetitive

Disorder Motion and Eyestrain are two illnesses caused by a poorly organised office.

Improved

ergonomics decreases accidents.