WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT AND ERGONOMICS

AW101 Occupational Safety and Health 1

Ergonomics is the study of human potential and capabilities with respect to the demands at work. Ergon which means work and nomoi which means laws of nature.
It was first coined by Wojciech Jastrzebowski in1875 Its earlier name was Human Factors. It is essentially used to design work environments that are safe and efficient.
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WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
Ergonomics is a science concerned with the fit between people and their work. It puts people first, taking account of their capabilities and limitations.

Ergonomics aims to make sure that tasks, equipment, information and the environment suit each worker.

ERGONOMI CS
To assess the fit between a person and their work, ergonomists have to consider many aspects. These include: The job being done and the demands on the worker The equipment used (its size, shape, and how appropriate it is for the task); The information used (how it is presented, accessed, and changed); the physical environment (temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, vibration)
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ERGONOMISTS CONSIDER ALL THE PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF A PERSON, SUCH AS:

Body Size and Shape

Fitness and Strength

Posture

The Senses, Especially Vision, Hearing and Touch

The Stresses and Strains On Muscles, Joints, Nerves

HOW CAN ERGONOMICS IMPROVE HEALTH AND SAFETY?

Applying ergonomics to the workplace: Reduces the potential for accidents Reduces the potential for injury and ill health Improves performance and productivity.
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ERGONOMICS TIPS
Sitting can be hard on you
Shift around in your seat, changing positions frequently.
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ERGONOMICS TIPS
Take frequent micro-breaks (short timeouts to relax your body). Stand and stretch or do easy back exercises at your desk.
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ERGONOMICS TIPS
Position the work surface slightly above your waist
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ERGONOMICS TIPS
Plan out your work space
Arrange your work area in a logical manner to save unnecessary movement. Ensure the supplies and equipment you use most often are within reach.
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ERGONOMICS TIPS
Check the lighting. It should be bright enough to see the work. Adjust window coverings and light sources to remove glare from computer screens and shiny work surfaces.
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5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

Ideas for better viewing of your computer screen and hard copy: The center of the computer screen should be positioned about six inches below your eye level. Having to look at a computer screen positioned too high puts strain on your neck as you tilt your head back

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5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

When keying in information from hard copy, place the paper on a document holder about the same distance from your eyes as the computer screen. Dont lay the paper on the desk top beside the keyboard.

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5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

Give your eyes frequent breaks. Practice the 20/20 rule Every 20 minutes take 20 seconds to look off into the distance to change your focus.

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5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

Sit correctly to prevent back pain: Lift your breast bone. Picture a string tied to the 2nd or 3rd top button on your shirt pulling straight up to the ceiling. Your shoulder blades should be down in back, helping you maintain this upright posture

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5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

Do not lean over your work. Angle work so that you can look straight ahead, or sit closer to your work area.

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5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

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5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

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5 TIPS FOR OFFICE WORKERS

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