Transcript Computer Ergonomics PowerPoint

Computer and Workstation
Ergonomics
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Ergonomic Injuries
 Injuries not ‘part of the job’
 Ergo injuries lead to
pain, medical bills,
lost work time
 Carpal tunnel syndrome
tops costly workers’
comp claims
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What Is Ergonomics?
 ‘Matching the design of equipment
to workers’ physical needs’
 Pay attention to computers, chairs,
phones, etc.
 Ergo injuries caused by:
– Repetitive motion
– Long periods in one position
– Awkward positions
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Limits to Ergonomics
 Key question: ‘Do you feel
aches & pains?’
 Ergonomic equipment not
a cure-all
 Two big things
prevent injuries:
– Good posture
– Taking breaks
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Chairs Part 1
 Common mistakes people
make while sitting:
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Slouching
Leaning back
Dangling feet
Crossing legs
 Awkward positions
hurt spine, shoulders
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Chairs Part 2
 Concentrating on posture
makes a difference
 Firm chairs best
for most
 Your chair should:
– Be set at 90° angle
– Have firm seat and back
– Be set at right height
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Preventing Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome Part 1
 Carpal tunnel caused by wrist tendon damage
 Twisting wrists leads to pain
 Keep arm, wrist and hand in straight line
when typing
 Doesn’t matter if arm is pointed up, down
or horizontally toward keyboard
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Preventing Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome Part 2
 Adjusting keyboard
encourages good
posture naturally
 If you bend wrists
downward,flip
keyboard flaps down
 If you bend wrists
upward, flip
keyboard flaps up
 Raising, lowering chair
also helps wrist posture
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Computer Mice
 Frequent use can hurt wrists,
shoulders, neck
 To prevent pain:
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Keep arm straight over mouse
Cup mouse with hand
Try mouse pad with raised rest
Keep mouse close to keyboard
Best height for mouse is elbow level
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Monitors
 Can affect neck,
shoulders, eyes
 Top of screen should
be no higher than
eye level
 Sit reasonably close
 Remember ‘20/20 rule’:
Look 20 feet away every 20 minutes
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Telephones
 Regular telephone use
impacts shoulders
and neck
 Hands-free shoulder
rest inexpensive tool
 Headsets good for
constant phone work
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Additional Ergo Tips
Try other ways to reduce physical stress:
– Use document stands
– Consider footrests
– Keep files close by
– Don’t bend at file cabinets
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Taking Breaks
Taking breaks is key to feeling better:
 Stand up, stretch
 Take short walks
 Drink water
 Minimize caffeine
 Relax, recharge
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Varying Work Tasks
Varying work tasks also cuts aches and pains:
– Break jobs up
– Block out time for different work tasks
– Avoid long stretches of time on same task
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Summary
 Ergonomics has proven benefits
 It’s not a cure-all for everybody
 Big key: How does your body feel?
 Improving posture goes a long way
 Positioning work equipment the right way
also reduces pain
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