Website On Ergonomics

According to the website information, ergonomics are the methods of constructing design around human needs in order to optimize system performance. The ergonomics science can also be called human or human factors engineering.

Websites say research is conducted by professional ergonomists who study the relationship between the physical human and its working environment. The research then drives the evaluation and design of tasks to make the person and the job compatible. In the workplace, ergonomics generally refers to the appliance of this science to functions, tasks and equipment such as ergonomic keyboards and ergonomic chairs etc. Employers have a responsibility for the safety and welfare of the workforce and have a duty to provide the best equipment available and to train in its purpose. Good use of ergonomics in the workplaces can reduce the costs to employer by saving on compensation pay outs to an employee been injured at work. The manufacturing industry could alone save millions of pounds by adopting safer working methods and better use of ergonomics.

There are two approaches stated in the websites that workplaces manage ergonomics, proactive or reactive. Proactive ergonomics is to actively seek out potential problems before they happen whereas reactive ergonomics is responding to an issue that needs fixing and has already caused troubles. Ergonomic issues can be addressed through task changes or equipment design changes. Task design develops the way in which people work with equipment and equipment design means a physical improvement to the device or machinery itself.

Ergonomics became significant in design in the seventies. Office chairs nowadays employ many ergonomic features such as armrests, adjustable height and seats in order to prevent repetitive strain injuries or RSI associated with sitting uncomfortably over long periods. Modern chairs are constructed to be able to fit the individual and should be tested prior to purchase to guarantee that the chair is appropriate. Incorrect posture when seated may lead to back pain over time and possibly the need to take time away from office work. It is important to stretch or walk around after every half an hour or so. The best way to relieve any pressure on the back is to stand; as there is a need to sit for long periods at a desk and this is where a good chair will pay dividends. An ergonomic chair will correctly transfer the body weight throughout the chair via armrests the seat and its back. This correct transfer of body weight through the chair is the key to good design and a major factor in reducing back pain.

According to the website information, the lumbar region is the 5 bottom vertebrate in the spine. Between each vertebrate are discs which can become pressured and can cause discomfort and pain if not seated correctly over time. Reducing lower back pressures is the key to the good ergonomic design of seating. Lumbar support is a feature incorporated into all ergonomic chairs and consists of a support system built at the base of the chair and moulds into the lower back at around 5 centimeters. This protrusion helps to maintain a correct curve in the spine and leads to good posture.

• John Palsson
• 16/11/2008, 3:00 AM
• 0 Comments