10
Computer Ergonomics for the Therapy Professional: Summary
Poor Posture Example (Jack)
INTRODUCTION
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO ERGONOMICS
What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is the science of designing the job to the worker (rather than the worker to the job). It involves adjusting the setting to the individual. Ergo = Work Nomos = Natural Law The Importance of Ergonomic Assessment Good ergonomics lowers risk of injury amongst workers. Companies who successfully implemented ergonomics are able to reduce disability days by 10- 35% and improve return to work rates by 6%. Turnover rates have also declined for those companies who have implemented a successful ergonomic program. SECTION 2: ERGONOMIC POSTURES Ergonomic risk factors at the computers include: • Contact stress • Eyestrain: ○ Positioning: keep an arm’s length away ○ Glare: i.e., light from outside can contribute to eyestrain, not just the computer screen ○ Screen brightness ○ Word size ○ Computer breaks • Repetitive movement: repeating the same motion every few seconds for 2 consecutive hours can cause ergonomic strain
• Neck is bent down looking at the monitor • Shoulders are hiked • Glare on screen • R wrist in bent Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
MSDs are defined as injuries of the muscles, nerves, and tendons. For example, awkwardly and repetitively moving your wrist and thumb can cause tendonitis by the thumb side of the wrist. Using a neutral posture can help prevent MSDs. Neutral Posture • Feet/Knees: ○ Keep feet placed flat on the ground or on a footrest ○ Knees should be between perpendicular (90 degrees) to 110 degrees • Thighs: ○ Thighs should be about parallel to the floor ○ Ensure about a 2-inch space between the chair and the back of knees • Back: ○ The back should be in contact with the backrest of the chair ○ While in contact with the chair, the back should in a perpendicular to a slightly reclined position, between 90 and 110 degrees ○ The backrest of the chair should provide support for the lower back ○ The back should not be bent forward or bent excessively backward (beyond 110 degrees) • Arms/Hands: ○ Elbows should be between a 9- and 110-degree angle ○ Hands should be equal to or lower than the elbow ○ Upper arms and elbows should be close to the body (not extending outward) ○ Keep your wrist aligned with your forearm ○ Wrist, forearm, and fingers should be parallel to the floor
• Postures that are awkward or static: ○ What does poor posture look like?
■ Bending at neck and/or back, due to monitors/laptop being too low/high ■ Neck rotation ■ Hiking shoulders ■ Bending at the wrist ■ Feet not resting on the floor ■ Sitting > 6 hours a day at a time
Powered by FlippingBook