There are 10 fundamental principles of ergonomics which are:

Ergonomic Tips for Computer Users

1. Maintain good posture when working at the keyboard.
2. Keep your feet supported on the floor or on a footrest when you work to reduce pressure on your lower back.
3. Avoid twisting or bending your trunk or neck.
4. Keep your shoulders relaxed with your elbows close to your sides.

According to the International Ergonomics Association, there are three broad domains of ergonomics: physical, cognitive, and organizational.

Ergonomics is an important part of research in the product development process. Its purpose is to increase the safety, comfort and performance of a product or an environment, such as an office.

There are five aspects of ergonomics: safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance, and aesthetics. Based on these aspects of ergonomics, examples are given of how products or systems could benefit from redesign based on ergonomic principles.

• Work in neutral postures. Proper posture maintenance is necessary.
• Reduce excessive force.
• Keep everything in reach.
• Work at proper height.
• Reduce excessive motions.
• Minimize fatigue and static load.
• Minimize pressure points.
• Provide clearance.

Ergonomics is the study of how humans interact with manmade objects. For example, an ergonomic chair may help support your lower back and prevent you from slouching. An ergonomic desk may adjust to the appropriate height, so you can sit up straight and view your monitor at the right level.

1 : an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. — called also biotechnology, human engineering, human factors.

An ergonomic hazard is any interaction with the made world that causes the user discomfort or strain. There are three primary types of ergonomic hazards: objects, environments, and systems that result in poor posture or unnatural, uncomfortable, or awkward movements.

Implementing ergonomic solutions can make employees more comfortable and increase productivity. Why is ergonomics important? Ergonomics is important because when you’re doing a job and your body is stressed by an awkward posture, extreme temperature, or repeated movement your musculoskeletal system is affected.

The most effective way to control ergonomic hazards is to eliminate the risk factors altogether. Sometimes you can change the tools, equipment, job design, or work area to remove the hazard completely. This is called using “engineering controls.”

Benefits of a Workplace Ergonomics Process

• Ergonomics reduces costs. By systematically reducing ergonomic risk factors, you can prevent costly MSDs.
• Ergonomics improves productivity.
• Ergonomics improves quality.
• Ergonomics improves employee engagement.
• Ergonomics creates a better safety culture.

Seven Impacts of Ergonomics

• Strength.
• Height.
• Flexibility.
• Fatigue from previous tasks.
• Lingering muscle strain.
• Previous injury.

Some of the most common injuries surrounding improper ergonomics include pain in the hands, wrists, shoulders, neck, back, head, and eyes. Perhaps the most worrisome areas for some people surround vision, and musculoskeletal problems.

Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Tendinitis.
• Rotator cuff injuries (affects the shoulder)
• Epicondylitis (affects the elbow)
• Trigger finger.
• Muscle strains and low back injuries.

Pain is the most common symptom associated with WMSDs. In some cases, there may be joint stiffness, muscle tightness, redness, and swelling of the affected area. Some workers may also experience sensations of “pins and needles,” numbness, skin color changes, and decreased sweating of the hands.

MSD Signs and Symptoms

• Numbness or a burning sensation in the hand.
• Reduced grip strength in the hand.
• Swelling or stiffness in the joints.
• Pain in wrists, forearms, elbows, neck, or back.
• Reduced range of motion in the shoulder, neck, or back.
• Dry, itchy, or sore eyes.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Aching or tingling. Cramping.

Signs and symptoms of ergonomic injuries include: pain which may be dull and aching, sharp and stabbing or a burning sensation. tingling or numbness; swelling, inflammation, stiffness. muscle weakness or discomfort; extremities turning white or cold.

These injuries and disorders have been associated with six generic categories of ergonomic risk factors which are found in a broad spectrum of manufacturing and service jobs: 1) forceful exertions, 2) awkward work postures, 3) localized contact stresses, 4) whole-body or segmental vibration, 5) temperature extremes.

Job activities involving any of the ergonomic risk factors below may contribute to or result in an increased risk of strain and injury.

• Awkward postures.
• Bending.
• Compression or contact stress.
• Forceful exertions.
• Insufficient rest breaks.
• Lifting.
• Lighting.
• Noise.

Administrative controls establish processes and procedures that can reduce injury risk.

• Job Rotation.
• Warm-up stretching and stretch breaks.
• Workplace Athlete Training.
• Proper Lifting / Handling Techniques.
• Team Lifting.

Which work situation would be an ergonomics concern? Working in awkward or stationary positions, Repeating the same motion throughout the workday and Lifting 50 lbs from below the knees.

Proactive Ergonomics: How to Implement the Workplace Improvement Process

1. Step 1: Prioritize Jobs for Ergonomic Analysis.
2. Step 2: Conduct Ergonomic Analysis.
3. Step 3: Develop an Ergonomic Opportunity List.
4. Step 4: Determine Best Solution with Team Approach.
5. Step 5: Obtain Final Approval and Implement Solution.

Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them. Ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to minimise risk of injury or harm.

Awkward Postures – Five Postures to be avoided in the Workplace

• Working with Arms above the Head.
• Twisting Your Back.
• Bending Down.
• Squatting Down.
• Bending or Twisting Wrists.

Awkward postures means working with various parts of the body in bent, extended or flexed positions rather than in a straight or neutral position. Working in awkward postures increases the exertion and muscle force that employees must apply to complete a task and compresses tendons, nerves and blood vessels.

Examples of awkward postures are twisting, bending, reaching, pulling or lifting. Other examples of awkward postures are working with your hands above your head, your elbows above your shoulders, working with your neck or back bent more than 30 degrees without support and without the ability to vary posture.

Static posture: Any posture that is held for a long time. A static posture may result in fatigue and even injury over time.

Posture is how you hold your body. There are two types: Dynamic posture is how you hold yourself when you are moving, like when you are walking, running, or bending over to pick up something. Static posture is how you hold yourself when you are not moving, like when you are sitting, standing, or sleeping.

1. Feet on the floor (or footrest)
2. Hips slightly higher than the knees.
3. Lumbar area (low back) supported.
4. Head/ neck/ shoulders/ elbows/ hips aligned.
5. Shoulders relaxed.
6. Elbows bent at 100° or more.
7. Wrists straight.
8. Fingers slightly curled and relaxed.