Week 2 - Clear - Ergonomics

What is ergonomics? Ergonomics, in brief, is the study of efficiency in the work environment. A more complete definition can be found by clicking on the ergonomics link, ergonomics. Have you ever had wrist, back or neck pain after slaving away your computer terminal at the office day in and day out? These types of pain could be due to the inefficiencies in your work area. For example, if you find yourself having wrist pain, ask yourself this, "What type of keyboard do I currently use:  Keyboard A or Keyboard B?"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/krypto/48297478/

Keyboard B

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yvettemn/139890573/

Keyboard A

Keyboard A is flat and not ergonomically friendly, while Keyboard B is more ergonomically friendly due to a slight curve design.  You may ask yourself, "Why does the curve in Keyboard B make it more ergonomical?" Well when typing day in and day out, Keyboard A does not allow your wrists to form at their natural position.  Keyboard B allows for the wrist to form at their natural position, more at a slanted angle instead of straight forward as in Keyboard A.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaeru/1599676842/ 

Now what workplace inefficiencies contribute to that nagging back and neck pain? And what can you do to become more ergonomically friendly to help decrease these types of pain. Back and neck pain in the workplace can be caused by many things such as, lack of lumbar support, height of chair, posture, how your feet rest and prolonged sitting. So, how do you correct these? Well, while the photo to the left shows us an example of inappropriate and non-ergonomical workplace habits. The photo to the right shows us proper workplace and ergonomically friendly habits. Notice the proper posture and how the legs and feet(balanced on the floor) are positioned at an approximately 90 degree angle. Many office chairs have height and positioning adjustments  on them that allow the user to adjust the chair to their comfort level, which allows for a good ergonomic body position.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/onekell/2570138754/

There are also lumbar supports available for all types of office chairs and lumbar support levels, with maximum support or light to moderate lumbar support.  Also, remembering to take breaks throughout the day and walk to allow your spine to elongate will help to alleviate back and neck pain. So, these have just been a few examples of what causes some of the aches and pains we suffer from as result of our day to day work environment and how to help ergonomically correct your current workplace.  The following link with provides explanation of what causes workplace aches and pain, as well as more ways to correct workplace functionality...Ergonomic help!  Below is also a fun and enteraining video to show you how you can make your current workplace more ergonomic for your bodies ease and comfort, enjoy!

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