Page 280 - Encyclopedia of Business and Finance

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Ergonomics

chutes to open. The button’s location was changed and
fewer lives were lost.
Principles of ergonomics are applied to the design of
many elements of everyday life, from car seats to garden
tools. Many different occupations are involved in imple-
menting these human factor principles in the workplace,
such as human factors/ergonomics specialists; safety engi-
neers; industrial hygienists, engineers, designers; human
resource managers; occupational medicine physicians and
therapists; and chiropractors. Research in ergonomics is
ongoing.
Knowledge of basic ergonomics principles is impor-
tant for both workers and employers because both share
responsibility for a safe work environment. One can easily
imagine the potential hazards in manufacturing settings
where equipment is operated and heavy materials are han-
dled, but hazards exist in other environments, too. And
technology (especially computer use) has brought about
widespread changes in how work is accomplished.
Attention to ergonomics principles helps to reduce
workplace injuries and illnesses that result in workers’ Ergonomic computer keyboards help ease the strain on hands
compensation costs, medical claims, and lost work time. and wrists. PHOTOGRAPH BY KELLY A. QUIN. THE GALE GROUP.
Many disorders and injuries are preventable when work
conditions are designed for human safety and comfort.
People need training in how to recognize hazards and
safety problems as well as how to control their own behav- Posture in standing and in seated positions is impor-
iors for maximum comfort and health. tant to avoid musculoskeletal disorders. The natural curve
One of the key considerations in ergonomics is of the spine should be maintained, with the head balanced
adjustability of physical elements. People come in all over the spine. When a person is seated:
shapes and sizes, and the average workstation configura-
tion will not fit everyone. Making changes during a work- • Feet should rest on the floor, with legs and body
forming 90° to 110° angles
day in the physical setup of equipment, such as adjusting
chair height, can alleviate discomfort and fatigue. Work • The body should be straight, with the neck upright
surfaces should be at comfortable heights in relationship and supporting the head balanced on the spine (not
to a chair or to a standing position. Equipment and forward or twisted to the sides)
related items should be arranged conveniently.
• Upper arms should be perpendicular to the floor;
Whenever a mismatch occurs between the physical forearms should parallel the floor
requirements of a job and the physical capacity of a
worker, musculoskeletal disorders can result. People work- Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders can begin as
ing with intense concentration or at high speeds often numbness or stiffness in joints or tingling, aching sensa-
work with poor posture. Cumulative trauma disorders tions in muscles. Pain or burning sensations may be evi-
(also called repetitive strain injuries) are caused by repeat- dent, too. Often symptoms progress gradually, becoming
ing the same motion in awkward positions or with notice- more severe with prolonged exposure to the condition
able force, such as in lifting heavy objects. Carpal-tunnel causing them. Damage to nerves, tendons, joints, or soft
syndrome, a disorder affecting nerves in the wrist that has tissue can result.
the potential to permanently disable, is a condition affect- With computer use so prevalent, poor work habits
ing people in a variety of occupations from meatpackers to will contribute to musculoskeletal disorders for many peo-
musicians. Wrist pain can be severe, with treatment ple who spend long hours seated at a computer. These
involving wrist splints, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even
include the following:
surgery. And people who use a computer extensively are
especially prone to developing carpal-tunnel syndrome. • Wrists misaligned or excessive force used with a key-
Computer use often contributes to vision problems, too. board

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE, SECOND EDITION 257