Week Six: Ergonomics

As promised last week, ergonomics will now take center stage. Let's dive in.

What is ergonomics?

          According to the Biodynamics laboratory at Ohio State University, ergonomics is defined as "the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among humans and the other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theoretical principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well being and overall system performance." Long definition, right? Let's do what we do best, break it down!

The phrase "understanding the interaction among humans and other elements of a system" simply means, how we, as humans, interact with our workplaces. Ergonomics is defined by Linda Nussbaumer in Human Factors in the Built Environment as "the study of workplace design."

           Next, the definition goes on to say "applies theoretical principles, data, and methods to design." Ergonomists do research into the field and study how humans operate in a work environment and what elements in workplace design can be changed to better meet the functional needs of the employees and create a healthier workplace environment.

           The definition concludes by stating that ergonomics is used to "optimize the well being and overall system performance." All of ergonomics -- the data collection, the principles, the design adaptation -- is to ensure that the workspace is a place of comfort, health and productivity.

           So, if we put the pieces of ergonomics back together, the aim of this human factor becomes clear: to take the physical needs of humans and create a work environment that meets those functional needs.

How is ergonomics used in design?

           As a branch of human factors, ergonomics is directly related to design and how humans interact with their environment. Some ergonomic elements of design include:

• furniture, fixtures, and equipment
• health and safety issues
• the prevention work related injuries
• indoor air quality

           By addressing these elements of workplace design, the environment will promote both the well being and productivity of the worker.

What are some elements of ergonomics that we experience every day?

         Whether student or worker, we all experience ergonomics and its principles every day. 

         When you walk into school or work and go to your desk or office, what do you do? You sit down. Most likely you are facing a computer. While the placement of the computer, mouse, and keyboard might seem irrelevant or devoid of thoughtful design, their placement is crucial for your comfort and productivity in the space. If the keyboard is too elevated, your arms with be uncomfortable. If the computer screen is at the wrong height in relation to you, you will begin to feel neck pain. The placement of elements in workspaces is a crucial to the health and well being of the worker. 

        Have you ever sat in a chair where your feet do not touch the ground? Or been in a room where inadequate lighting forces you to squint? These are both instances where ergonomic design has been ignored. If you are in this space for an extended period of time or repeatedly, you will likely begin to experience pain in relation to inadequate design. 

If you are exposed to an environment where ergonomics was ignored, what can you do?

        Stand up! Stretch! According to an article entitled "Scheduling and Improving Ergonomic Breaks Using Environmental Information," scheduling proper breaks throughout the day where workers can participate in ergonomic stretching is key in increasing productivity and decreasing work related injuries or Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs. 

        So do it! The next time you have been doing the same activity for a while, stand up, stretch your back, arms, legs, shoulders, and neck. When sitting, raise your arms over your head, twist your back side to side, arch and hunch your back, and stretch your wrists. Doing so will decrease the probability that you will have work-related injuries such as slipped discs in your back, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.

      If you want to change your environment, change your situation. Stand up desks are a new ergonomic trend that allow the worker to have flexibility on the job. The worker can sit or stand, moving the computer, keyboard, and mouse accordingly. This movement allows the user to stretch different muscles all the while, doing their job.  Perfect solution! 

      This desk belongs to my father-in-law. By adding the top desk to an already existing piece of furniture, this adaptation made the original desk more ergonomic in its functionality. When he wants to stand, he places his laptop on the upper desk. When he wants to sit, he simply slides the top desk back and takes the laptop back to the original desk. 

        This solution is both functional and cost effective. While it is simple, it outlines the very essence of ergonomics, the promotion of the health and well being of the worker. 

Resources:

Ergonomics Diagram

The Role of Ergonomics in Design
Nussbaumer, L. L. (2014). Human Factors in the Built Environment. New York: Fairchild Books, An impring of Bloosbury Publishing Inc.