ergonomics

• Ergonomics: the study of workers' interactions with their working environment
• The most common category of ergonomic-related injuries is repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), also known as musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).
• MSI occurs when a person performs the same task over and over,

  damaging nerves, muscles, tendons, or other body tissues.
• The most common MSI in North America is

  carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Other ergonomic-related illnesses include eyestrain, headaches, fatigue

  (tiredness), allergies, backaches, and poor circulation.
• Temperature-Temperature should be kept between 20-22C.
• Air circulation-Plenty of air circulation (but not drafts from open windows) is important.

  Circulating air minimizes the amount of dust and bacteria in the air; keeping workers healthier.
• Cleanliness is important that the work environment be cleaned regularly and thoroughly.

  Dust, mold, and other particles in the air can cause allergies and respiratory problems.
• Lighting and colour-Lighting should be kept stable. Lights should not flicker, as flickering causes

  eyestrain. The colour of the workrooms should be neutral and soft. Pure white, very dark, or shiny surfaces can cause fatigue.
• Chairs- Chairs should have five legs for stability. Seats should be adjustable and be between 37.5 cm and 52.5 cm from the floor. A firm back should allow the elbows to be bent at a 90-degree angle when using the keyboard. The seat should be padded enough to allow circulation, but firm enough to maintain good posture.
• Work surfaces - Tables and desks should provide enough space for people to work without bumping into one another. Enough legroom should be available to allow people to change their seating position to avoid muscle and circulation problems in the legs. The edges of tables and desks should be smooth and rounded to avoid injury.
• Colouring- Medium-and light-coloured surfaces help ease eyestrain when reading. Work

  surfaces should have a matte (not shiny) finish to reduce glare.
• Monitors- Monitors should have flat, anti-glare screens to reduce eyestrain. They should be positioned so that the top of the screen is at eye level, and at a distance of 45 cm to 60 cm from the face to reduce stress on the eyes and neck. Because monitors attract dust and repel it

  towards the user's face, they should be frequently cleaned to avoid allergies. When you are using the computer for an extended period, remember to rest your eyes by occasionally

  looking away from the screen.
• Keyboard placement recommendations:

  • Keyboard should be placed at elbow height
  • It should be at an angle that causes the fingers to land on the home row (ASDF JKL;)
  • Maintain a 90° elbow angle to prevent strain on the wrists
• Improperly adjusted keyboards can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome