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MOSH-Chapter 12 (Office Ergonomics)

This document discusses ergonomic guidelines for computer workstations. It covers: - Types of ergonomic keyboards that minimize wrist strain. - Guidelines for wrist rests, including that they should only be used during breaks from typing and not leave wrists compressed. - Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders like repetition, force, awkward postures, and static postures from computer use. - Ergonomic basics for seating, work surfaces, keyboards, monitors, and accessories to set up a comfortable workstation and reduce strain. It emphasizes adjusting equipment for neutral postures.

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120 views37 pages

MOSH-Chapter 12 (Office Ergonomics)

This document discusses ergonomic guidelines for computer workstations. It covers: - Types of ergonomic keyboards that minimize wrist strain. - Guidelines for wrist rests, including that they should only be used during breaks from typing and not leave wrists compressed. - Risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders like repetition, force, awkward postures, and static postures from computer use. - Ergonomic basics for seating, work surfaces, keyboards, monitors, and accessories to set up a comfortable workstation and reduce strain. It emphasizes adjusting equipment for neutral postures.

Uploaded by

siti zubaidah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL

SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT


FASM 5103
ERGONOMICS MANAGEMENT

OFFICE ERGONOMICS
Computer Ergonomics
• Routine PC user is defined as a person spending 20 hours or
more per week working at a computer.
• Studies of PC users have not shown a risk of eye
damage...although fatigue is quite possible during extended
usage.
• NIOSH studies have not indicated a radiation hazard nor
pregnancy risk from PC usage.
• Workers using bi/tri-focal glasses that use a PC may need
special purpose glasses for computer work that keep
eyes/head on level plane.
ERGONOMIC KEYBOARDS
• Three types: Fixed split, Adjustable split & “Sculptured”
• Awkward wrist postures minimized with 15 to 25
horizontal degree key split AND 8 to 66 degree vertical
incline.
• Key Layout Design Changes Have:
– increased comfort (81% of users)
– improved postures
– reduced muscle activity
– lowered carpal tunnel pressure in lab settings
• Obtained primarily to alleviate an injury
WRIST RESTS
• No medical evidence that they reduce RSI injuries. They work for some, but
not for others
• Usage Guidelines:
– Buy rest that is even with top of keyboard
– Material should be “medium-soft” (foam--gel mix) so foam doesn’t break
down. AVOID hard plastic types
– DON’T leave wrists on rest...which compresses carpal tunnel. Palm rest
instead.
– Changing typing habits more critical than wrist support
– MOST APPROPRIATELY USED TO REST HANDS DURING PAUSE
IN TYPING
• LEARN TO TYPE CORRECTLY WITH “FLOATING WRISTS” FIRST!!!
Risk Factors are elements or
components of a task that
increase the probability of cause
or contribution to
musculoskeletal disorders.
Occupational and Personal Risk Factors

• Repetition • Psychosocial Issues


• Force • Smoking
• Forceful Exertions • Medical Factors
• Awkward Postures • Hobbies
• Static Postures • Sports
• Contact Stress
• Environmental Factors
Repetition
Finger movement
when keying
Finger/hand
movement when
mousing
Head movement
between copy and
monitor
Eye refocusing
Force
• Lifting
• Carrying
• Pushing
• Pulling
• Poor body mechanics
Forceful Exertions
• Pinching
• Grasping
• Keying
• Mousing
• Writing
• Stapling
Awkward Postures
• Poor body mechanics
• Twisted torso
• Slouching
• Neck rotation/side
bending
• Bent wrists
• Reaching overhead
Static Postures
• Prolonged sitting or
standing
• Unsupported back
• Unsupported arms
• Neck rotation or side
bending
• Vision fixed or staring
Contact Stress
• Resting the forearm,
wrist or hand on hard
or sharp surfaces can
compress and damage
muscles, nerves, and
blood vessels.
Environmental Issues
• Seating
• Work surface
• Storage
• Lighting
• Air Quality
• Noise
• Privacy
Psychosocial Issues
• Interactions with co-
workers
• Job Satisfaction
• Work Culture
• Time Pressures
• Electronic Monitoring
• Performance Measures
Smoking
• Constricted Blood
Vessels
• Reduced Oxygen
• Coughing
Medical Factors
• Previous Injury
• Illness
• Hereditary and congenital
conditions
Fitting All The Pieces Together
• Seating
• Work surface
• Keyboard/Mouse
• Monitor
• Telephone
• Additional accessories
• Work/Rest Schedule
Accepted Postures

• Upright
• Thighs declined
• Reclined
• Standing
• Move throughout
these postures
Sitting Basics
Hips slightly higher than
knees
Feet supported
Lumbar support below
beltline
Back Angle upright or
slightly reclined
Arms relaxed or
supported
Work Surface Basics
Designs should be
based on job tasks
Surfaces should be
height adjustable
Reading/writing
surface 2 inches
higher than elbow
height
Keyboard/mouse
surface elbow height.
Keyboard/Mouse Basics
• At or slightly
lower than elbow
height
• Neutral wrist
postures
• Relax shoulders
• Use a light touch
Alternative Input Devices
 Split keyboard design
 Vertical or Concave
keyboard design
 Trackball
 Touchpad
 Mouse with a supinated
angle
 Always use on a trial
basis prior to purchase
Monitor Basics
• 25-36 inches from
eyes
• At or slightly lower
than eye level
• Direct alignment
• Avoid glare or contrast
from bright light
sources
Additional Monitor Basics
• Ambient light levels
20-50 foot-candles
• Refresh rate 70-80 Hz
• Dark characters on a
light background
• Clean monitor at least
1x per week
Telephone Basics
• Avoid cradling the
hand set between your
shoulder and head
• Hold the hand set with
your non dominate
hand.
• Use a headset or
speaker phone when
appropriate
Source Documents

• Document holder
– adjacent to monitor
– between monitor
and keyboard
• Reading/Writing Slope
Additional Accessories

• Large grip pen/pencil


– decrease stress on
muscles/tendons
• Wrist rest
– use only while pausing
between key strokes

• Footrest
–essential when feet do not touch
the floor
–help promote postural changes
Work/Rest Schedules
• Rotate job tasks at least 1x
per hour
• Utilize scheduled breaks
• Incorporate stretching into
daily routine
• Change postures
frequently
• Get out of your chair
Tips for Working on the Computer
 Head: held straight & squarely over shoulders
 Eyes: top of computer screen should be at or slightly below eye level
 Shoulders: relaxed, not raised or hunched
 Arms: supported comfortably & close to the body
 Wrists: naturally straight and flat
 Elbows: bent approximately 90 degrees and positioned close to the body
 Back: sufficiently supported to maintain its natural curve
 Hips: bent approximately 90 degrees
 Knees: bent approximately 90 degrees. There should be two to three
finger space between edge of seat and back of knees
 Feet: placed flat on the floor or supported by a footrest
CCOHS Office Ergonomics Safety Guide 2002
Model Computer Workstation
 Keyboard trays WITH wrist support.

 Split "Natural" keyboards to facilitate


neutral wrist angle

 Fully adjustable ergonomic chair

 Document holder to minimize head /


eye & neck movements

 Corner desk units to position monitor


directly in front of employee

 Foot rest where requested.

 Re-organization of working materials


within employee arm reach.

 Alternative pointing devices (e.g.,


scrolling mouse or trackball devices
Guidelines for Reaches
Office Exercises/Stretches
1. Perform all exercises in your comfort zone, if discomfort persists STOP
immediately.

2. Stretch regularly throughout your day.

3. Stretches should be done slowly and smoothly.

4. Change your activity. Where possible, every hour, take a few minutes to
alternate your work activities. This will help to relieve muscle aches,
eyestrain and stress.

5. If you are under treatment, or have any concerns regarding the exercises,
please contact your physician before doing any of the following suggested
exercises.
Stretching
and more stretching..
Your Responsibilities
 Encourage functional and  Promote positive
effective work employee, supervisor
environments relations
 Learn and use adjustment  Report symptoms
features promptly
 Organize workflow  Demonstrate self
 Use neutral body postures responsibility and healthy
 Stretch/exercise lifestyles
 Rotate job tasks  Perform a self evaluation
and modify workstation,
job or habits
End of lesson
Thank you

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