Ergonomics

Definition

1. The study of  human factors related to computers.
2. Concerned with fitting the job to the worker rather than forcing the worker to contort to fit the job.
3. Ergonomics helps computer users to take steps to avoid physical and mental health risks and increase productivity.

Physical Health

1. Some physical problems can occur from using a computer for long  periods of time.
2. The physical health matters that receive he most attention are:
   1. Eyestrain and headaches -  How to avoid
      1. Take a 15-minutes break every hour or two.
      2. Avoid computer screens that flicker.
      3. Avoid reflected glare on the screen.
      4. Keep the screen brighter than room light.
      5. Clean the screen of dust.

       

   2. Back and neck pain -  How to avoid
      1. Use a chair that is adjustable and has a good back support.
      2. Use a table that is adjustable.
      3. Use a monitor that is adjustable and keep at, or slightly below eye level.
      4. Use detachable keyboard.
      5. Use an adjustable document holder.
            
   3. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) -  How to avoid effects
      1. Buy a computer with a low-emission monitor.
      2. Try to sit about 2 feet or more from the computer screen.
      3. Try to sit about 3 feet from neighboring terminals.
            
   4. Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
      1. Also known as repetitive motion injury or cumulative trauma disorder.
           
      2. Any injury in neck, wrist, hand, or arm resulting from fast, repetitive work.
           
      3. The greatest cause of workplace illness in private industry.
           
      4. Examples of people that may suffer from this injury:
         • Textile workers
         • Automobile workers
         • Computer users
             
      5. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the type of RSI found in heavy computer users.
         • Consists of damage to nerves and tendons in the hands.
         • Pain may be so intense that they cannot open door or shake hands.
         • May require corrective surgery.

Mental Health

1. Computer technology has irritants that may be counterproductive.
     
2. Noise irritants
   1. Voice input and output -  Head-mounted microphones and earphones greatly reduce the effect.
   2. Impact Printers -  acoustical tile and sound-muffling covers can reduce noise from impact printers.
   3. High-frequency squeals produced by cooling fans and vibrating parts of the system unit.  Tightening loose system unit components will reduce high-frequency noise.
        
3. Stress from excessive monitoring
   1. Workers suffer more health problems when monitored electronically.
        
   2. Examples of electronic monitoring:
      1. Monitoring number keystrokes during data entry.
      2. Tracking time to handle customer-service call.
           
   3. Electronically monitored employees report more
      1. Boredom
      2. Higher tension
      3. Extreme anxiety
      4. Depression
      5. Anger
      6. severe fatigue
           
   4. It has been shown that electronic monitoring is not necessary
      1. Federal Express and Bell Canada replaced electronic monitoring with human managers.
      2. Employee productivity stayed up and even increased.

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