Ergonomics
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics
- which is the study of the physical relationship between people and their tools—such as computers— addresses these issues.
People recognize the importance of having ergonomically correct computer furniture
Ergonomically correct
- means that a tool or a workplace is designed to work properly with the human body, and
- thus reduces the risk of strain and injuries.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
an injury of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by
- repetitive tasks,
- forceful exertions,
- vibrations,
- mechanical compression (pressing against hard surfaces),
- sustained, or
- awkward positions
Caused by continuous misuse of the body in ways it was not designed to work
Many professions suffer from RSI
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel is a passage way in the wrist through which nerves pass
Holds nerves and tendons
Prolonged keyboarding swells tendons
Median nerve is compressed at wrist
Resulting in numbness or pain or the inability to use the hands
victims can miss weeks or months of work.
In extreme cases, surgery is required.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Avoiding Keyboard Related Injuries
To avoid RSIs set the workspace in an ergonomically friendly way
Choose comfortable office furniture
Office chair should:
- Allow you to adjust its height.
- Provide good lower-back support.
- Have adjustable armrests
The desk should
- hold your keyboard and mouse at the proper height,
- your hands are at the same height as your elbows (or a few inches lower) when you hold them over the keyboard.
Avoiding Keyboard Related Injuries
How To Sit At a Computer
Techniques to Avoid RSI
Keep Your Wrists Straight