Ergonomics
From WikIT
Ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design of equipment design to maximise productivity and to minimise injury and strain. Ergonomics is a key factor in all workplaces but is particularly important in an IT (Information Technology) related working environment.
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Ergonomics in IT
Ergonomics is important in IT and IT related workplaces and there are many different factors to consider.
Work Area
The work area should be big enough to accommodate those who work in it and easily allow the full range of movements necessary in performing the required tasks as well as provide plenty of room for equipment and materials. The work area must have facilities to regulate the temperature to keep it at a comfortable level.
Any equipment or materials that need to be used should be within easy reach and you should never reach for anything over the shoulder or from any other uncomfortable position. If equipment in out of reach then you must stand up and move to it.
Desk/Workstation
Standard furniture cannot meet the needs of every person that may need to use it. If a person is particularly tall or short they will need a higher or lower desk. It is possible to use adjustable furniture in the case where many people use the same workstation.
- Workstations should be designed with the following in mind:
- The desk should be organised so that equipment that is used frequently is placed close to the user to prevent excessive reaching.
- The desk should have a non-reflective surface to reduce glare.
- The floor area of the workstation should be empty and/or uncluttered so the the user can spread out and stretch their feet and legs.
- Adjustable chairs and desks.
- A footrest so that feet can be flat on the floor
- If using a desk lamp make sure that it illuminates the required space without cauing glare on the computer monitor and does not shine directly into eyes.
- An adjustable and stable document holder.
Adjustable Chair
Sitting for long periods of time in positions found 'relaxing' is actually hard on the back, feet and legs as it can increase pressure on intervertebral discs as well as allow blood to 'pool' in the legs and feet.
Injury and damage can be minimised by changing positions while you are sitting and taking breaks, walking and stretching.
- You should be able to:
- Adjust the height of the chair to allow:
- Sit upright in the chair with your back against the backrest and shoulders on the backrest.
- Thighs should be parallel to the floor; knees should be bent at a right angle.
- The front of the seat to be 2-4 inches away from the back of knees.
- Add, remove and change arm rests so:
- You can adjust the width and height of arm rests so you can have your arms at your sides or rest your arms comfortably on them while typing.
- You do not slouch on the arm rests.
- The arm rests are not in the way when performing tasks and do not raise your shoulders.
- Your elbows and lower arms can rest lightly on the arm rests without constricting circulation.
You should also ensure that there is a suitable space between the top of your thighs and the bottom of your desk/workstation. There should also be enough space under your workstation so that you can pull yourself all the way under your desk.
Monitor
Once the chair and workstation heights are correct the monitor should be placed so that the monitor is at or just below eye height.
A few things should be considered when setting up a monitor on a workstation.
- These include:
- Make sure the screen is clean.
- Adjust brightness and contrast to a comfortable level.
- Put the monitor about 18-30 inches from your eyes
- Place so that sunlight and artificial cannot reflect off the screen into your, or anyone else's, eyes.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the employee, the employer and any applicable OH&S workers to keep a standard so that efficiency is maximised and injury and strain does not occur.
See Also
- Employee and Employer Responsibilities
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Risk Analysis
- Safe Work Practices
- Correct Manual Handling Techniques
