Ergonomics

Do your wrists hurt after typing on a computer for several hours? Or how about your back while you’re sitting in a chair that is not made for your desk? Ergonomics can help prevent most work place injuries if the designer or end user has a good understanding of the meaning. Ergonomics is the process of designing the work space for the worker. Ergonomics has a similarity to anthropometrics by using the human dimensions to design for comfort in the work place.

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My dad used to work in an office and every day after work he would come home and complain about an ach or pain in his wrists, back, knees, etc. The managers finally heard their cry of pain and ordered new desks and chairs for everyone. I can remember his excitement, talking about when they would arrive to the office and how everyone would be staying after to help set them up. The chairs were made specifically for sitting long hours and the desks were adjustable desks. Having adjustable desks allowed everyone the ability to adjust almost everything in their work space to their proper dimensions and comfort.  The chairs also helped by aligning their legs and back properly which causes less strain on the body. A few days after having the new desks and chairs I could tell a difference in my dads’ posture he was not in as much pain anymore.

Sketch by Me

There are many different pieces of furniture out there that designers have made using ergonomics. However, if you do not use the correct furniture such as, a chair with the correct desk then it can still cause unwanted aches and pains throughout the body. A perfect example would be my at home desk chair, it fits perfectly under the desk, but it does not give much space to move. Also, there are no arm rests, so I am constantly having to put my arms down to rest them after a long period of working. The chair is also a little tall for my height, which means my feet do not touch the ground fully causing a misalignment with my legs and back. Once, I have been sitting there for several hours I start to feel discomfort in many areas of my body due to the awkward height of the chair with the desk.

 Photo taken by Me

Ergonomics is used in every day life. For example, working long hours without the proper desk or chair can really affect the body, or being at home and sitting on the couch improperly for a long period of time can tense up muscles and cause pain. All spaces must have a level of comfort provided for efficient movement that is what the designer needs to keep in mind when designing for any person.   

Sources:

Ergonomics Advice. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fastofficefurniture.com.au/officefurniture/uncategorized/help-with-ergonomics/

News. (2017, September 03). Retrieved from https://healthy-workplaces.eu/previous/all-ages-2016/en/news/ergonomics-safe-and-healthy-workplaces-all-ages

What is Ergonomics? (2018, October 02). Retrieved from https://www.ergonomics.com.au/what-is-ergonomics/

U. (2000). Ergonomics: The Study of Work. Retrieved November 22, 2018, from https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3125.pdf

What is Ergonomics? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.humanscale.com/ergonomics/what-is-ergonomics/index.cfm