Ergonomics: The Scientific Study Of People At Work

Ergonomics Is The Scientific Study Of People At Work The Goal Of Ergo

Ergonomics is the scientific study of people at work. The goal of ergonomics is to reduce stress and eliminate injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. Have you found that using computers has impacted your health in any way? Describe what you have experienced and any steps you have taken to improve the situation and follow good practices for healthy computing? (If computer usage hasn’t impacted you research ergonomics and report how it has impacted others)

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary digital age, computer usage has become integral to daily life, both professionally and personally. While technology offers numerous advantages, prolonged or improper use of computers can have significant health implications. These issues are primarily linked to poor ergonomics, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, headaches, and repetitive strain injuries. This paper explores personal experiences with computer use, preventive measures adopted to enhance health, and the broader impact of poor ergonomic practices on others, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic awareness and intervention.

Personally, extended hours of computer use have resulted in neck and shoulder discomfort, eye fatigue, and occasional headaches. The repetitive nature of typing and mouse clicking has led to mild wrist pain, which is characteristic of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Recognizing these symptoms prompted me to implement ergonomic best practices to mitigate adverse health effects. For instance, I adjusted my workstation by elevating my monitor to eye level, thereby reducing neck strain. I also adopted the practice of taking short breaks every 30 minutes to stretch and rest my eyes, which aligns with the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain. Additionally, I use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to minimize wrist strain, accompanied by proper hand positioning and posture when typing and using the mouse.

Further, I ensure my chair provides adequate lumbar support, and my feet are flat on the ground to promote good posture. These measures exemplify basic ergonomic principles recommended by organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Implementing ergonomic principles not only alleviates symptoms but also enhances productivity by reducing discomfort and fatigue.

Research indicates that poor ergonomic setups are prevalent among office workers worldwide, leading to significant health issues. According to a study by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, 2011), approximately 30% of workplace injuries are related to musculoskeletal disorders caused by improper ergonomic practices. These disorders include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and lower back pain, all of which can be mitigated through ergonomic interventions. Moreover, a survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2020) revealed that repetitive strain injuries are among the leading causes of work-related disability and absenteeism.

Other individuals are significantly affected by poor ergonomics, often without awareness. For example, students and remote workers frequently report eye discomfort, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain after long hours of computer use. Many are unaware of ergonomic principles, such as the importance of screen positioning, proper keyboard and mouse placement, and effective workspace organization. A report by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA, 2022) underscores that ergonomic education can drastically reduce these health issues, emphasizing adjustable desks, ergonomic accessories, and ergonomic training programs.

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of ergonomic interventions to promote workplace health. Employers implementing ergonomic solutions, such as adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and monitor stands, have reported reductions in employee discomfort and improvements in productivity (Mandal & Ghosh, 2019). Ergonomic training programs also foster awareness, empowering employees to adopt healthy work habits, reducing the risk of injury and increasing overall well-being in the workplace.

In conclusion, computer use, if not managed with ergonomic considerations, can lead to various health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders and eye strain. Personal measures such as workspace adjustment, regular breaks, and ergonomic accessories significantly improve health outcomes. Broader awareness and implementation of ergonomic principles are vital to mitigate risks faced by others, especially in environments with prolonged computer use. As technology continues to evolve, ongoing ergonomic education and workplace modifications remain essential components of occupational health strategies, ensuring that the benefits of digital tools do not come at the expense of physical well-being.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2011). Ergonomics: The study of work and the human element. OSHA Publications.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2020). Musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomics in the workplace: 2020 report. BLS Reports.
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). (2022). Ergonomics and musculoskeletal health. APTA Publications.
• Mandal, P. K., & Ghosh, S. (2019). Impact of ergonomic interventions on worker productivity and health. Journal of Occupational Health, 61(4), 291–301.
• Karim, R., & Islam, M. T. (2018). Ergonomic assessment of computer workstations among university students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(4), 759.
• Chen, M., & Grasso, B. (2020). The role of ergonomic design in reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries, 30(4), 283–293.
• Helander, M. G., & Khalid, H. (2017). Guidelines for computer workstation ergonomics. Ergonomics, 60(3), 341–350.
• Sharma, S., & Singh, R. (2019). Ergonomic practices in contemporary workplaces: A review. Journal of Workplace Wellness, 13(2), 53–68.
• Hedge, A. (2018). Ergonomics for computer users. CRC Press.
• Woolery, A. R., et al. (2021). Educational interventions to improve ergonomic practices among office workers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 63(2), e116–e123.