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Check Here for an Ergonomic Workplace

Leonardo da Vinci is considered by many to be the 'father of ergonomics'.  That's how long the study of ergonomics has interested scholars. It is only recently that we have developed a science to describe the human factors involved in different environments.  There are, however, a number of key issues raised consistently when the subject of ergonomics is raised. We all know that an ergonomic office environment can result in less time devoted to sick days, less hours of muscle fatigue and less chance of chronic disability. 

But how do you know when your workspace is ergonomic?  The easy answer would be to suggest that an ergonomic office environment is an 'adjustable' one, facilitating frequent changes of body position and maintaining an atmosphere free from harsh stimulants, including disruptive noises, strong airborne pollutants and eye straining glare from surrounding light sources.

The following is an easy checklist you can use to help to identify problem areas in your work environment.  "No" answers indicate a potential problem and should be investigated further.

 

Yes

No

  VDTs (Visual Display Terminals)

 

 

The keyboard is positioned so that when in operation, the upper arm almost vertical, elbows close to the sides.  The wrist is relaxed and not bent.  (wrist rests can often help to reduce muscle fatigue).  

 

 

The operator is sitting directly in front of the keyboard and the keyboard is placed in a direct line to the visual display terminal.  

 

 

The keyboard is adjustable up and down, can slide closer or further from the worksurface, and can be horizontally angled to allow adjustment of the keyboard to the operator.  

 

 

The top of the visual display terminal is slightly lower than eye level.  

 

 

The operator is sitting directly in front of the keyboard and the keyboard is placed in a direct line to the visual display terminal.  

 

 

Viewing distance is 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in).  

 

 

The terminal screen is free of glare or shadows.  

 

 

Images on the screen are sharp, easy to read and do not flicker.

Yes

No

 Chairs

 

 

Backrest is contoured to support the contour of your spine.  

 

 

Backrest or lumbar support is height adjustable so it can be fit to the individual.  

 

 

Seat and back foam are sculpted to fit the human form and is dense enough to support the weight.  

 

 

"Waterfall" seat cushions that slope down at the front of the chair help improve circulation to lower legs.  

 

 

Height adjustable armrests keep arms in a comfortable position.  

 

 

All chair adjustments can be reached from a seated position.  

 

 

Chair height is adjusted so there is no pressure on the back of the knees and feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest.  

 

 

Chair mechanism can be adjusted frequently throughout the day to accommodate body movement.  

 

 

Chair upholstery is a breathable fabric.  

 

 

Casters are chosen specifically for the floor surface that the chair is sitting on.

 

 

Chair swivels and has 5 legs to maintain stability

Yes

No

Worksurface

 

 

Worksurface is non-reflective to reduce glare.  

 

 

Leg room is sufficient to change position of legs without getting up.  

 

 

Worksurface is large enough to hold work materials.  

 

 

Arrange commonly used items close at hand to avoid excessive stretching, store infrequently used items.  

 

 

Loose wires and cables are well managed by the use of grommets or wire management channels so as not to interfere with operator safety.

Yes

No

Visual Environment

 

 

Lighting does not produce glare or shadows on the screen.  

 

 

Lighting allows workers to easily read characters on the screen and source document.  

 

 

Wall colour is neutral and not too bright.  

 

 

Shiny surfaces and objects are covered or removed.  

 

 

Windows have blinds or curtains to prevent glare.  

 

 

Video display terminals are located away from windows, or screens are at a 90° angle to the windows.  

 

 

Ceiling fluorescent lights are oriented lengthwise to the sides of the terminal.  

 

 

Room lighting is uniform and slightly dimmer than usual office lighting.  

 

 

General work areas have indirect or diffuse lighting.  

 

 

Ceiling fluorescent lights are fitted with diffusers or parabolic louvres.  

 

 

Adjustable task lights are available over source document.
   
Many of the items above can be implemented with little or no cost. Co-operation in your work environment between members of the team can help to solve many problem areas. An ergonomic work environment pays, both in terms of lost production time and in terms of employee job satisfaction.