What Is Ergonomics And Why Is It Important?
There is more to having a healthy work environment than just making sure the office is clean and organized. It’s also important to make sure that your employees’ physical health is taken into consideration. This is where ergonomics comes in. Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their surroundings, and it can be used in the workplace to help improve employee productivity and reduce the risk of injury. In this blog post, we will discuss what ergonomics is and why it’s important for businesses!
Understanding Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of designing or arranging workplaces, products, and systems so that they can be used with ease by those who use them. It applies not just in seating but also when it comes to car controls and instruments as well- ergonomic design ensures you have an easy time while operating any type of handles/controls whether its sports-related (like playing golf) leisure activities such as getting fit at exercise classes or even medical conditions where surgeries are performed without causing unnecessary pain.
Importance of Ergonomics in Our Everyday Life
The cost of work-related injuries and illnesses is estimated at $60 billion dollars. Recent research has shown that back pain, in particular, accounts for more than half (55%)of all disabled workers worldwide – affecting employees from offices as well as those on building sites or working with agriculture equipment where they are most likely to suffer this disability).
Ergonomics is the study of human abilities in relation to work. One thing that ergonomic designs can do for you, whether they be chairs or computers with multimedia features like touch screens is to make sure your body has enough room so it doesn’t feel cramped while using these devices throughout long sessions without any pain coming up due accommodate different shaped humans!
The aging population in Australia is projected to double over the next 50 years. This will have an effect on equipment, services, and systems designed for older adults such as public transport or building facilities that are tailored towards their needs!
Ergonomics in the workplace and anywhere else: How does it work?
Ergonomics is a relatively new science that has been around for just over half of the century. Although it relies on research from other established areas such as engineering, physiology, and psychology; there’s no one single approach to ergonomic design because each discipline produces unique results with its own set guidelines when designing products or procedures which can be costly if not done correctly (in time).
The data and techniques of several disciplines come together in an ergonomic design, such as the following:
Anthropometry: which is the study of human body measurements, proportions, and compositions
Biomechanics: which is the study of how muscles work and produce force
Cognitive psychology: is the study of how humans think, learn, and remember
Industrial engineering: which is the study of designing equipment, machines, and processes to improve productivity while minimizing risks
Physiology: which is the study of how different systems in the bodywork
Workplace design principles that take into account human abilities and limitations.
The goal of ergonomics is to match a person’s physical capabilities with the demands of their job. This can be done by redesigning tasks or tools, providing training on proper technique or posture, or changing work schedules to allow for more breaks or less repetitive motion.
When done correctly, ergonomics can help to:
- Reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back pain
- Increase productivity by reducing fatigue and improving morale
- Improve the quality of products and services by reducing errors and rework
- Decrease workers’ compensation costs
What are some common ergonomic principles?
There are a number of basic ergonomic principles that can be applied to almost any work environment. These include:
- Maintaining neutral body positions: This means keeping the spine in its natural alignment, the head level, and the shoulders relaxed and down. It also means avoiding awkward postures and repetitive motions.
- Using proper lifting techniques: This includes using the legs to lift rather than the back, keeping objects close to the body, and avoiding sudden or jerky movements.
- Taking frequent breaks: This gives the muscles a chance to rest and prevents fatigue from setting in. Breaks should be taken every 20 minutes or so when performing tasks that require sustained static posture or repetitive motion.
- Changing positions often: This helps to avoid sustained static posture and repetitive motion. For example, if you are working at a computer, take a break every 20 minutes or so to walk around or do some stretching exercises.
- Making the work environment ergonomically friendly: This includes using adjustable chairs and workstations, placing frequently used items within easy reach, and using task lighting to reduce eye strain.
We hope you’ve found this post helpful in understanding ergonomics a little better. Ergonomics is something we should all be aware of and mindful of in our everyday lives, not just when we’re at work. If you have any questions or would like more information on how ergonomics can improve your life, give us a call today. We’d be happy to chat with you!
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