Ergonomics and Protecting Your Body Kim Morais and Rachael Slotin CSCI 1401 Section 200

What is Ergonomics? study of people in the workplace –type of equipment –lighting –positioning average workstation –not designed for diverse population height, eyesight distance, arm and leg length, hand and foot size, etc. –designed for male about 5’10”

Computer Related Health Problems Main injury is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome –What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? when a ligament across the front of the wrist becomes swollen, it compresses the nerves that supply blood to the first three fingers –Symptoms include: pain, tingling, and numbness of the fingers or hand shooting pain from hand to shoulder swollen sensations weaker hands

Computer Related Health Problems Continued –Treatments: steroids or other inflammatory drugs exercises surgery (severe cases only) Other Repetitive Strain Injuries –back and shoulder injuries –eyestrains –headaches

Attempts to Solve the Problem Many new equipment and instrument designs are in the making. –Chairs adjustable backrest, and height inflatable lumbar support –Keyboards ergonomic keyboards wrist rest

Attempts to Solve the Problem Continued –Desks design created by Haworth in Holland, MI –16 different height positions with automatic shift control –Antiglare filter for Screen –Prio computer eyewear special glasses to ensure better focus

Setting Up Your Workstation User Positioning –neutral position –ears, shoulders, and hips should be in line (sitting up straight) –head and shoulder relaxed with back against chair Monitor –adjustable brightness and contrast controls –eye-level or just below

Setting Up Your Workstation Continued –20-24 inches from eyes (depending on visual capabilities) –tilted degrees (depending on height) Keyboard –forearms horizontal –wrists extended forward and parallel to the floor –fingers should be warm

Setting Up Your Workstation Continued Chairs –allow legs to be at a 90 degree angle –back straight –rollers –adjustable arm rest (chairs in classroom) –adjustable height lever (chairs in classroom) –adjustable lumbar support (chairs in classroom)

Setting Up Your Workstation Continued Miscellaneous –foot rest –dim lights in computer area –mouse (close by)

Exercises stand up, interlock hands and stretch arms over head interlock hands in front of body and extend arms so that palms are facing out until elbows lock interlock hands behind back and slowly raise arms up until stretch is felt in the shoulders

Exercises Continued turn head slowly to the left and back to the right hold dumbbell in each hand, relax arms to the side, raise shoulders up and down stretch hands out in front of body, rotate wrists so that fingertips form circles in the air

Exercises Continued put a rubber band around the fingers, spread fingers, then release clench and hold fists, then spread fingers as far apart as possible close eyes or look away form computer simply get up and walk around

Conclusion Researchers continue to study the body in conjunction with computer use to create safer work environments meanwhile people need to take control of setting up their workstations to suit their body type If you are experiencing any of the symptoms previously discussed, consult a physician for treatment

The End! Thank You! Any Questions?