1. ERGONOMICS 101
An Overview

2. Somewhere, Something Went Terribly Wrong
Gary Larson’s “The Far Side”, Copyright 1986 Universal Press Syndicate

3. What is it?
Ergonomics is the study of how the physical health of workers is affected by their workplace.
Ergonomics is concerned with such factors as the physical design of the computer workstation such as the keyboard, screens, and mouse.

4. What are RSI’s? Definition Symptoms
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI) are also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTS), which is an injury that is the result of stress put on your body when performing repetitive tasks.
Symptoms
Pain, numbness, tingling and loss of muscle control and coordination
Pain felt in wrists, neck, shoulders and upper back
Eye strain, headaches, tiredness, allergies, backaches, poor circulation

5. What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS occurs when a nerve in the wrist is used over and over with the wrong equipment, causing stress in the nerves and tissues in the wrists.
Wrist is unable to move properly, and the person suffers a great deal of pain, usually requiring surgery to correct.
Can be prevented by using a wrist support and keeping your wrist in the correct position.

6. TIPS FOR AN ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION
Monitor
Top of screen should be at eye level
Tilt monitor slightly upward
Should be 45cm to 60cm from face
Should be cleaned often
Shelter your monitor from light sources that produce flare
Adjust your monitor’s brightness, contrast and font size until they feel
comfortable for you

7. TIPS FOR AN ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION
Keyboard
Should be kept at elbow height
Fingers should land on “home row”
at a 90 degree angle
Keep shoulders relaxed, and
elbows at side
When typing, center your keyboard in front of you alongside your mouse.
Don’t use wrist rests or armrests
while typing-only while resting.
Avoid bending your wrist up, down, or to the sides

8. TIPS FOR AN ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION
Mouse
Keep mouse close to keyboard
Use elbow, not wrist, to move mouse
Keep wrists in a straight or “neutral”
position
Use light grip
Desk
Have enough room around you and
under the desk
Medium to light coloured surface to reduce glare

9. TIPS FOR AN ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION
Chair
Height – thighs should be roughly parallel to floor
Choose a chair with good back support
Recline slightly and sit back in chair
Use a foot rest if your feet don’t rest comfortably on the floor
Move around!

11. Ergonomics – The Cheap Way!
Temperature of the workplace should be kept between 15°C and 22°C.
Provide plenty of air circulation, but not drafts from open windows. This reduce amount of dust and bacteria in the air.
Background lighting should be low or glare free, and should be suitable for your task
Cleanliness avoids the development of allergies from exposure to dust, mold and particles.

12. How do Employers Benefit?
Employees are much happier
Healthy employees have fewer sick days
Good working relationships
Productivity is increased
Employees less chance of quitting

13. How do Employees Benefit?
Prevents injuries from occurring
Healthier working conditions, improve the mood of the employee
Miss fewer days, and avoid losing pay