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- What is ergonomics - really?
What is ergonomics - really?
Ergonomics is an increasingly common concept in the workplace; one that affects our everyday lives. An ergonomic workplace can help to prevent poor physical health, increase employee wellbeing and encourage productivity. Through the use of the right furniture and equipment coupled with an understanding of good working positions, it can help to prevent bodily aches and pains. The key to good ergonomics is to take into account physical, mental and social factors and each person's individual situation. But, what does ergonomics even mean?
Ergonomics involves a holistic approach
For a long time, the concept of ergonomics was seen mainly as the relationship between people and the products they use. That remains an important aspect, and there are many functional, ergonomic products that make everyday life easier, such as chairs for active sitting. But ergonomics now goes far beyond that. It is about taking a holistic view of the workplace: planning and adapting both the physical environment and the work itself to suit the people who do it. The same applies if you often work from home.
Considering individual differences
An ergonomic workplace is adapted to the people who work there, not the other way around. We thrive when our working conditions meet our individual physical and psychological needs. It is essential to consider individual differences in physical strength and size or the ability to handle information, for example. Based on these differences, you can then design and organise tasks, tools and the entire workplace in a more ergonomic way to prevent any posture or health issues.
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Cognitive ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics, also known as information ergonomics, deals with the interaction between humans and technology. The technology used in the workplace must be adapted to human capabilities to see, hear, understand, remember and make decisions. A computer system that does not fit the brain's way of processing information makes work more difficult and challenging. The workplace not only needs to be adapted for the body but also for the brain.
Manual handling ergonomics
Manual handling ergonomics focuses on how lifting, carrying, and moving loads affect the body’s musculoskeletal system. Movement and load-bearing are beneficial for the human body when done correctly. However, problems arise when lifting is performed incorrectly or when the weight of the object exceeds the worker’s strength. To prevent strain injuries, it’s essential to provide training on safe lifting methods and use aids such as lifting tables and mini stackers.
Repetitive movements, excessive sitting and incorrect postures can also cause strain injuries. Adaptations to the workplace to suit both the tasks and the people performing them may need to be made. Adjustable office chairs, height- adjustable desks with ergonomic accessories and work mats can do a lot to improve the health and well-being of staff.
Hand-intensive work
The term hand-intensive work means tasks performed with persistent rapid wrist movements combined with force. If such repetitive movements occur during a large part of the workday, it can cause strain-related injuries in the hand, arm and further up to the neck and shoulders. Examples of jobs that may contain hand-intensive work are kitchen professions, cleaning, mail sorting, assembly and nursing or care work.
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Acoustic ergonomics
Noise is considered to be any unwanted sound that disrupts the work environment. This can include everything from loud noises from work machines to the background hum of an office ventilation system. Noise does not need to reach a high sound level to be harmful but there is a risk of hearing damage at around 85 dB.
Noise and poor sound acoustics can also lead to stress-related problems. In roles that involve frequent talking (a call centre for example), a noisy environment can lead to voice strain, as employees raise their voices unnecessarily to be heard. Solutions such as acoustic panels, acoustic screens and acoustic partitions mitigate disruptive noise and contribute to a more comfortable and productive work environment. Considering acoustic ergonomics is therefore a key part of designing a healthy workplace.
Lighting ergonomics
When lighting during work hours is not optimal, there is a risk of headaches and eye strain. Moreover, it can lead to uncomfortable working positions and tension in the muscles when someone cannot see their work correctly or is exposed to glare from the screen. Review your workplace lighting so that everyone can feel and work better.
The importance of movement
Most people are aware that too much sitting is not good for your health. For example, it increases the risk of back and neck problems, reduces oxygenation and make people more susceptible to certain diseases compared with those who are more active. According to the NHS, physical activity helps prevent and manage a wide range of health conditions, including mental health issues, and provides substantial benefits for both adults and children. It’s important to build movement into your day. Remember to take regular breaks and stretch!
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Summary
This blog post explains the concept of ergonomics. Beyond understanding correct working postures and using ergonomic aids, it’s about planning and adapting both the work environment and work methods to suit individual needs. Good ergonomics takes a holistic approach, covering load ergonomics, acoustic and lighting considerations, cognitive factors, risks associated with repetitive tasks, the importance of regular and varied movement, and more.
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We at AJ Products are always available to help you with solutions suited just for your business. Contact us if you have questions on the choice of fabric, need some inspiration or want to know the alternatives that would best suit your premises. We can then tell you more about your choices.Discover our blogs about ergonomics in the workplace
FAQ
- Ergonomija je preučevanje človeškega telesa v povezavi z okoljem, kot je delovno mesto in prilagajanje delovnega okolja za zmanjšanje tveganja obremenitev in poškodb telesa.
- Pisarniški prostor je možno prilagoditi uporabniku z nastavljivim pisarniškim stolom in po višini nastavljivo mizo. Naj bo tudi dovolj prostora za noge in zadostna oddaljenost od računalniškega zaslona.
- Sedeti morate tako, da bo vaš hrbet popolnoma podprt s pisarniškim stolom, stopala naj bodo na tleh, komolci pod kotom 90° na namizju in vrh zaslona v liniji z vašimi očmi. Najbolj idealno je, da pogosto menjate položaj sedenja in izmenjujete sedenje in stanje.
- Pri sedečem delu je bistveno, da v delovnik vključimo gibanje v obliki mikropavz, odmorov za vadbo in sprehodov za kosilo.
- Pogosti vzroki za poškodbe zaradi obremenitve v pisarniškem okolju so ponavljajoči se monotoni gibi pred računalnikom ali nezdrav delovni položaj.
- Beseda ergonomija izhaja iz grške besede ergon, kar pomeni delo, in nomos, kar pomeni zakon ali pravilo.
- Nenaravni delovni položaji lahko v najslabšem primeru povzročijo poškodbe zaradi obremenitve in kronične mišično-skeletne težave.
