computer ergonomics.ppt

COMPUTER ERGONOMICS
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Understand the definition of ergonomics
Understand Primary Causes of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs).
Understand ways to prevent CTDs
Learn about PC workstation accessories to puter work stress
Basic exercises to reduce / relieve ergo-stress.
DEFINITION
ERGONOMICS is a way to work smarter--not harder by designing of tools, equipment, work stations and tasks to fit the job to the worker--NOT the worker to the job:
Layout / type of controls & displays
Lighting & Temperature
Process (Heights, reaches, weights)
WHY WORRY ?
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are fastest-growing injury/illness category (accounting for over million annual lost workday cases in 1997 BLS stats).
Up 600% over last 11 years
$13 to 20 billion total injury cost / year & average $29 K / pensation claim cost
More lost workdays for RSIs (ave. = 30 days for a Carpal Tunnel injury)
MSD INJURY DATA
600,000 MSDs require time off from work.
Women suffer more ergonomic injuries due:
to having jobs requiring more heavy lifting, repetitive tasks and awkward postures
70% of Carpal Tunnel
62% of Tendonitis
CAR COST IS (PARTIALLY)--A PAIN IN THE BACK !!
According to Dr. . Simmons, president of the American Back Society, medical costs related to back injury can add up to $1,800 to the price of every car made in Detroit !!
CTD INJURY FACTORS
Lesions to tendons of the neck, back, shoulders, arms, wrists or hands
Primary causes:
Repetitive movements over long periods of time
Awkward postures
Use of excessive forces
CTD RISK CONTROL: POSTURE
NEUTRAL & COMFORTABLE:
Wrists straight
Shoulders relaxed with elbows close to body
head / shoulders & back in vertical alignment
Frequent breaks when bent postures can’t be avoided
ERGONOMIC ALIGNMENT
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Occurs with repetitive motion of hands & wrists--especially with high force levels.
Incidence up to 15% in certain industries.
A “natural” keyboard and good wrist support can hel