Computer Ergonomics Computer Software Web Tips Guide
Computer Ergonomics Help To Improve Productivity
By Joel Wannamaker
The computer has truly revolutionized our daily lives in unfathomable
ways. The pace and productivity of our workforce has jumped in
leaps and bounds since the eighties; however, with this new work
comes new challenges.
In the past, the majority of the population worked manual labor
jobs. Today, most workers are sitting in the same chairs in front
of computer screens for eight or more hours each day.
Special Equipment For Comfort And Safety
Perhaps we never considered the possibility of injuries from
repetitive actions or occupational health hazards from a relatively
sedentary job, but reports around the country indicate the need
for computer ergonomics, which is special equipment designed with
comfort and safety in mind.
Most people in need of computer ergonomics suffer from repetitive
strain injuries. Repetitive injuries occur when excess stress
is placed on a joint, thus pulling on surrounding tendons and
muscles.
The Pain Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When the body does not have adequate time to recuperate from
such strain, it becomes irritated, swollen and damaged. This type
of injury includes carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a swelling
inside a narrow tunnel of bone/ligaments in the wrist.
Since this tunnel protects delicate nerves, sufferers experience
pain, tingling and numbness. Some people with severe neck and
shoulder pain have cervical radiculopathy, a type of disk compression.
Ergonomic Workstations For Computer Workers
Epicondylitis ("tennis elbow"), a ganglion cyst (swollen
lump in the wrist), reflex sympathetic dystrophy (dry, swollen
hands and loss of muscle control) and tendonitis (tearing and
inflammation of tendons) are not uncommon in computer workers.
As a result, computer workstations with ergonomic furniture have
gained widespread popularity around the world. For example, there
are special keyboards for typing designed to reduce muscle strain.
Ergonomic Keyboards And Chairs
Some keyboards split the keys up, with different elevated sections
to increase the range of motion. Others are fixed at a certain
elevated position to the user’s hands aren’t so bent while
typing.
A special ergonomic chair with a tilt function helps workers
stretch their backs and change postures throughout the day to
allow different muscle groups a chance to relax.
Adjustable computer workstation ergonomics gives individuals
the ability to review their options and change their postures
frequently by moving trash cans, document folders and mouse pads
around. There are even laptop attachments, like a different type
of mouse and monitor.
Walk Away From The Screen Every 20 Minutes
Computer ergonomics awareness is increasing in the US as more
employers implement some of the following safety tips into their
training plans. (After all, a workforce that understands "what
is ergonomics" will naturally be more productive!)
For instance, workers are told to move their chair up and down
a few times a day and look away from the computer screen every
twenty minutes, staring at something twenty feet away for 20 seconds.
More Tips To Avoid Fatigue And Injury
Leaning back in the chair can improve back support. Elbows should
be kept at 90-degree angles, with wrists held in a neutral position
(not tilted). When using the mouse, the elbow should be the pivot
point and the wrist should be kept straight. Monitor screens should
be turned up to avoid eye strain.
Task lights are also an excellent way to reduce eyestrain, headaches
and fatigue. Footrests provide great benefits for the legs and
lower back as well. It is important to consider all of these tips
before health issues arise down the road.
About the Author:
Joel Wannamaker has written a number of articles on Ergonomics, Computers, Computer Hardware,
and Software including
Ergonomic Keyboards,
Ergonomic Workstation,
Internet Connection Speed,
Internet Traffic,
Start A Website,
Affiliate Programs.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Give Me Just The Ergonomic Facts.....
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is a bit of a mixture in engineering
and design. The whole purpose of the process is to create an environment,
such as your work environment, in which you can be safe and free
from harm.
The area that this field focuses on primarily
is business offices. The reason is because many workplace injuries
occur due to improper work station alignments. You may not think
much on how high your desk chair is or how far away the screen
is but they do play vital roles in how productive you are and
whether or not there is risk of injury.
There actually is measured distances that
your chair should be from the floor to your desk along with how
far your computer monitor should be from your eyes.
It is actually quite a complex design field
because there are so many different things that factor into a
workstation such as arm length, telephone reach and the angle
of your chair seat. But it is not limited to just people who sit
at computers or desks.
It also applies to any workstation from
a doctor’s operating table to the carpenter’s area of work.
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