G1+Effect+of+Ergonomics

=Effects of Ergonomics=

Causes -
//Figure 1:// Puts too much strain on lower back so the spine has to carry all the weight of the upper torso. By tucking the feet under the chair, the strain is increased. //Figure 2:// This reclining position puts strain on the lower back and the neck. The position also gives a poor angle view of the monitor. The wrists and arms are also in a bad position in relation to the table/keyboard. //Figure 3:// The good posture. Torso should be in perfect vertical alignment and the forearms should be horizontal. You should be looking directly at the monitor and try to reduce glare. ([|Hulsey, 2008]) Just buying ergonomic furniture is not enough, though it does help. The ergonomic risk factors need to be identified. As we can all see, most workers in an office with computers spend most of their day sitting. While sitting will take less energy than standing all the time, it also has certain disadvantages. The natural curve of the [|lumbar] flattens in the sitting position, which will increase disk pressure. Chairs can also apply pressure to the back of the legs, which will cut off blood flow. All of those factors are factors that can produce lower back pain. Statistics show that lower back pain accounts for more lost work time than the common cold. ([|Carter, 2008]) While employees can't truly prevent employees from getting a cold, they can help reduce the factors in the workplace that cause lower back pain, and thus avoid lost work time due to that pain. That would increase productivity, which in turn, increases the money earned.

Common causes: (http://www-old.itcilo.org/actrav/actrav-english/telearn/osh/ergo/ergoa.htm#II.%20Common%20injuries/diseases)
 * repeated use over time of vibrating tools and equipment, such as a jackhammer;
 * tools and tasks which require twisting hand or joint movements, such as the work many mechanics perform;
 * applying force in an awkward position;
 * applying excessive pressure on parts of the hand, back, wrists or joints;
 * working with the arms outstretched or over the head;
 * working with a bent back;
 * lifting or pushing heavy loads.

Health Problems caused by non-ergonomic designs -
Common injuries: **INJURY**  || **SYMPTOMS**  || **TYPICAL CAUSES**  || Bursitis: inflammation of the bursa (sack-like cavity) between skin and bone, or bone and tendon. Can occur at the knee, elbow, shoulder. Called “beat knee”, “beat elbow” or “frozen shoulder” at these locations. ||   Pain and swelling at the site of the injury. ||   Kneeling, pressure at the elbow, repetitive shoulder movements. ||  Carpal tunnel syndrome: pressure on the nerves which pass up the wrist. ||   Tingling, pain and numbness in the thumb and fingers, especially at night. ||   Repetitive work with a bent wrist. Use of vibrating tools. Sometimes follows tenosynovitis (see below). ||  Cellulitis: infection of the palm of the hand following repeated bruising, called “beat hand”. ||   Pain and swelling of the palm. ||   Use of hand tools, like hammers and shovels, coupled with abrasion from dust and dirt. ||  Epicondylitis: inflammation of the area where bone and tendon are joined. Called “tennis elbow” when it occurs at the elbow. ||   Pain and swelling at the site of the injury. ||   Repetitive work, often from strenuous jobs like joinery, plastering, bricklaying. ||  Ganglion: a cyst at a joint or in a tendon-sheath. Usually on the back of the hand or wrist. ||   Hard, small, round swelling, usually painless. ||   Repetitive hand movement. ||  Osteo-arthritis: damage to the joints resulting in scarring at the joint and the growth of excess bone. ||   Stiffness and aching in the spine and neck, and other joints. ||   Long-term overloading of the spine and other joints. ||  Tendonitis: inflammation of the area where muscle and tendon are joined. ||   Pain, swelling, tenderness and redness of hand, wrist, and/or forearm. Difficulty in using the hand. ||   Repetitive movements. ||  Tenosynovitis: inflammation of tendons and/or tendon sheaths. ||   Aching, tenderness, swelling, extreme pain, difficulty in using the hand. ||   Repetitive movements, often non-strenuous. Can be brought on by sudden increases in workload or by introduction of new processes. ||  Tension neck or shoulder: inflammation of the neck and shoulder muscles and tendons. ||   Localized pain in the neck or shoulders. ||   Having to maintain a rigid posture. ||  Trigger finger: inflammation of tendons and/or tendon sheaths of the fingers. ||   Inability to move fingers smoothly, with or without pain. ||   Repetitive movements. Having to grip too long, too tightly, or too frequently. ||

(http://www-old.itcilo.org/actrav/actrav-english/telearn/osh/ergo/ergoa.htm#II.%20Common%20injuries/diseases)

Effects on productivity -
 not only in pain and suffering but also financially. Though redisigning a job to be more ergonomic may cost the employer more money: "  However, in the long term the employer usually benefits financially. The quality and efficiency of the work being done may improve. Health care costs may be reduced, and worker morale may improve. For workers, the benefits are obvious. Applying ergonomic principles can prevent painful and potentially crippling injuries or illness and make work more comfortable and therefore easier to perform.**"**

Basically, ergonomics help prevent injuries that the company may have to pay for later. It also adds to morale and productivity because workers are no longer in pain after using a non ergonomically designed thing. (http://www-old.itcilo.org/actrav/actrav-english/telearn/osh/ergo/ergoa.htm#II.%20Common%20injuries/diseases)