Ergonomics
“Human
factors and ergonomics consider the adaptation of products to people based upon
their physiological and psychological capacities and limitations” (Nussbaumer
p. 47). Ergonomics is the science of work, it’s used to fit a specific person
to a work task to allow them to be more productive, safe, and comfortable while
on the job.
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| Ergonomics |
There are three ergonomic risk factors that affect everyone in the workplace. These risks are:
- Awkward posture
- High force requirements
- Repetitive motions
I’m sure
that you have probably experienced some sort of pain at work, whether it be back
pain, leg pain, or fatigue. This is caused by poor ergonomic choices. Putting
stress on your body over time increases pressure on the soft tissue of your
body. This can eventually lead to a movement system disorder which damages your
body even more.
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| Ergonomic chair sketched by me |
All of us
have a job that requires at least some sitting at a computer. Choosing an
ergonomically correct chair that fits your body and work style can make a huge
difference in your work performance and comfort level. Sitting up in your chair
and using the backrest rather than leaning over to do work will help with back
pain. Even though a chair has a backrest, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it
is ergonomically correct. To be correct, your chair should have the following adjustable features to ensure that ergonomic standards are met:
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| Pictures taken by me |
- Seat height adjustment
- Seat pan depth adjustment
- Back rest height adjustment
- Swivel base
- Back angle adjustment
- Back tilt tension adjustment
- Arm support adjustment
- Lumbar support
- Headrest adjustment
All of these
chair features will ensure you will be comfortable and productive at work, and
minimize fatigue and damage to your body.
Sources:
Nussbaumer,
L. L. (2018). Human factors in the built environment. New York, NY:
Fairchild Books, An imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing.
What Makes a Chair Ergonomic? (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.thehumansolution.com/blog/what-makes-a-chair-ergonomic/
You explained this subject very well. When you said "choosing an ergonomically correct chair...can make a huge difference..." I felt like we, as designers, have a chance to make a difference in peoples lives by making wise decisions.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on having adjustable desks along with the adjustable chairs. That way the user is able to fully adjust everything in their work space for the proper fit.
ReplyDeleteYour image that you took that exhibited correct and incorrect posture while sitting really helped to picture what correct ergonomic design looks like and how it affects the worker in their work space.
ReplyDelete