Environmental Health and Safety

Ergonomics

Ergonomics applies the knowledge of a human’s capabilities and limitations to the design of workplaces, workstations, tasks, tools, equipment, and the work environment as a whole. Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace to the worker.

The word ergonomics is derived from the Greek roots: “ergo” = work” “nomos” = law or “The Laws of Work”

The primary goal of ergonomics in the workplace is to reduce the risk of a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) by reducing or eliminating worker exposure to hazards that promote WMSDs.

Other ergonomic goals include:

Increase worker productivity and performance
Decrease worker discomfort
Improve the overall quality of the work environment

Rest and Break Tips

Working in the same position for long periods of time at a computer puts your muscles under constant strain, reducing blood flow and oxygen to hard-working tissues. It helps to take a break by alternating the types of tasks you perform throughout the day.

Use correct posture when working. Keep moving as much as possible throughout the day.
Eye breaks: Every 15 minutes you should briefly look away from the screen for a minute or two, shifting your line of sight to a more distant scene.
Micro-breaks: During a micro-break (less than two minutes) stretch, stand up, move around, or do a different work task, such as making a phone call, filing, or any other work that does not involve using a keyboard and mouse.
Rest breaks: Every 30 to 60 minutes, you should take a brief break. Again, this could be as simple as performing a task that does not involve using your computer.