In today’s world, everybody is asking that ‘whats ergonomics‘, so today, we will be discussing about
whats ergonomics and why is it important?
Do you know that ergonomics has a role in your day-to-day life like ergonomics in workplace, ergonomics with computers, ergonomics in home, etc?
Ergonomics exists almost everywhere.
Almost everything like sitting on a chair, picking up the bucket, using a screwdriver, sleeping, etc is a component of ergonomics.
Table of Contents
Whats ergonomics?
It is defined as the study of the interaction between the person and other elements of the system to make it more efficient and comfortable for the individual.
“Ergonomics is essentially fitting the workplace to the worker, the better they fit, the higher the level of their safety and work efficiency.”
Everyone who knows about “whats ergonomics“, is the one who always tends to adjust or design their environment to make it more efficient for them.
Principles for optimal use of your body
Protecting the joints
- The load should be distributed over as many joints as possible
- Use larger and stronger joints to do major tasks
- Use each joint in the most stable position to reduce the pressure on the joints
- Do the movement with the correct pattern
- Avoid the stresses that lead to deformity
- Avoid standing in one position for a longer time
- Make a balance between movement and rest to the joint
Conserving energy
- Use the correct position to work while working
- Optimize your environment to make it more efficient
- Alternate heavy and light tasks throughout the day and week
Protecting the back
- Keep the load close to your body
- Avoid sudden twisting and bending
- Move with the feet first
- Use a wide base of support
A classic example of the principles is carrying a heavy pot by placing your one hand (palm-up) under the pot base and steadying the pot with your other hand on the handle. This technique both distributes the weight of the pot over several joints (thus minimizing the external torque at any one joint) and uses the stronger biceps muscles rather than the hand intrinsic musculature to sustain the load.
For example, the pistol grip eliminates ulnar deviation of your wrist by placing the handle 90 degrees to the blade or working piece. A pistol grip can be applied to the knives, saws, gardening tools, and paintbrushes, to name a few. Other adapted tools now mainstreamed for everyday use are screwdrivers with a large ball to grasp as a handle and extended handles on doors or faucets.
Ergonomics adjustments we made
From ancient times, we continuously made ergonomic adjustments in our environment to make it more comfortable for us like:-
We made ergonomic chairs for us to work more efficiently
- The chair is designed in such a way that it is more convenient for the individual to sit and work for hours.
- the chair has lumbar support to maintain the lordotic curve of the spine.
- It has an armrest to make it more comfortable.
- The height of the chair is adjustable so that it can match the level of the desk.
We made an ergonomic adjustment in our sleeping posture
- While we sleep, our posture is not good for our health.
- Sleep on your back as it generates the least amount of pressure.
- Sleeping on your stomach is the most stressful situation.
- Use a small pillow if you sleep on your stomach to retain the spine and head alignment
- Use a pillow under your neck and your knees if you sleep on your back
We made an ergonomic adjustment in our sitting posture or ergonomics in workplace
When we work in the office, we tend to sit in a single position for a long period of time while making our bodies vulnerable to many health problems.
- Keep your feet flat on the floor.
- Maintain an angle of 90 degrees in the knee joint and ankle joint and approximately 90 – 110 degrees at the hip joint
- Adjust the height of the chair so that your elbow matches the level of the desk.
- Keep the keyboard and mouse within the reach of your arm and maintain a 90-degree angle at the elbow joint
- Keep your eyes looking straight ahead or slightly below
- Place lumber support or roll a towel and place it at the lower back to maintain the lordotic curve of the spine
- Rest your forearm on the chair’s forearm support.
- Do not sit by crossing your legs.
- Keep your shoulder relaxed.
- Do not slouch
We made ergonomics adjustments while picking up the bucket
- While picking up the bucket, don’t just bend down and put pressure on your spine.
- To pick it up, squat down by keeping your back straight and flexing your knees.
- Your knees should not go beyond your toes while squatting down.
We made ergonomics adjustments for the home or ergonomics in home
- Ergonomics adjustments while cooking
Modifying Cooking Tasks
| Task | Ergonomic risk factor | Recommendations |
| Cutting | Awkward wrist position Repetition Static grasp on knives | Use ergonomic knives with pistol grip Learn proper technique (professional) Use a food processor when possible |
| Overall cooking process | Prolonged standing Upper extremity force and repetition Static grasps | Use a good kitchen layout to minimize distances between frequently used components Purchase ergonomic mats Build a foot bar into work areas Use a stool to elevate legs Wear insoles Vary standing and sitting Use utensils with a soft, oval shape and larger-diameter handles Stretch frequently |
| Stirring | Repetition Awkward wrist position Static grasp on spoon handle | Use utensils with a soft, oval shape and larger-diameter handles Use a power grasp with the thumb up Move entire arm Use an electric mixer |
| Transporting pots, pans, and dishes | Excessive forces Awkward postures when lifting dishes to and from cupboards | Place dishes on a pushcart Organize kitchen so that heavy and frequently used items are at waist height Use two hands to carry heavy pots |
Why ergonomics is important?
Ergonomics play a very important role in our day-to-day life.
It is important because when you’re working or doing your job and your body is stressed out because of the bad posture then your musculoskeletal system is affected, then you begin to develop some symptoms like discomfort, fatigue, and pain which relates to musculoskeletal problems.
But after doing ergonomic adjustments to your environment, this all can be cured and you can work more efficiently and comfortably.
If we intelligently use ergonomics for designing our surroundings then surely we can make it more efficient for us.
Poor posture or poor ergonomics can cause chronic repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel, neck pain, or joint pain.
Poor ergonomics can cause a decrease in the productivity of the company that’s why nowadays companies invest a lot of capital in making ergonomic adjustments in their company working environment.
Ergonomics can affect both company and its workers.
Related topics
SOME EXAMPLES OF ERGONOMICS IN DAY TO DAY LIFE
What are the ergonomics adjustment you made in your surrounding,
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