What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is the method of constructing design around human needs in order to optimize system performance. This science can also be called human or human factors engineering. Research is conducted by professional ergonomists who study the relationship of the physical human and it’s working environment. The research then drives the evaluation and design of tasks to make the job and the person compatible. In the workplace, ergonomics generally refers to the appliance of this science to tasks, functions and equipment such as ergonomic chairs and ergonomic keyboards etc. Employers have a responsibility for the welfare and safety of the workforce and have a duty to provide the best equipment available and to train in its purpose. Good use of ergonomics in the workplace can reduce costs to the employer by saving on compensation pay outs to an employee who has been injured at work. The manufacturing industry alone could save millions of pounds by adopting safer working methods and better use of ergonomics. There are two approaches to the way that workplaces manage ergonomics, reactive or proactive. Reactive ergonomics is responding to an issue that needs fixing and has already caused problems whereas proactive ergonomics is to actively seek out potential problems before they happen. Ergonomic issues can be addressed through equipment design changes or task changes. Task design improves the way in which we work with equipment and equipment design means a physical improvement to the device / machinery itself. Ergonomics and Design Ergonomics became important in design in the seventies. Office chairs nowadays employ many ergonomic features such as adjustable height, armrests and seats in order to prevent RSI (repetitive strain injuries) associated with sitting uncomfortably over long periods. Modern chairs are constructed to be able to fit the individual and should be tested prior to purchase to guarantee that the chair is suitable. Incorrect posture when seated may lead to back pain over time and possibly the need to take time away from work. It is important to stretch or walk around after every half hour or so. The best way to ease any pressure on the back is to stand. Because there is a need to sit for long periods at a desk and this is where a good chair will pay dividends. An ergonomic chair will correctly transfer the weight throughout the chair via armrests the seat and its back. This correct transfer of weight through the chair is the key to good design and a major factor in reducing back pain. The Lumbar The lumbar region is the bottom 5 vertebrate in the spine. Between each vertebrate are discs which can become pressured and can cause pain and discomfort if not seated correctly over time. Reducing lower back pressures is key to the good ergonomic design of seating. Lumbar support is a feature incorporated into all ergonomic chairs and consists of a support system built at the base of the chair and moulds into the lower back at about 5 centimetres. This protrusion helps maintain a correct curve in the spine and leads to good posture. The good use of armrests will also reduce lumbar pressure by improving weight distribution throughout the chair but needs to be adjusted properly to compensate for any further issues in the shoulder region.
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