| mics is defined as the study of human factors | | | | in today's workforce. |
| and how they affect the design of equipment, | | | | Repetitive motions such as typing or long term |
| systems, and jobs. The term human factors and | | | | use of a manual screwdriver can cause stress to |
| ergonomics can be used interchangeably. The | | | | the joints involved. Other activities such as using a |
| formal definition of ergonomics is: The scientific | | | | jackhammer, lifting heavy objects or working |
| discipline concerned with the understanding of the | | | | while in an awkward position can cause ergonomic |
| interactions among human and other elements of | | | | disorders. Most of these activities, if done on an |
| a system, and the profession that applies theory, | | | | occasional basis only, would not cause problems |
| principles, data and methods to design in order to | | | | but when done on a continual basis, the effects |
| optimize human well-being and overall system | | | | become cumulative. Disorders such as Carpal |
| performance. | | | | Tunnel, Tendonitis and many back injuries are |
| Ergonomics takes into consideration a person's | | | | caused by repetitive motion. Work should not hurt |
| size, strength, speed, visual acuity, and | | | | and if you come home at the end of the day |
| physiological stressors, such as fatigue, speed of | | | | with sore shoulders and an aching back, chances |
| decision making and demands on memory and | | | | are there needs to be some changes made to |
| perception. Ergonomics include the study of the | | | | how things are done at work. |
| work environment by considering the physical skills | | | | Most employers today are interested in having a |
| required, time and risk demands and strive to | | | | healthy work environment for their workers |
| address these issue to improve working conditions | | | | because it means more productivity. It will mean |
| . It studies how heat, noise, pollutants and airborne | | | | less fatigue and less work lost to injury and illness. |
| agents can affect workers and how these issues | | | | Happier workers will also mean that the employer |
| should be addressed. Product design is an | | | | will have less job turnover and thus save money |
| important part of ergonomics and new products | | | | by keeping employees and not having to train |
| are continually coming on the market to improve | | | | new ones every few months. If you have issues |
| work conditions by improving equipment design. | | | | related to discomfort with equipment or the |
| Products such as ergonomically designed | | | | environment at your work, talk to your |
| keyboards and chairs are common improvements | | | | immediate supervisor to address the issues. |