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This
is influenced by two different elements - static and
motion. Static element of ergonomic is the position
at which some work is done. For example, sitting in
front of the computer does not require a huge
physical work. But at same time the body is spending
a lot of time at the same position. during that time
the head and torso may be lean forward. Spending a
long period of time in that position can cause a
certain problems with spine and neck. From the other
side, the motion element of ergonomics represent the
situation where worker is performing a certain
operation that requires repetitive movement of the
body. For example, the worker operating machine at
the factory is repetitively turning the lever on up
and down. Continuous and repetitive movement with
the arm can cause certain injuries of arm muscles
and joints.
The
expression "Ergonomics" origins from Greek
words "Erg" - meaning work and
"Nomoi" - meaning laws of nature.
Ergonomics is researches the capabilities of people
and demands of a certain workplace. The function of
ergonomics is to reduce unnecessary work at a
certain workplace, as well to reduce strain.
Responsibility
of every employer is to provide ergonomically
optimal workplace. The obligation of the employee is
to respect regulations and instructions related to
specific workplace. General advices related to
workplace ergonomics are:
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Every
working activity should be designed in a way
that gives opportunity to employee to apply
several different safe and healthy bodily
postures.
-
Physical
work of higher intensity should engage more
muscle groups, in order to not to affect only
one group of muscles.
-
Work
place should not be distracting and depressive. Otherwise
such workplace will reduce productivity and
increase sick leave rate.
-
Workplace
should be designed in a way that enables maximum
output with minimal physical engagement
possible.
Design
of every working position requires a good knowledge
of working processes, ergonomics principles, as well
as abilities and limitation of human body. Further
more, motivational element is also very important,
since monotonous labor can cause decrease of
productivity. Indirectly this can cause lack of
focus on working process and injury.
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Tips
for reducing static ergonomic strains:
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If
you are sitting at the desk stand up every 15-20
min and walk around the office for around 1-2
minutes.
-
Stretch
the muscles of arms, legs and neck briefly and
slowly for about 1 minute every 1 hour.
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Exercise,
walk or run 2-3 times per week for 1 hour.
-
Visit
physiotherapist once per month. In case that you
have a certain problems increase frequency to
1-2 times per week.
-
In
case that you have uncomfortable chair, desk,
obsolete computer with flickering screen, poor
room illumination, noise or ventilation,
negotiate with your employer for improvement of
working conditions.
Tips
for motion ergonomic strains:
-
Try
several different motions for the same operation
e.g. using left and right arm proportionally
while operating the machine.
-
Rotate
on different machines with other colleagues e.g.
1 hour on one machine, one hour on other
machine...
-
Respect
machine operational manual advices.
-
Respect
Ergonomics and Health & Safety regulations
provided by employer.
-
Visit
physiotherapist once per month, or as needed.
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Exercise
medium demanding activities.
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Provide
regular sleep cycle prior to working day.
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Hard
physical work may require enriched and balanced
nutrition. Avoid alcohol during the week.
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In
case of any ergonomics problems related to the workplace
apply to the employer.
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