100 Years of Techology

In their 2004 report, “Demographics and the Global Office Market,” D. Brounen and P. Eichholtz found that at least 50% of the world’s population currently works in some form of office. It’s no surprise, then, that human factors and office ergonomics research would become increasingly more important as we move into the future. It has been estimated that at least 2% of the American workforce suffers some sort of work-related musculoskeletal disorder each year, costing companies exorbitant amounts of money in lost wages, worker’s comp and insurance premiums. Some estimates range as high as $45-$55 billion for these expenses. Ergonomic design is perhaps the best defense we have against these escalating costs.

The concept of ergonomics itself was noted as far back as 5th Century BC, when Hippocrates consulted surgeons on how they should arrange their tools and set up their workspace. In fact, the word “ergonomics” comes from the Greek words “ergon” (work) and “nomos” (natural laws). Productivity was the main reason for studying ergonomics in the early 1900s, when Frederick Winslow Taylor’s research uncovered the ability to triple the amount of coal shoveled by incrementally reducing the size and weight of coal shovels. Similar methods were uncovered for brick layers by Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, improving productivity from 120 to 350 bricks per hour. After WWII, the military looked into new ways to design airplanes to minimize pilot error and NASA explored ways of making an astronaut’s long journey more comfortable.

More modern, office related ergonomics were explored in the 1950s and 1960s, when the Quickborner Team led by Eberhard and Wolfgang Schnelle looked at ways to add more open spaces and seat everyone in a more collaborative seating arrangement. Standard desks and chairs were used, but large potted plants, visual barriers, irregular geometric floor plans and circulation patterns were added to the mix. Despite this creative approach, the sea of cubicles we see today soon gained favor.

Today, people largely spend more of their time interacting with computers than with individuals in the workplace, so ergonomic research largely focuses on the type of tasks, movements and injuries people face in their day-to-day jobs in hopes of devising product designs and computer workstations that will minimize work stress and boost productivity.

Seating is an important part of office ergonomics, since most work-related injuries involve the back and neck. People focused on ergonomic product design look at how hip rotation, posture of the lumbar spine and tissue pressure all interact to cause certain lower back disorders. Research shows that unsupported lordosis (no contact with the lumbar support, yet reclining against the upper seat back) may increase lower back pain. This is why many chairs feature slightly curved padding in the lower back region. Furthermore, the hip angle is increased to avoid unnecessary pressure beneath the thighs. While foam padding and mesh material have been popular in many office chairs, recent data suggests that more expensive gel technologies are needed to diminish long-term discomfort.

Lighting is another key factor in office ergonomics. One study found that the following ergonomic guidelines should be implemented: a mixture of direct lighting (60%) and indirect lighting (40%); desktop illumination in a 20:1 ratio with the surrounding light; windows with glare control; adjustable blinds or shades; and a uniform ratio of average luminance between VDT screens and other vertical surfaces. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America recommends maximum luminance ratios of 1:3 or 3:1 between central task materials and surrounding light. To the average management team, these figures can be confusing, which highlights the need for ergonomics consultants who specialize in productivity and process improvement.

Office ergonomics certainly keeps health and safety in mind, but its chief concern has always been productivity. In many ways, these two objectives go hand-in-hand. If less people suffer injuries from repetitive movements, lower back problems, neck strains, headache and on-the-job stress, then there will be less people calling in sick to work and less lost profitability. If people are happier and more comfortable with their work environments or inspired by their surroundings, they will be more creative and more productive while performing their daily tasks. Learning about ergonomics is very important for management to improve their processes and their bottom-line profits.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treating panic disorder as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medications available at www.anxietydisordercure.com.

Ergonomics training sometimes come under fire because it is such a rapidly growing, commercial enterprise these days. A number of ergonomics consultants have suddenly sprung up with people who claim to have intimate knowledge of body postures, occupational safety, workspace design, lighting and new technological products. In some cases, these professionals arrive on the scene certified and knowledgeable with years of experience. In other instances, these individuals may have just jumped aboard a bandwagon that’s costing employers more than they bargained for — and with little noticeable results. It can be difficult to sort through this mess, so here you’ll get a brief overview of the pros and cons associated with implementing an ergonomics course.

There is some controversy over learning about ergonomics in the workplace. Critics argue that occupational interventions are unnecessary because most workplace illnesses are not, in fact, work-related or are more psychological than physical. Even though the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued ergonomic related guidelines in 2000 following ten years of study, the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers weren’t convinced that government regulation was the way to address musculoskeletal and injuries from repetitive movements. In 2001, President Bush repealed OSHA’s ergonomic standards, which some see as a major blow to the movement. Business critics remain skeptical that the cost of implementing ergonomic computer workstations and providing training will be less than the amount it costs them in lost productivity, insurance premiums or worker comp claims.

On the other hand, some studies show that the lack of training and knowledge about ergonomics leads to many more workplace injuries. In the country of Oman, since “little to no ergonomics was used and practically no ergonomics training was provided to workers, the workers’ health problems indicate ergonomic deficiencies in the work system,” writes researchers (Shikdar & Sawaqed, 2003). In addition to the question of occupational health, there is the question of cost-effectiveness. In 2003, H. Hendrick writes in “Applied Economics” Magazine, “Most ergonomics projects worth doing can be justified in terms of their economic benefits.” It’s believed that workplace design can be implemented to maximize performance and reduce costs, while improving the health and motivation of the workers.

A typical ergonomics training course covers many different areas, depending on the industry. For instance, employees of machine shops or factories will learn about proper lifting and carrying techniques. With regard to PC ergonomics, computer workers may learn about hand and wrist positioning or tools, how to control ergonomic stressors, problem positions for arms and shoulders, how to maintain neutral body positioning, exercises to do around the office, potential problem areas for the neck and back, as well as how to align oneself in the proper way to avoid these pains. Successful completion of the course will ensure that all workers understand what causes ergonomic problems and how to avoid them. They will learn about the areas that are most commonly affected by injuries from repetitive movements and will learn how to do all they can to remain healthy on-the-job.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treating panic disorder as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medications available at www.anxietydisordercure.com.

Chances are really good that you are sitting at a desk in front of a computer reading this. Take a moment to look around. Do you notice the keyboard and the mouse? What about any file cabinets that is near you? Where is your phone located? You may not pay much attention to these little things as you get your work done but over time those little objects, and where they are located, can make a great deal of difference. Ergonomics is very important in keeping you in the best shape possible as well as keeping things that you use immediately near you. If you have to continuously stretch to reach the phone then your desk is not ergonomically situated correctly. This can be a bit confusing but this article can clear up some of the questions you may have and it just might make you a more productive worker.

What is the history of ergonomics?

Believe it or not but the history of ergonomics extends all the way back to Ancient Greece. There has been evidence uncovered that dates ergonomic principles to the Hellenic civilization in the 5th century BCE. The famous Hippocrates once described how a surgeon's area of work should be laid out and how the tools should be arranged so that they are within easy grasp of the surgeon. This would eliminate the stress of over-reaching for certain implements. Even the Early Egyptians designed work areas where tools would be within easy reach of whoever was using them. It seems as if ergonomic principles have been around for quite some time and have evolved more out of common sense than of someone specifically designing a work station.

How does ergonomics affect the workplace?

If a workplace, or even work station, is not ergonomically designed it can result in injury to the person working there. That is why it is so important to keep ergonomics in mind. Everything should be at the proper height at which you are working and your necessary items should be within easy reach. If you find that your arms are becoming tired from continuously overreaching, you need to redesign your work station. It may require completely redesigning your space including your chair.

If I want to specialize in ergonomics as a career, what do I need to do?

If you want to specialize in ergonomics as a career you need to have an eye for design and engineering. No, it is not the type of engineering that produces buildings and structures. It will be engineering and redesigning workspaces. You will definitely need to become acquainted with OSHA practices. That is your number one priority while learning about how spaces can become ergonomically correct. You may even need to take specialized courses to determine what branch of ergonomics you want to invest your time, money and education in.

What specialized products do I need in order to maintain an ergonomically correct environment at work or at home?

The specialized products you need to make your home or work place ergonomically correct will vary depending on exactly what you do. Some jobs have tools and workstations specially designed so that you do not have to worry about this. But if you are at home, or your job is not ergonomically correct, you may need a few products to make life easier and reduce the chance of injury. In an office you may need a headset for your phone or wrist pads for your mouse and keyboard. If you work with tools you may need to buy shelving units to place tools within comfortable reach.

Beth Kaminski is a leading expert in the help with panic attacks and has been publishing lots of information on the best anxiety disorder medication for years now.