Q and A Ergonomics
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.
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