The term ‘Ergonomic' denotes two phrases of Greek, ‘ergon' that implies work, as well as ‘nomos' that implies laws. Currently, the phrase describes the art of devising a job or activity to fit a labourer and not compelling a labourer to fit a task (Salvendy 274). Ideally, this implies designing a workplace to offer the feasible attainable comfort as well as avoiding work-related injury or stress. Ergonomics encompasses all facets of a task that ranges from some physical stresses work places on nerves, bones, joints, muscles, as well as tendons to environmental issues that impairs vision, hearing, or overall health and comfort (Salvendy 272).
Physical stressors encompass repetitive motions, for example, those resulting from regular use of some tools like a screwdriver. Other repetitive motions include typing. Additionally, physical stressors involve activities associated with vibration, for instance, using a jackhammer. Activities involving vibrations can also entail the use of excess force like lifting heavy materials. Besides, assuming awkward positions when performing some tasks, for instance, using the shoulder to hold a telephone can lead to problems. Excessive force, repetitive motions, awkward positions, as well as vibrations are more often than not associated with ergonomic disorders. Nonetheless, most of the cumulative trauma problems or recurring strain injuries result from repetitive motions, which can be avoided when only executed once (Karsh 165). Some of the disorders resulting from repetitive motions include back injuries, tendonitis, thoracic outlet disorder, tenosynovitis, as well as carpal tunnel disease.
Environmental issues can entail excessive noise as well as indoor air quality. Sick building disorder characterised by fatigue, rashes, congestion, as well as headaches can be caused by poor indoor air quality within a workplace. Equipment or heavy machinery releasing excessive noise can lead to permanent loss of hearing. Poor lighting can results in eyestrain as well as headaches.
In summary, ergonomic denotes a discipline dealing with issues of workers' interactions as well as structures, and the discipline applying data, techniques, theories, and principles to establish a workplace that maximises the well-being of a worker or overall performance of a system (Karsh 166). It entails arrangement of things and structures for workers to use them safely as well as easily.
Musculoskeletal disorders or problems arising from excessive force, repetitive motions, awkward positions, as well as vibrations affect the blood vessels, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and muscles. Labourers are exposed to factors that endanger their health at work, for example, bending, pulling, lifting heavy materials, pushing, assuming awkward positions at work, reaching overhead, as well as undertaking similar activities recurrently (Karsh 166). Exposure to such identified musculoskeletal disorders' risk factors increases the risk of accident or injury.
Nonetheless, it must be noted that work-characterised musculoskeletal disorders may be averted. Ergonomics can help in fitting an activity or task to an individual, which assists in lessening fatigue, reducing cases of accidents or musculoskeletal disorders, as well as increasing productivity of workers. Paying attention to body signals is prudent. When suffering from hands or wrist pain after typing, it is appropriate to check workplace as well as work-related practices to find out the cause of the pain. When the cause is work-related, it is proper to make adjustments, such as lowering or raising chairs to type at an appropriate angle. It is appropriate to have many breaks at the workplace from repetitive work. Additionally, changes to posture, work procedures, the design of a workstation, as well as habits help in avoiding work-related problems.
Works Cited
Karsh, Ben-Tzion. Ergonomics and Health Aspects of Work with Computers: International Conference, EHAWC 2009, Held As Part of HCI International 2009, San Diego, Ca, USA, July 19-24, 2009: Proceedings. Berlin: Springer, 2009. Print.
Salvendy, Gavriel. Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012. Print.
