A FEW WORDS ABOUT ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics is often an obscure word. Therefore our purpose is, very simply, to bring light on daily ergonomics, basic principles at work as well as common sense.
Ergonomics helps us to understand better our interactions with our surroundings, everywhere and in every activies. It is meant for everybody, without exceptions.

Maybe we are in good health and wish to keep it that way. Or maybe we're having bad posture habits or suffer from various pathologies seeking for adapted products. Ergonomics helps us to better understand our body and urges us to respect it.

What is Ergonomics? - (Definition : Association of Canadian Ergonomist)
Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with interactions among humans and other elements of a system (e.g.the tools, equipment, products, tasks, organization, technology, and environment). The profession applies theory, principles, data, methods and analysis to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.

The most common pathologies

* Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
Wake up at night with itches in hands, not be able to use a screwdriver anymore, have difficulty in brushing our hair, feeling frequent dullnesses …

These pains can be the sign of a repetitive strain injury. RSI are annoying, painful and sometimes invalidating, at work and even doing daily errands.
RSI include a large number of wounds and disorders of muscles, tendons, nerves, etc.:
- Back (dorsalgia, slipped disk)
- Wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder, arm, elbow, hand
- Twist and sprain

The chronic pains, repercussions of which can be both felt to the plan(shot) physical and psychological, family, social and economic.

* Chronic pains can have repercussions felt on a psychological, social and economic levels event with the family.

* Stress and anxiety, often leading to depression.

Risk factors

* Static and binding postures
Posture is another name given to the position of parts of the body during an activity.
When we speak about static or binding postures, it is important to take into account :
. The number of times when a binding posture is used during given period.
. The duration during which we have to maintain a specific posture (static posture).
. The exerted strength while a binding posture is adopted.

* Bio-mechanical factors : the "repetitiveness" of gestures and excessive efforts

When we speak about repetitive tasks, it is important to take into account the repetitiveness of the task, but also :
. The duration during which the workers do the task.
. The required posture.
. The quantity of exerted strength.

* Psychosocial factors
. Stress
. Malaise
. Worry
. Lack of autonomy
. Requirement level …etc

What can be done? Prevention and solutions at work and home

RSI and other engendered disorders are not a fate. It is possible to prevent their appearances with an ergonomic approach.

It is essential to know well the characteristics of the potential user. These can have a big influence. It is always necessary to take into account the following factors :
. Physical dimensions
. Size
. Sex
. Left-handed or right-handed

* The environment
Numerous aspects of the environment must be taken into account:
. The arrangement or the place of the existing furniture
. The available space and the dimensions
. Light sources, more particularly lamps
. The type, the size of computers used as well as the place of accessories.

* Postures
There is no single recommended posture when we sit down. Here are some general recommendations:
. Shoulders are relaxed.
. Elbows are near the body.
. Move closer the chin of the breast and not bend when we look downward or forwards.
. Change position frequently.
. Alternate crossing legs.
. Avoid bending on the side.
. Avoid bending forwards.
. Do not collapse on the office.
. Don't remain seated more than 50 consecutive minutes.

*Content of this page is only provided as information and reference. It is not to be considered as professional or legal advices.

Sources :
Association of Canadian Ergonomist
Ontario Ministry of Labour
Institut National de Santé Public du Québec
Institut National de Recherche Scientifique (France)