What is Ergonomics??

“Ergonomics can be defined as the "law of work". The approach is to fit the job to the worker, not the other way around. It's about how much people are expected to do with their bodies and brains”.

Ergonomics• The word "Ergonomics" comes from two Greek

words "ergon," meaning work, and "nomos" meaning "laws." 

• The word is used to describe the science of "designing the job to fit the worker, not forcing the worker to fit the job." 

• Ergonomics covers all aspects of a job, from the physical stresses it places on joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, bones and the like, to environmental factors which can effect hearing, vision, and general comfort and health.

ERGONOMICS DIAGRAM

Principles of Ergonomics• The five main principles of ergonomics

are• safety• comfort• ease of use• productivity and performance• aesthetics

Ergonomics Types• Physical Ergonomics

• Cognitive Ergonomics

• Organizational Ergonomics

Physical Ergonomics• The effects of these interactions are

studied further in forms of posture, musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive disorders, workplace layout etc.

Cognitive Ergonomics• This relates to the way the mind processes

information. This is a study of how humans interact with data. Some examples of ergonomics in this area includes placement of signs, visibility and recognition, retention of data.

Organizational Ergonomics

• Organizational Ergonomics is concerned with optimizing the workplace, everything from teamwork to assessing tele working and quality management.

Indian Society of ErgonomicsAims and Objectives of the society:• The objectives of the Society are set forth the memorandum of

association of the Society, as under:• To promote and enhance Ergonomics and allied studies, research and

training particularly in India, for the benefit of the people at work, to improve their welfare and quality of life.

• To facilitate exchange of ideas, professional experiences among persons on India and abroad interested in ergonomics for the advancement of science, technology and art of man at work.

• To arrange and organize lectures, debates, discussions, seminars, training courses, symposia, workshops, conferences etc. for the achievement of knowledge and exchange of views and ideas.

• To publish Journals, Newsletters, proceedings, Reports, Training Materials, Booklets and other materials as may be necessary from time to time.

Lack of Ergonomics at Work Place

• 1. Chair is too low for Desk

This will cause wrist strain, aching shoulders and neck.• How do you know that the chair is too low for your

desk?• Anaylse your computer posture when working at your

desk. The ideal posture at a computer is to have a somewhat right (90 degree) angle of your elbows and your knees.

Upward sloping Keyboard

• With this upward sloping 'ergonomic' keyboard, it is still difficult to maintain a neutral wrist position.

Use of Laptop as a full Desktop Replacement

• Laptops are initially created to make the computer mobile, for people on the move for work. However it was not meant to be a full replacement for desktops.

• Using laptops as replacement for your desktop can do more harm in the long run. You can run the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

• One of the crucial points of 'why laptops are not ergonomic' is because the screen is too low for you and this causes the user to jutt out his/her neck.