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Ergonomics Principles and Guidelines

This document outlines ergonomics principles and guidelines for area occupational health and safety supervisors at UNSW School of Physics. It defines ergonomics and explains its importance in preventing musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive motions or awkward postures. It describes common musculoskeletal disorders and then lists the responsibilities of area supervisors and individuals to implement and comply with ergonomic practices. Specific guidelines are provided for working with computers, including job design, task rotation, posture, workstation setup, and accessories to reduce fatigue and injuries. Other repetitive tasks are highlighted along with environmental factors like lighting, ventilation and indoor climate.

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Arpan Gautam
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102 views

Ergonomics Principles and Guidelines

This document outlines ergonomics principles and guidelines for area occupational health and safety supervisors at UNSW School of Physics. It defines ergonomics and explains its importance in preventing musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive motions or awkward postures. It describes common musculoskeletal disorders and then lists the responsibilities of area supervisors and individuals to implement and comply with ergonomic practices. Specific guidelines are provided for working with computers, including job design, task rotation, posture, workstation setup, and accessories to reduce fatigue and injuries. Other repetitive tasks are highlighted along with environmental factors like lighting, ventilation and indoor climate.

Uploaded by

Arpan Gautam
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UNSW SCHOOL OF PHYSICS OHS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Ergonomics Principles and Guidelines


For Area OHS Supervisors

Based on UNSW Ergonomics Principles and Guidelines


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WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?
ERGONOMICS is the scientific study of human performance at work

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Application of ergonomics principles to work practices allows prevention and control musculoskeletal injuries arising from repetitive or forceful movement or/and maintaining awkward or constrained postures
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Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders


Injuries: sprains, strains, tears, degeneration
Symptoms: discomfort, pain, muscle fatigue, swelling, stiffness, inflammation, numbness, tingling, burning sensation, heaviness, weakness or clumsiness in hands Disorders: Repetitive strain injury, Occupational overuse syndrome, Tendonitis, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Degenerative disc disease, etc
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Area OHS Supervisors Responsibilities


Implementing and maintaining ergonomic principles Ensuring that people in your area are properly trained in ergonomic principles Ensuring that people in your area follow safe ergonomic practices Actively practicing and developing positive attitudes towards ergonomic issues Ensuring that people in your area use the ergonomic equipment provided Considering workplace layout, ergonomics and individual needs when allocating tasks to people in your area
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Responsibilities of Individuals

Complying with ergonomic safety instructions of their Area OHS Supervisors Not putting themselves or other at risk by their actions or omissions Making proper use of ergonomic equipment provided Using training received in applying ergonomic principles to their tasks Reporting potential ergonomic hazards and problem to their Area OHS Supervisors
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Work with Computers: What to Consider


Job design Work practices: work breaks, keyboarding duration, task rotation Workstation: posture, chairs, desks, computer monitors, computer mouse, ergonomic accessories

Work with Computers: Job design and Task rotation


If possible, the job should be designed to allow rotation of work and inclusion of task not involving repetitive and dynamic muscle movement.

Work with Computers: Keyboarding


A safe working level of 4 hours of intensive keyboard work per day (not including breaks) should not be exceeded
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Work with Computers: Work breaks


Where the job does not provide adequate breaks through task variety, it is recommended that short frequent breaks should be taken during periods of intensive computer use, i.e. 2-3 minutes every 20-30 minutes. These breaks should include whole body movement. For example, fatigue in the back is relived by standing up and walking around
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Work with Computers: Posture


The feet are supported on the floor, or a footrest (if knees are at greater that 900 ) No pressure caused by the front edge of the chair seat under the thighs The upper body is upright with the lower back firmly supported by the backrest The shoulders are relaxed and not hunched The elbows and upper arm are close to the body The head is upright or slightly inclined forward with minimum of strain on the neck Forearms are horizontal and the wrists are straight when the fingers are on the keyboard
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Work with Computers: Chairs

Stable (a 5 star base) Adjustable height range suited to the desk A stable, independently adjustable backrest Freely moving castors when used on carpet or glides for use on a hard floor surface Armrests are not recommended as they are likely to interfere with the ability to move the chair close enough to the desk
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Work with Computers: Desks

Height adjustable desks are the preferred option. The height to the top if the work surface should be between 580mm and 730 mm above floor level For a fixed height desk: between 680mm and 720mm The minimum work surface area: 1500mm x 900mm and the maximum bench thickness 25mm The volume of leg space: minimum of 800 wide x 550mm deep x 580mm high The viewing distance to work: between 350 mm and 780 mm No sharp edges, protrusions or rough surfaces It is recommended that work surface be continuous due to increase mouse usage, keyboard and mouse are on the same level
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Work with Computers: Monitors


It is recommended that the screen is located at approx arms length away from the user Directly in front of the user Eye level and the bottom can be read without a marked inclination of the head No glare and reflections
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Work with Computers: Mouse


To minimise fatigue when using the mouse:

Place the mouse on the a mouse pad to restrict the area of movement for the hand and arm Ensure the mouse is used with a straight wrist The mouse pad should be placed as close as possible to the keyboard to avoid over-reaching with impact on shoulder/neck muscles
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Work with Computers: Ergonomic Accessories


Consider the following when trying to address the ergonomic issues A footrest Document holder Monitor stands and Monitor arms Screen filter

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Look out For Other Repetitive Actions or Sustained Postures


Examples:

Laboratory tasks, e.g. pipetting Workshop task, e.g. repetitive hammering, repetitive lifting Electronic workshop, e.g. soldering

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Environment: Lighting
Suitable light levels based on Australian Standard AS 1680 1990 Interior Lighting:
General background 200 Lux Routine office work (typing, filing) 400 Lux Work with poor contrast (proof reading) 600Lux Overhead lighting should be fitted with glare reducing diffusers and light should fall from the side rather than from the front to avoid reflection Windows should be on the side of the user if possible, not directly behind or in front of the screen
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Work with Computers: Ventilation


Air movement of less than 0.1 meter per second can lead to stuffy rooms whereas air movement of more than 0.2 meters per second causes droughts to be felt.
Australian Standard AS 1668.2 1991 Mechanical ventilation for acceptable indoor-air quality sets the minimum rate of 10 liters per second per person for general office space or 10 liters per second for every 10 square meters of floor space
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Work with Computers: Indoor Climate

A comfortable temperature range for sedentary work is between 210 and 240 C The optimum range of relative humidity is 4050%. Relative humidity below 20% can cause dryness of the eyes, nose, throat and build up of static charges. Humidity above 80% can cause fatigues Draughts around the neck and the feet can cause muscle contraction
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