Back pain is one of the most common work-related injuries and is often caused by ordinary work activities such as sitting in an office chair or heavy lifting. Applying ergonomic principles can help prevent work-related back pain and any other RSI's that may result from work, school or any other similar circumstance.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the multidisciplinary field of study incorporating contributions from psychology, engineering, biomechanics, mechanobiology, industrial design, physiology and anthropometry with the goal of designing equipment and devices (ICT) that fit the human body, its movements, and its cognitive abilities. Its practice often leads to the prevention of RSI.
What is ICT?
Information and communications technology (ICT) is often used as an extended synonym for information technology (IT), but is a more specific term that stresses the role of unified communication and the integration of telecommunications (telephones lines and wireless signals) computers as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information.
What is RSI?
Repetitive Strain Injuries are caused from prolonged interaction with ICT's and can lead to a large loss of work time. Sadly employers may use such injuries as excuses to fire workers from there jobs. This highlights the importance of learning about ergonomics and how it can help us.
Causes include many forms of manual and office work, housework, sports - such as tennis elbow. The use of musical instruments, cell phones and game controllers also lead to these kinds of injuries.
Causes include many forms of manual and office work, housework, sports - such as tennis elbow. The use of musical instruments, cell phones and game controllers also lead to these kinds of injuries.
What are the types of Ergonomics?
Physical ergonomics
This is concerned with human anatomy, and some of the anthropometric, physiological and bio mechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. Physical ergonomic principles have been widely used in the design of both consumer and industrial products. Past examples include screwdriver handles made with serrations to improve finger grip, and use of soft thermoplastic elastomers to increase friction between the skin of the hand and the handle surface. Physical ergonomics is important in the medical field, particularly to those diagnosed with physiological ailments or disorders such as arthritis (both chronic and temporary) or carpal tunnel syndrome. Pressure that is insignificant or imperceptible to those unaffected by these disorders may be very painful, or render a device unusable, for those who are. Many ergonomically designed products are also used or recommended to treat or prevent such disorders, and to treat pressure-related chronic pain.
Cognitive ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. Relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system and Human-Computer Interaction design.
Organizational ergonomics
Organizational ergonomics is concerned with the optimization of socio-technical systems, including their organizational structures, policies, and processes. Relevant topics include communication, crew resource management, work design, work systems, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work programs, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.
This is concerned with human anatomy, and some of the anthropometric, physiological and bio mechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. Physical ergonomic principles have been widely used in the design of both consumer and industrial products. Past examples include screwdriver handles made with serrations to improve finger grip, and use of soft thermoplastic elastomers to increase friction between the skin of the hand and the handle surface. Physical ergonomics is important in the medical field, particularly to those diagnosed with physiological ailments or disorders such as arthritis (both chronic and temporary) or carpal tunnel syndrome. Pressure that is insignificant or imperceptible to those unaffected by these disorders may be very painful, or render a device unusable, for those who are. Many ergonomically designed products are also used or recommended to treat or prevent such disorders, and to treat pressure-related chronic pain.
Cognitive ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. Relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system and Human-Computer Interaction design.
Organizational ergonomics
Organizational ergonomics is concerned with the optimization of socio-technical systems, including their organizational structures, policies, and processes. Relevant topics include communication, crew resource management, work design, work systems, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work programs, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.
What are the methods for evaluating Ergonomic issues?
Given the import of the field of study in question, there are many methods, a few of these includes:
Ethnographic analysis
Using methods derived from ethnography, this process focuses on observing the uses of technology in a practical environment. It is a qualitative and observational method that focuses on "real-world" experience and pressures, and the usage of technology or environments in the workplace. The process is best used early in the design process.
Iterative design
Also known as prototyping, the iterative design process seeks to involve users at several stages of design, in order to correct problems as they emerge. As prototypes emerge from the design process, these are subjected to other forms of analysis as outlined in this article, and the results are then taken and incorporated into the new design. Trends amongst users are analyzed, and products redesigned. This can become a costly process, and needs to be done as soon as possible in the design process before designs become too concrete.
Subjects-in-tandem
Two subjects are asked to work concurrently on a series of tasks while vocalizing their analytical observations. The technique is also known as "Co-Discovery" as participants tend to feed off of each other's comments to generate a richer set of observations than is often possible with the participants separately. This is observed by the researcher, and can be used to discover usability difficulties. This process is usually recorded.
Surveys and Questionnaires
A commonly used technique outside of Human Factors as well, surveys and questionnaires have an advantage in that they can be administered to a large group of people for relatively low cost, enabling the researcher to gain a large amount of data. The validity of the data obtained is, however, always in question, as the questions must be written and interpreted correctly, and are, by definition, subjective. Those who actually respond are in effect self-selecting as well, widening the gap between the sample and the population further.
Task analysis
A process with roots in activity theory, task analysis is a way of systematically describing human interaction with a system or process to understand how to match the demands of the system or process to human capabilities. The complexity of this process is generally proportional to the complexity of the task being analyzed, and so can vary in cost and time involvement. It is a qualitative and observational process. Best used early in the design process.
User analysis
This process is based around designing for the attributes of the intended user or operator, establishing the characteristics that define them, creating a persona for the user. Best done at the outset of the design process, a user analysis will attempt to predict the most common users, and the characteristics that they would be assumed to have in common. This can be problematic if the design concept does not match the actual user, or if the identified are too vague to make clear design decisions from. This process is, however, usually quite inexpensive, and commonly used.
Ethnographic analysis
Using methods derived from ethnography, this process focuses on observing the uses of technology in a practical environment. It is a qualitative and observational method that focuses on "real-world" experience and pressures, and the usage of technology or environments in the workplace. The process is best used early in the design process.
Iterative design
Also known as prototyping, the iterative design process seeks to involve users at several stages of design, in order to correct problems as they emerge. As prototypes emerge from the design process, these are subjected to other forms of analysis as outlined in this article, and the results are then taken and incorporated into the new design. Trends amongst users are analyzed, and products redesigned. This can become a costly process, and needs to be done as soon as possible in the design process before designs become too concrete.
Subjects-in-tandem
Two subjects are asked to work concurrently on a series of tasks while vocalizing their analytical observations. The technique is also known as "Co-Discovery" as participants tend to feed off of each other's comments to generate a richer set of observations than is often possible with the participants separately. This is observed by the researcher, and can be used to discover usability difficulties. This process is usually recorded.
Surveys and Questionnaires
A commonly used technique outside of Human Factors as well, surveys and questionnaires have an advantage in that they can be administered to a large group of people for relatively low cost, enabling the researcher to gain a large amount of data. The validity of the data obtained is, however, always in question, as the questions must be written and interpreted correctly, and are, by definition, subjective. Those who actually respond are in effect self-selecting as well, widening the gap between the sample and the population further.
Task analysis
A process with roots in activity theory, task analysis is a way of systematically describing human interaction with a system or process to understand how to match the demands of the system or process to human capabilities. The complexity of this process is generally proportional to the complexity of the task being analyzed, and so can vary in cost and time involvement. It is a qualitative and observational process. Best used early in the design process.
User analysis
This process is based around designing for the attributes of the intended user or operator, establishing the characteristics that define them, creating a persona for the user. Best done at the outset of the design process, a user analysis will attempt to predict the most common users, and the characteristics that they would be assumed to have in common. This can be problematic if the design concept does not match the actual user, or if the identified are too vague to make clear design decisions from. This process is, however, usually quite inexpensive, and commonly used.
Treatment
Diagnosis of RSI is not simple. Sometimes it is difficult to arrive at a definite diagnosis because you may have a multitude of symptoms that can change from time to time. Your doctor may use a variety of diagnostic procedures in addition to a physical examination to evaluate your symptoms.
These may include:
Nerve conduction studies and EMG tests
These tests involve attaching electrodes to your hand and passing an electrical current through your arm. The time required for the nerve to respond is measured. Slow or delayed times can be indicative of pinched or injured nerves.
Diagnostic imaging
X-rays and MRI scans are used to check for skeletal problems, most commonly at the wrist, elbow, back shoulders and neck. If you have the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome, your doctor might also want to check for extra ribs or other abnormalities.
The findings from these exams will have you referred to another doctor or a therapist to begin the rehabilitation process. More than one specialist may be needed.
The most common are, the Physical therapist, the Occupational therapist an the Hand therapist. Your therapists should collaborate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all of the identified problem areas. Typical treatment plans include the following:
-Range of motion and mobility exercises
-Strengthening exercises
-Postural exercises with emphasis on scapular and abdominal or “core” strengthening
-Nerve gliding activities
-Soft tissue mobilization
-Massage
-Splinting PRN (i.e. as the need arises)
as the circumstance arises
-Work techniques
-Work pacing and time management
-Use of adaptive equipment including specially designed keyboards, pointing devices, furniture and alternative technologies such as speech
recognition.
These may include:
Nerve conduction studies and EMG tests
These tests involve attaching electrodes to your hand and passing an electrical current through your arm. The time required for the nerve to respond is measured. Slow or delayed times can be indicative of pinched or injured nerves.
Diagnostic imaging
X-rays and MRI scans are used to check for skeletal problems, most commonly at the wrist, elbow, back shoulders and neck. If you have the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome, your doctor might also want to check for extra ribs or other abnormalities.
The findings from these exams will have you referred to another doctor or a therapist to begin the rehabilitation process. More than one specialist may be needed.
The most common are, the Physical therapist, the Occupational therapist an the Hand therapist. Your therapists should collaborate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all of the identified problem areas. Typical treatment plans include the following:
-Range of motion and mobility exercises
-Strengthening exercises
-Postural exercises with emphasis on scapular and abdominal or “core” strengthening
-Nerve gliding activities
-Soft tissue mobilization
-Massage
-Splinting PRN (i.e. as the need arises)
as the circumstance arises
-Work techniques
-Work pacing and time management
-Use of adaptive equipment including specially designed keyboards, pointing devices, furniture and alternative technologies such as speech
recognition.
Prevention
Good ergonomics governing work desk set ups, keyboards and other ICT's.
Frequent rest with stretching exercises for limbs and eyes are also essential ergonomic practices. This rest is aided by free rest and stretch reminder software and apps that can be downloaded to our systems. For the work environment there are OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Assoc - USA) and European standards for input devices, and for monitors, chairs, desks etcetera, businesses and institutions in those countries are required to adhere to these workplace standards and this can give employees the greatly needed lobbying tools for better work environments.
Frequent rest with stretching exercises for limbs and eyes are also essential ergonomic practices. This rest is aided by free rest and stretch reminder software and apps that can be downloaded to our systems. For the work environment there are OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Assoc - USA) and European standards for input devices, and for monitors, chairs, desks etcetera, businesses and institutions in those countries are required to adhere to these workplace standards and this can give employees the greatly needed lobbying tools for better work environments.
Further benefits of Ergonomics
The good software and workstation design that comes from ergonomics can improve productivity especially if users use software and workstations for many hours per day. Further, not only can the cost of proper software design and workstations can quickly be remade but ergonomics can also reduce worker absenteeism outside of the usual- reducing of eye strain, hand and wrist strains, back pains, neck pains, etcetera.