AN ERGONOMIST PICKS HIS NOSE
Ergonomics is all about how humans are capable of certain demands in regards to work. Scientists who study ergonomics are called ergonomists and they show how to relieve stress and tension in the work place, and also in every day living.
The discipline that uses biomechanical principles to develop tools and workplace settings that minimize strain on the body is ergonomics. Ergonomists analyze human capabilities and limitations to design work environments and equipment that enhance comfort, efficiency, and safety. By focusing on optimizing the interaction between people and their workspaces, ergonomics aims to reduce the risk of injury and improve overall well-being.
Not so sure about antrophometric, but anthropometric measurements are measurements of the human body. These are used by ergonomists to design work places, cars, furniture, appliances and other everyday objects so that most people can use them easily.Alternatively, things may be designed so that they cannot be used easily. Operating switches in cutting or stamping machines, for example, are on opposite sides of the machine. The operator MUST use both hands to operate the switches and so cannot get a hand trapped (and pulverised) in the machine.
Simply put, to reduce Workers' Compensation costs. In many states, one of the factors that determines a medium and larger sized employer's workers' compensation costs is the insurer's experience. Providing employees safer and properly designed workstations can save the company a lot of money. Having an employee get injured on-the-job is very expensive: sick leave, workers' compensation costs and possibly the costs of replacing the employee. I have a friend who is a customer service representative for L. L. Bean of Freeport, ME. L. L. Bean has a long history of being rather stingy. L. L. Bean has at least two full-time ergonomists who fit new employees with workstations. In the telephone bullpen, the chairs and workstations are coded. The employees get to select a chair that best fits them and can sit at a workstation that is at the right height. As I understand things, L. L. Bean has achieved significant savings by doing this.
Upon graduation; osteopaths have the option of opening their own clinics; or to rent rooms in established medical, assessment, health or rehab clinics and benefit from cross referrals; or to work as employees in other osteopathic, medical, chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage or rehab clinics. Most osteopaths work in private clinics, often as sole proprietor, associate or employee. However, the increase in multidisciplinary health care facilities and physical rehabilitation clinics has opened new opportunities for these osteopaths to collaborate with other health care professionals (such as family physicians, massage therapists, naturopaths, athletic therapists, kinesiologists, podiatrists, chiropodists, occupational therapists, ergonomists, & acupuncturists) and benefit patients with interprofessional care. A small numbers of osteopaths also work in hospitals, nursing homes, health spas, sports teams, insurance companies claims services department, fitness clubs, cruise ship spas, colleges, universities, private schools, motor vehicle accident (MVA) assessment centres and other institutions. Most new graduates start their professional work as employees. Later they establish their own private clinics.
Ergonomics is about ensuring a good fit between people and what they interact with. This could include the objects they use or the environments they live in. Ergonomics should be considered in the design of every product, system or environment.Ergonomics are often not given enough priority early in the design process, because of commercial or time pressures. But this is a false economy. Ignoring ergonomics can lead to designs which are likely to fail commercially - as they don't fit the needs of the user.Ergonomists are trained in analytical techniques to identify which user characteristics should be taken into account during your design process. This is important when you consider how much individuals vary in terms of:body sizebody shapestrengthmobilitysensory sensitivitymental abilityexperiencetrainingcultureemotionsWhen applied at the earliest stages of the design process, ergonomic methods often identify opportunities for innovation.Ergonomics can be split into three broad areas:Physical ergonomics looks at how human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics relate to physical activity. This includes:working posturesmanual handlingrepetitive movementsmusculoskeletal disordersworkplace layout and environmentPsychological ergonomics studies mental processes - eg perception, cognition, memory, reasoning and emotion - and how people interact with products, systems and environments. This includes:mental workloaddecision-makinghuman-computer interactionhuman reliabilityattitudesstressmotivationpleasurecultural differencesOrganisational ergonomics is about optimising the organisational structures, policies and processes of socio-technical systems. This includes:communicationwork designstaff resource managementworking time patternsco-operative workquality managementorganisational cultureTo ensure your end-users' needs are kept in focus at all times, ergonomists should be an integral part of your design development team. Constantly evaluating the ergonomics of anything your business designs as it develops will help increase the likelihood that your product or service will be a success.
With the increase in availability and popularity of home computers, the time Americans spend sitting at a desk has also increased. In turn, since the human body was not designed to sit, but to move, the number of Americans who see a chiropractor for back pains has also increased. Part of this can be related to the actual posture assumed while sitting at a computer. Typically, computer users sit in a straight-backed chair with both feet on the ground, knees bent at a 90 degree angle. When seated in this position for an extended period of time, a strain is placed on the body that may cause pain or soreness of the back, shoulders, upper thighs, and neck. This soreness can progress to headaches and eventually decrease the amount of time certain computer users are physically able to tolerate a seated position. Of course, this can impact the person’s ability to work if their job requires computer or deskwork. Clearly, this can be a big problem. Fortunately, there is a solution. Kneeling chairs are highly recommended by ergonomists to relieve existing muscular strain and prevent future problems. The kneeling chair is a seat designed to reduce discomfort associated with prolonged sitting. The chair consists of a seat that should have a slight forward tilt and a knee or shin rest. This rest is designed to support the person in the desired position, not to bear the person’s body weight. This position keeps the spine properly aligned and distributes most of the weight on the buttocks, with a small amount of the weight placed on the shins and knees. This position is more favorable to good posture and should lessen the strain felt in normal chairs. Some kneeling chairs are on rockers and allow the seated person to use alternating legs to rock as they sit. Since movement is conducive to comfort, these kneeling chairs are gaining increased popularity. If using a kneeling chair without rockers, extend alternating legs periodically to experience the benefits of movement. While kneeling chairs should not replace regular stretching and core strengthening exercises, they are definitely an excellent alternative to the standard office chair.
The most effective way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome is to take frequent breaks from repetitive movement such as computer keyboard usage. Free software programs such as Workrave and Xwrits are available to remind users to take breaks and stretch their wrists1. **************************************************************** Preventing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that is from work exposure...repetitive use etc..does include frequent breaks.Also there are specific carpal tunnel exercises that can be done to help prevent symptoms in some cases.Physical therapist also have developed things like tendon and nerve glide type exercises that will help. The other important aspect of preventing CTS,is that you first need to determine what is causing or aggravating your CTS.You can take all the breaks in the world,but if your case of CTS is caused by diabetes,hypothyroidism etc...it won't help much,and you may be missing something that needs medical attention. Answer: The thing that helps me the most with my carpal tunnel and keeping it from coming back is to wear a wrist brace while I'm working on the computer or doing other such activities. I found mine at www.vitalitymedical.com == ==