Ergonomics
Ergonomics
is application of scientific information concerning objects, system and
environment for human use. (International ergonomics association 2000)
Ergonomics
is a multidisciplinary science whose primary focus is the anticipation, recognition,
evaluation, and control of musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors in
the workplace. (American Industrial Hygiene Association)
The goals of ergonomics are to,
·
decrease risk of musculoskeletal injuries and
illnesses
·
decrease worker discomfort and to improve the
quality of work life
·
improve worker performance and productivity
The goal of the science of ergonomics is to find a
best fit between worker and job conditions and to make sure workers are
uninjured, safe, and comfortable, as well as productive.
Steps of Ergonomics
1.
Individual’s
improvement
A.
Correction
of musculo skeletal strength, flexibility and posture
Work related postural imbalance produce the flexibility and
strength imbalance and produce the postural abnormality. Correction of postural
imbalance, strength and flexibility can help to avoid work related
musculoskeletal disorders.
B.
Educating
about working posture
Repeated stress or wrong techniques like lifting, bending,
kneeling, squatting and twisting are the common activities leads to work
related musculoskeletal disorders. Education about the working posture can
prevent the pain and discomfort.
2.
Engineering
improvement
C.
Adjusting
the working environment
Work space are usually equipped well and poorly adjusted
according to the individuals’ physical appearance like height. Example; most
often, the lumbar support is kept lower than lumbar curve in-spite of
supporting in lumbar curve. Adjusting the working environment according to the
individuals discomfort can help them to prevent pain and discomfort.
D. Modification of working tool
Some time, worker need to add or change the working tool to
prevent the work related to musculoskeletal injuries. Example; Any one use
laptop use laptop for more than 3 hours may need to use laptop doc system with
additional key board to avoid neck and shoulder pain. Electrician who has elbow pain may need to
change the angulations in hammer.
3. Administrative improvement
E. Change of job according to excising
musculoskeletal problem
Some
time, some of musculoskeletal problem may need to modify the work schedule or
inter-change the job nature to work related to musculoskeletal injuries.
Example; the person who has diabetic and work with shoulder pain working in
vibration based tool may need to shift to non vibration tool work like
lifting. The lady who had back pain and
disc problem may need to interchange the job to non lifting jobs like vibration
based tool working environment.
Participatory ergonomics can be helpful for the same activities.
“Spectrum
Ergo-Physio Concept ®”
Spectrum
physio centre promote the “SPECTRUM
ERGO-PHYSIO CONCEPT” in Indian ergonomic scenario. Spectrum ergo physio concept
is a holistic programme include ergonomic
awareness programme, skilled physiotherapy assessment, desk exercise, work –
rest regimen, workstation analysis and modification, participatory ergonomic
intervention according to the individual need. The effective ergonomic implementation leads
to decrease the discomfort, pain and increase the productivity and overall
satisfaction. However, Excising musculo-skeletal problem cannot be always
corrected by ergonomics alone. Ergonomic advice with physiotherapy leads to
maximal benefit of ergonomic implementation.
Be proactive
You
don’t have to wait till you get pain, anyone can seek for musculoskeletal risk
assessment and onsite ergonomic evaluation to promote your health and increase
your productivity. Early intervention
can help to enhance your performance and prevent work related musculoskeletal
disorders.
PARTHIPAN RAMASAMY
MPT(Community Physio and Community Based Rehabilitation)
PHYSIOTHERAPIST & ERGONOMIST
SPECTRUM PHYSIO CENTRE
www.spectrumphysio.info
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