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Ergonomics

Ergonomics looks at what kind of work you do, what tools you use and your whole job environment. The aim is to find the best fit between you and your job conditions. Examples of ergonomic changes to your work might include

No matter what the job is, the goal is to make sure that you are safe, comfortable, and less prone to work-related injuries.

Ergonomics on Wikipedia

'''Ergonomics''' (from Greek language ''ergon'' work and ''nomoi'' natural laws) is the study of optimizing the interface between human beings, and the designed objects and environments they interact with. Wojciech Jastrzebowski first used the word in his article ''Rys ergonomji czyli nauki o pracy, opartej na prawdach poczerpniętych z Nauki Przyrody'' in 1857. In strict usage the term is specific to increasingly productivity, reducing operator fatigue, and improving work environments. In common usage, though, 'ergonomics' can refer to the study of any man-machine interface, whether physiological or psychological.

Examples

Common examples include chairs designed to prevent the user from sitting in positions that may have a detrimental effect on the spine (anatomy), and the ergonomic desk which offers an adjustable Computer keyboard tray, a main desktop of variable height, and other adjustable elements. Adjustability is often a key element of ergonomic design as a tactic to fit the product to a variety of body shapes and sizes. Ergonomics also helps with the design of alternative computer input devices for people who want to avoid repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome. A standard computer keyboard tends to force users to keep their hands together, turn their wrists in an "unnatural" position, and hunch their shoulders. To prevent injury, or to give relief to people who already have symptoms, special split keyboards, curved keyboards, and other alternative input devices exist.

Underlying science

Physical ergonomics rests on the underlying scientific field of anthropometrics (human measurement). Although anthropometrics still has unanswered questions, it's still true that human physical characteristics are predictable and objectively measurable. Psychological ergonomics explores design issues in terms ...   [ Read More ]

External Resources

Topslide International - International supplier of precision ball-bearing drawer slides, ergonomic systems, drawer components, plastic slide systems, and articulating keyboard mechanisms.

Rory Jaros - Rocking Chair Maker - Handcrafted ergonomic rocking chairs and wood furniture, crafted from recycled walnut trees and other hardwoods from the Shawnee Forest Region of Southern Illinois.

Casey Burns Flutes - American flutemaker offers Irish and historic flutes, specializing in ergonomic and small-handed flutes.

Ergo Deals - Offering a complete selection of ergonomic designed furniture including office chairs, beds and recliners.

DynaKIDz - Colorful ergonomically designed educational office furniture, desks, chairs, and printer stands perfectly sized for children.

CoolKidsDesks.com - Features ergonomically designed children’s computer desks that accommodate a full-sized computer.

Astute Advance - Selling home and office furnishings, watches, ergonomic chairs, gifts, motorized scooters, audio and video equipment.

Brigger Furniture by Klein Design - Sales of ergonomic chairs, rocking chairs, sofas, loveseats and recliners that can be customized to fit your body. Photos, descriptions and chair dimensions are listed.

The Back Store - Sells ergonomic and massage chairs, beds, foam wedges.

Ergo Lounger - Sell an ergonomic beach chair with a face hole. Includes product details and medical endorsements. Ship worldwide.

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