Define Ergonomics Correctly And It WILL Save Your Back…and Neck, and Wrists, and Hands, and On and On and On
You can easily define ergonomics with a quick Google search and find there are a number of websites that offer a pretty consistent definition. Sounds good…so what more do you need to know? Actually, there’s a lot more, especially if you have back & neck pain and are looking to define ergonomics for reasons beyond preparing for your next game of Trivia.
Ergonomics is defined as the science related to a person and their work environment (equipment and workplaces) and how they affect human performance. The overall goal of ergonomics is to create a work environment that is safe for the worker, prevents typical work related injuries, and allows the individual to perform their duties at an optimal and efficient manner.
That seems simple enough….it’s a pretty straight forward definition. But, the problem with that definition is the word “human”! In other words, human factors and ergonomics must interface seamlessly in order to achieve the desired outcome, and as we all know, humans come in different shapes and sizes.
Define Ergonomics: Are There Concerns To Be Aware Of?
That is my biggest concern with the term ergonomics; it is used so frequently in marketing and advertising that most people feel something is ergonomically correct for them as long as it has an ergonomic design. Consequently, it seems like everything these days has a “new and improved ergonomic design.” You often see ergonomics used in the description of various products such as office chairs, desks, and computer accessories. If you look at the true definition of ergonomics, manufacturers are abiding by the golden rule of marketing: truth in advertising. However, you have to remember the thing that actually makes a product ergonomic is the way it fits to the individual person, not just its ergonomic design.
My goal in providing you with some ergonomic information is not only to define ergonomics, but also to teach you how to incorporate some basic principles of ergonomics in the workplace, no matter the workplace setting. When you truly understand the concept of ergonomics, (which in my opinion is designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the user), you accomplish the goal of preventing repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and lead to long-term disability.
When you define ergonomics, you need to think of some key tasks that will ensure you are decreasing your risk of injury.
They include:
- Workstation Set-up (not just in the office at a traditional desk)
- Work Equipment and Accessories
- Correct Sitting Position
- Proper Posture
- Proper Body Mechanics Throughout the Day
- Safe Bending/Lifting Technique
In this section of the website, I have put together a few helpful tools for you to use as you define ergonomics for your own work environment. You can start by using the overall ergonomics assessment and then review the section on ergonomics posture. I have even included some tips on what to look for in some of the most commonly used equipment such as chairs and keyboards. You can access all of this information at the link below:
Just remember, when you think of improving ergonomics as a way to decrease back & neck pain, don’t get caught up in the hype of product promotions touting fancy language like human factor issues or designs based on engineering psychology. All you need to know about their technical science of designing is whether or not their products can create workplaces to fit the user – YOU! That’s the only way to define ergonomics that will help you achieve your goals of decreasing the risk of injury and pain, while achieving maximum productivity.