Ergonomics is the study of how the human body "fits" in its environment. A good ergonomic environment is one in which the body is the focal point and all of the peripheral items are built-in to the person. A good ergonomic environment is one which has a minimal likelihood of causing musculoskeletal pain.
Likewise, a bad ergonomic workstation is one where the user puts themself in awkward positions to compensate for a bad design. A bad ergonomic environment places the body at-risk for injury.
The primary benefit of ensuring a proper ergonomic environment is improved business and/or personal productivity.
History of Ergonomics
Ergonomics is not new. In fact, the first recorded ergonomic injury dates back to 1717 and was attributed to poorly designed writing tools, hence called Scribes Palsy. Other common work injuries that were seen early on included Bricklayers Shoulder and Shoveler's Hip (1700's), Cotton Twisters Hand (1800's), Telegraphers Wrist (late 1800's / early 1900's) and Washer Woman's Knees (early 1900's).
It wasn't until 1857 that the term "ergonomics" was actually coined by Wojciech Jastrzebowski in an essay titled "An Outline of Ergonomics or the Science of Work Based Upon the Truths Drawn From the Science of Nature."
To best exemplify the importance of ergonomics it is best to use an analogy that most people can identify with. Imagine a married couple who share an automobile where the woman is 5'2" and the man 6'4". If the husband uses the car without adjusting the seat and mirrors to their proper position (that is, it is set to the wife's comfort zone) then he will have to maneuver unnaturally in order to safely drive the vehicle. Perhaps he can do this without a problem for one, two or perhaps three miles, but any significant distance would most likely create excessive musculoskeletal strain. Imagine, now, the effect on the man's body if he drove in this fashion six hours a day for 5 days in a row. It is easy to understand the neck, back, shoulder and leg pains that would ensue. That being said, it is obvious that a poorly designed computer station or other work environment would easily create the same musculoskeletal problems.
Whether at work or at play, promoting a good ergonomic environment is the key to effective work. By doing so you are taking the necessary steps towards minimizing the chance for developing musculoskeletal disorders while at the same time maximizing your overall productivity.
Regardless of the job, the basic rule of thumb when ensuring proper ergonomics is to build the environment into the worker. For example, when considering a computer workstation all of the peripherals (keyboard, mouse, telephone, stapler, etc) must be brought into the workers comfortable reaching zone in order to maintain proper posture. Failure to do so can contribute to a variety of musculoskeletal injuries which, if left undiagnosed and untreated, may eventually lead to disability and poor work output.
Maintaining a safe workplace is a requirement under federal law. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is an agency of the US Department of Labor whose mission is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.
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2010 Steven L. Braverman, PT PC / RESTORE PHYSICAL THERAPY, all right reserved
