Lesson #3: The User

Hello, and welcome to the third lesson in my Ergonomics blog. In the previous two lessons, we have learnt the basics of Ergonomics, and also how to set up a work environment so that it meets Ergonomic standards. This final lesson will inform you exactly how you, as the user, can best improve your routine when using a computer.

The first major issue is your eyes. Unless you follow correct procedures regarding eyesight, you are putting yourself (and your eyeballs) at serious risk. We must always remember to frequently look away from computer screens every few minutes so that our eyes are not exposed to the glare for long periods at a time.

It may sound quite lame, but it doesn't hurt to "warm up" before you use a computer for an extended period of time. Simple things like neck stretches or shoulder rolls are perfect.

People will tell you that you must remember to keep a good posture at all times when using a computer. The thing is, no posture is completely perfect. The key thing to remember is to make yourself as comfortable as possible, but to be consistently moving, because being in the same position for too long is worse than being in a bad, uncomfortable one.

Finally, it is crucial to take breaks whenever you are using the computer. It would be very wise to get into the habit of taking a break, at the very least, every hour. Although it is good to be focused on what you are doing, you can often lose track of time easily, so be sure to frequently check the clock on your computer. When you take your break, it is recommended that you walk around, stretch your joints and muscles, and take deep breaths. It may seem like a silly, annoying thing to do, except you will feel better, and work more efficiently.

This concludes my blog on Ergonomics. Hopefully you have found this to be enjoyable and informative, and I sincerely hope that you put into practice what you have learnt. Thanks for taking the time to read through these posts!

By Amos Wellings.

Lesson #2: Setting Up Your Work Environment

Hi, and welcome to the second part of my Ergonomics blog. In this lesson, we will be learning how to update your computer/work environment so that it meets Ergonomic standards.

Most people use computers in their every day lives, whether it is for their work, or purely for fun and entertainment. However, we should always ensure, for our health and benefit, that Ergonomics comes into play whenever we go to use the computer.

Visibility is one of, if not the most, important aspects of Ergonomics when it comes to computers. It is important that we always ensure that we can see everything we are doing, as to avoid eye strain and potential neck harm. You must also ensure that there is plenty of light in your work environment, and that there is minimal glare in the room, particularly from the computer monitor.

When it comes to chairs, the key thing to remember is that comfort is the most important thing. Repeatedly adjust your computer chair until it feels as comfortable as possible. Try and position your chair so that your eyes will roughly be level with the top of the monitor.

If you are using a notebook computer, you will not need to worry about the positioning of your keyboard. However, if you are using a desktop computer, it is highly recommended that you keep your keyboard level with the desk it is on (that is, do not have the keyboard tilted at an angle) so as to prevent possible wrist harm.

Desk space is crucial a working environment. There is only one thing you need to remember when creating desk space - your space should be set up in a way that does not require you to excessively twist your neck.

This concludes Lesson #2 on Setting Up Your Work Environment. The next Lesson covers what you as a person must do in this environment to also comply with Ergonomic standards.

Lesson #1: Introduction + A Brief Description

Hello, and welcome to blog on Ergonomics. This program has been designed to inform you all about Ergonomics, and to help you improve your workplace or office so that it complies with Ergonomic standards.

The International Ergonomics Association defines Ergonomics as "the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance". This essentially means the science of designing equipment to better suit the human body and human activity.

Some people typically think of Ergonomics as specifically the way companies design work areas to improve and increase efficiency from the employees, but Ergonomics is in fact relative to all aspects of every day life, including recreation, working environments, health and safety.

If you would like know more about Ergonomics, and keep your work environment up to Ergonomic standards, please continue to Lesson #2.