Ergonomics Fact Sheet

The science that studies people's job performance and well-being in relation to their job tasks, equipment, and environment.

PROBLEM: EYESTRAIN, IRRITATED EYES, BLURRED VISION, PINK AFTER-IMAGES, HEADACHE.

Causes: Glare, ambient light, workstation layout, display quality, visual disorders, work habits/job design Adjustments: Minimize glare and ambient lighting, Improve workstation layout, Use workstation accessories, Enhance your screen display, Ensure proper eyecare, Modify time in VDT use Monitor Placement to avoid glare:
Place the monitor perpendicular to windows and between light fixtures. If possible, provide an aisle between the window and the workstation. Do not place the monitor directly below a shelf that has lighting under it. Adjust the monitor height and tilt to avoid glare from the ceiling fixtures or task lighting. A mirror placed on the screen facing out will reflect the source of the glare.

Reduce Reflectances:

Minimize the amount of white paper posted or lying about
Use a darker desk pad if your desk surface is too bright
Adjust all sources of light to achieve ~50 foot candles.

Supplement with a task light if necessary
Suggest that workers wear medium or dark colors rather than white or light colors

PROBLEM: NECK/SHOULDER PAIN
Causes: Awkward postures, Excessive reaches
Adjustments: Adjust the chair, the monitor and use appropriate keyboard surfaces.
Reduce Harmful Positions:

Avoid placement that requires extreme reaches, especially to the sides or behind
Provide space for material to be located 16-18" in front of your body and between your elbows and shoulder
Place the most important items directly in front of you

PROBLEM: BACK PAIN
Causes: Constrained or fixed posture
Adjustments: Use of appropriate posture, Frequent changes in posture, Proper seating, Appropriate work surfaces

PROBLEM: ARM / HAND DISORDERS
Causes: Repetitive motions, Force, Emotional stress
Adjustments: Use document holder, Use footrests, Use palm rests, Adjust furniture and equipment to maximize comfort, Take rest pauses/exercises,

LEISURE TIME CONTRIBUTORS
reading, knitting/crocheting, needle point, painting,
sewing, hooking rugs, gardening, home computers,
tennis, instruments, auto repair, video games, sleeping positions, water skiing

FINDING YOUR DOMINANT EYE
Many people prefer to have their documents on the opposite side of their dominant eye because they can track back and forth from screen to document with greater ease. For example, I am right dominant. It is more comfortable for me to place documents to the left of my computer. It is also more comfortable for me to arrange my desk so that I greet those entering my office by swiveling my chair to the left.

Make a circle using both hands, overlapping the fingers and thumb, leaving a circle in the middle between your thumb and forefinger
Extend your arms out in front (arms length)
Look through the hole, with both eyes open, at an object across the room
Holding your hand steady, close one eye and then the other
The eye which is open and keeps the object in the center of the circle is dominant