The basics of ergonomics

The combination of two Greek words, ‘ergon’ and ‘nome’, form the word Ergonomics. The first word means work and the second word a natural law. So the word suggests the science of work and its relationship to the person in the workplace. The International Ergonomics Association has accepted the technical definition of ergonomics as a discipline concerned with the optimization of general human well-being and performance according to some defined data and principles. Simply put, ergonomics is the science of making things comfortable and efficient. By making things comfortable, it makes performance efficient. So, in its simplest form, ergonomics literally suggests the science of work. Therefore, an ergonomist is always concerned with how the job can be done better under proper working conditions. Although ergonomics is normally considered in relation to products. But, it can be just as useful in the device of services and processes. Ergonomics helps define how the product is used, how it meets your needs, and most importantly, whether you want to have it or not.

Ergonomics make things comfortable and efficient. Comfort is not like soft touch, but it is the most important aspect of design effectiveness. Physical comfort is the feeling a user enjoys while using products and services. If you don’t like to touch it, you won’t operate it, if you don’t make it work, then it’s ineffective. The usefulness of a thing is the only correct evaluation of the value of its design. The job of any designer is to find innovative ways to increase the usefulness of a product. Making an item intuitive and happy to use will ensure its victory in the marketplace. Bodily comfort when using an element increases its usefulness.

Physical Ergonomics can be summarized in a succession of principles. You will gladly see that you can relate these ideologies at home, at work, or in another place that you like. The basic concepts of ergonomics are very flexible and acceptable to everyone to match the daily routine.

Correct Posture: Posture is the key point to evaluate the work you do. The best posture is a neutral S-curve of the back, both standing and sitting. Working in a stretched position for a long time with your back in a C-curve can strain your back. Keep your neck aligned. Also the elbows and wrists should be kept in proper posture.

Excessive force reduction: Your joints can suffer from fatigue and injury due to excessive pressure. Therefore, it is important that you recognize an exact case of excess power and think about getting higher over time.

Easily Accessible Stuff: Keep everything in easily accessible spots to grab without further stretching. Your arm can move in a semicircle. Therefore, frequently needed things should be kept within the semicircle, which is called the ‘enveloping scope’. Most of the time, problems can be corrected by rearranging your work area and moving things closer to your reach. This is not at all a rigid idea to understand; you just need the instant intelligence to notice the difficulty and modify the settings of the things you want to achieve.

Work at proper height: Whether sitting or standing, do most of your work at about elbow height, sitting or standing. Sometimes, though, there are heavier jobs that are best done below elbow height or below elbow height.

Reduction of excessive movement: It is very important to see the amount of movement of the fingers, wrist, arm, back, etc. . The layout of the machine should help eliminate movement of the body parts.

Reduction of static load and fatigue: Holding the same load for a long period of time causes fatigue and discomfort. This interferes with the workflow. In the workplace, the need to hold tools or parts for any length of time is a case of static charging.

Pressure Point Minimization: The point of excessive pressure must be cushioned. Tool handles should be molded to fit your hand. If you sit on a chair in your workplace, the vulnerable points such as behind the knees, the tips of the forearms, etc. You should rest comfortably. You have to take good care of the pressure point of the body.

Provide clearance: Work areas should be arranged to provide enough room for knees, head, and feet. Obviously you shouldn’t trip over things every time, or have to work in a crooked posture or posture or stretch due to lack of room for your arms and feet.

Require small exercises: depending on the type of work you do, different movements of your body such as stretching, bending, changing position, etc. It can be useful.

Work, equipment, and the workplace must be designed in accordance with the science of ergonomics to prevent strain injuries that can develop over time and lead to long-term disability.