Ergonomics is the science of designing work to fit workers in order to maximize productivity and minimize injury and fatigue. It became important after World War 2 for both productivity and worker safety. The goals of ergonomics are to facilitate task performance, minimize fatigue, and minimize injuries like neck, back, eye strain and headaches. Proper ergonomic posture at a computer involves upright sitting, standing, or declined sitting with straight back, arms at sides, feet supported, and other correct positioning. Improper posture can lead to pain, injuries, and health issues over time.

1. Ergonomics The Fantastic Four

2. What is Ergonomics? Ergonomics is defined as the science of work Ergonomics goal is to make work comfortable and the most efficient it can be Designed to prevent work injuries

3. History of Ergonomics As industry developed so did ergonomics People had no idea how to do/the proper etiquette for the newly developed machines The initial idea for ergonomics was to get people to produce the most for the lowest cost Frederick W. Taylor was one of the first to develop tools and ideas to prevent injuries in the work place Taylor developed the scientific management method which increased the efficiency of tasks

4. History of Ergonomics After world war 2 ergonomics became more important not only for productivity but also for the safety of workers More research was done and people then saw that peoples’ jobs can be hazardous if ergonomics are not applied

5. Objectives Facilitate task Performance Minimize Fatigue Minimize Injury -Neck Pain -Back Pain -Eye Strain -Headaches -Bursitis -Tendon Problems

6. Proper Posture While at a Computer Upright Sitting Standing Declined Sitting Reclined Sitting

7. Tenants of Proper Posture Explained Hands, wrists, and forearms are parallel with the floor Head is level and in-line with the torso Shoulders are relaxed and arms hang straight down in a natural position that is comfortable for the individual Feet are supported by a footrest if the desk is not adjustable to the user’s height, and are slightly ahead of the individual’s knees Back is supported with correct lumbar support (formed chair or additional back support) and is generally perpendicular to the floor Legs and thighs are parallel to the floor and are supported by a comfortable chair Knees are at the same height as your thighs

8. Consequences of Bad Posture Poor posture comes from sitting too comfortably without sitting straight up. Here are some consequences: Low back pain Shoulder pain Neck Pain Headaches Bone Spurs Disc and scar tissue damage High Blood pressure

9. Disorders Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Repetitive motion injuries Repetitive strain injuries Cumulative trauma disorders Symptoms: Low Back Pain Finger, wrist, or thumb pain Neck and Shoulder pain

10. Sites http://www.askergoworks.com/news/70/signs-and-effects-of-poor-posture.aspx https://fpm-www3.fpm.wisc.edu/safety/occupationalhealth/ergonomics/musculoskeletaldisorders/introductionmusculoskeletaldisorders/tabid/88/default.aspx http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/tc/office-ergonomics-topic-overview http://www.ncsu.edu/ehs/www99/right/handsman/office/ergonomic.html http://www.naturalremedyhealth.com/vitamins-suplements/2074-10-amazing-facts-about-the-history-of-ergonomics http://ergonomics.about.com/od/ergonomicbasics/a/ergo101.htm http://www.optergo.com/uk/the_concept/history_ergonomics.php?o=0|