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The Principles of Ergonomics

Posted On: Monday, January 25, 2010
Posted By: Tammy Scully

Healthy Reminders From UTC's Physical Therapy Department

12 Principles of Ergonomics***

1. Keep Everything in Easy Reach

2. Work at Proper Heights

3. Reduce Excessive Forces

4. Work in Good Postures

5. Reduce Excessive Repetition

6. Minimize Fatigue

7. Minimize Direct Pressure

8. Provide Adjustability and Change of Posture

9. Provide Clearance and Access

10. Maintain a Comfortable Environment

11. Enhance Clarity and Understanding

12. Improve Work Organization

***12 Principles of Ergonomics: Blueprints for Safety, Clayton Ergonomics, Inc.

Definition of Ergonomics: Ergonomics is an engineering discipline that addresses the effect that work environments and work tasks have on the employee. A few of the details that ergonomics involves are the following: workstation set-up and design, body posture, and prevention of computer-related injuries.

Frequent injuries that can occur from not following the ergonomic principles: Lumbar strains, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, cervical strains, and fatigue. Most injuries do not happen in one isolated movement, but are caused by repetitive use or occur with a combination of movements (i.e. bending and twisting).

What is correct ergonomics?

1. Keep the back of the seat at 90 degrees.

2. Lumbar support from the chair or from a cushion that should hit the lower back just above the waistline.

3. Knees and hips should be bent to 90 degrees.

4. Keyboard should be set at eye level and directly in front of you.

5. Keyboard should be set where the elbows can be bent at 90 degrees and the wrist is in a neutral position with the fingers on the keys.

6. If your job requires a lot of time on the phone, a headset is the best way to maintain the neck in a neutral position.

7. Use the power muscles (legs) to lift and carry.

8. Test an item before lifting it and ask for help if you need it.

9. Always square your body when lifting, bending, or carrying.