ERGONOMICSBy: NATALIE HORSFORD

INTRODUCTION•  What is Ergonomics?• What are the health problems that may arise

from improper computer usage•  What are at least ten things a user should do

to prevent health problems with computer usage

• What measures that are available to prevent these problems

Computer usage in Nursing World Since there has been excellent

technological advancements, the health care delivery system has seen the beginning of computerization which has contributed enormously towards the reduction of medical errors etc. Eg: Electronic Medical Record System (EMR), Electronic Prescriptions, Personal Digital Assistants

Even with this vital tool, there are still dissatisfaction due to ERGONOMICS

Ergonomic ?1. What is Ergonomics? ERGO + NOMICS = ERGONOMICS “work” + “rules or laws” = “the laws of work” Can be defined as a scientific discipline that deals with the study of work

and its interaction between humans and the environment i.e. the person and their workstation

2. What is Ergonomics in the Workplace? It is the science of fitting jobs to the people who work in them. Ergonomics

focuses on the work environment and items such as the design and function of workstations, controls, displays, safety devices, tools and lighting to fit the employee’s physical requirements, capabilities and limitations to ensure his/her health and well being. It may include restructuring or changing workplace conditions to reduce stressors that cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Why is EGRONOMICS important?It is important if your work activities or job conditions

includes: Repeating the same motion throughout your workday.Frequent lifting, carrying, and pushing or pulling.Working more than 8 hours a dayWorking at a quick paces.Adapting the job to fit the worker can help reduce

ergonomic stress and eliminate many potential ergonomic disorders (e.g., carpel tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, tendonitis).

Health problems that may arise from improper computer usage

“Ergonomics covers all aspects of a job, from the physical stresses it places on joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, bones and the like, to environmental factors which can effect hearing, vision, and general comfort and health.” http://sydney.edu.au/arts/downloads/documents/workplace_ergonomics1.pdf

The Nurse can develop CUMULATIVE TRAUMA DISORDER; which deals with an injury that has been received due to repetitive mechanical stress and the long term health problems that arises after the constant trauma.

Health Problems

1. Lower Back Disorders2. Musculoskeletal Disorders Neck & shoulder discomfort3. Visual Disturbances Dryness/Itching/Blurry/Redness 4. Headaches5. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain,

tingling, and other problems in your hand because of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist

Ten things a Nurse should do to prevent health problems with computer usage

• Computers: The top of your computer should

be at eye-level The keyboard should be positioned

approximately 8cm from the edge of the desk.

The keyboard should not be inclined to avoid excessive and prolonged extension of the wrist whilst typing

Display screens that tilt up and down

Brightness and contrast controls Proper lighting should be installed

to prevent glare from the computer screen.

• Chairs: Chair needs to be at a comfortable

height /forearms parallel to the desk /shoulders relaxed and elbows at 90 degrees.

Backrest at 90 degree angle.• Appropriate nursing stations for

the use of computers• Items used repetitively during the

day (for example pens, stapler, punch or telephone) need to be close enough so that the user does not have to stretch for the item.

Give measures that are available to prevent these problems

• Establishing an ergonomics program• Encouraging employees to participate in the ergonomics program • Employees should state what is affecting their safety and health.• Provide feedback to nursing supervisors or employers through available channels, such as

an established employee safety and health committee.• Encourage work practices when moving, lifting and repositioning patients in bed use

proper body mechanics; since nurses may find themselves working in awkward postures when assisting patients in activities of daily living.

• Appropriate nursing work station and equipment.• Lower rails on beds when feeding patients to eliminate extended reaching.

• Work with enough space to avoid awkward postures.

Give measures that are available to prevent these problems

• Have scheduled systematic preventative maintenance:

– Check brakes for their ability to lock and hold for when wheels on beds are jammed which make them harder to move.

– Oil and adjust mechanisms to work easily, Handles on beds, carts, or other equipment, which are either the wrong size or placed at an inappropriate height

– Clean or replace casters or wheelsso they roll easily and smoothly; Faulty brakes, which cause equipment to shift especially beds and endanger staff and relatives.

References

• Wolfenden, F. (n.d.). Workplace ergonomics. Retrieved from http://sydney.edu.au/arts/downloads/documents/workplace_ergonomics1.pdf

• U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administratio. (n.d.). Ergonomics: the study of work. Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3125.pdf