8 Fundamental Ergonomic Principles for Better Work Performance Principle 1. Maintain Neutral Posture Principle 2. Work in the Power / Comfort Zone Principle 3. Allow for Movement and Stretching Principle 4. Reduce Excessive Force Principle 5. Reduce Excessive Motions Principle 6. Minimize Contact Stress Principle 7. Reduce Excessive Vibration
Reduce Excessive Motions Repetitive motion is another one of the primary ergonomic risk factors. Many work tasks and cycles are repetitive in nature, and are frequently controlled by hourly or daily production targets and work processes.
Workplace ergonomics doesn’t have to be as difficult or complicated as brain surgery. The ergonomic principles included in this article are mostly common sense – it’s the practical, day-to-day application of these principles that is challenging for many companies.
Providing workers with adjustable task lighting is often a simple solution to lighting problems. At a computer workstation, take steps to control screen glare, and make sure that the monitor is not placed in front of a window or a bright background. Workplace ergonomics doesn’t have to be as difficult or complicated as brain surgery.
Ergonomics is the science that deals with the design of systems that optimizes human well-being and boosts performance. There are two sub-fields of ergonomics, which are physical and cognitive. Here, we focus on the 10 design principles of physical ergonomics.
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Good ergonomics is essential to a productive and healthy workforce. Here are 10 easy-to-implement tips that will help optimize workstation ergonomics.
Eliminating excessive force requirements will reduce worker fatigue and the risk of MSD formation in most workers. Using mechanical assists, counter balance systems, adjustable height lift tables and workstations, powered equipment and ergonomic tools will reduce work effort and muscle exertions.
Neutral postures are postures where the body is aligned and balanced while either sitting or standing, placing minimal stress on the body and keeping joints aligned. Neutral postures minimize the stress applied to muscles, tendons, nerves and bones and allows for maximum control and force production.
Other control methods to consider are Job enlargement, job rotation and counteractive stretch breaks.
Principle 4. Reduce Excessive Force. Excessive force is one of the primary ergonomic risk factors. Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body.
Working from the power / comfort / handshake zone ensures that you are working from proper heights and reaches, which reduces MSD risk factors and allows for more efficient and pain-free work.
You’ll stretch out your fingers and wrist. Stretching reduces fatigue, improves muscular balance and posture and improves muscle coordination. Everyone is an athlete in life, so you need to prepare your body for work by warming up to improve performance and lower injury risk.
The power zone for lifting is close to the body, between mi-thigh and mid-chest height. This zone is where the arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort.
Eliminating excessive force requirements will reduce worker fatigue and the risk of MSD formation in most workers. Using mechanical assists, counter balance systems, adjustable height lift tables and workstations, powered equipment and ergonomic tools will reduce work effort and muscle exertions.
Neutral postures are postures where the body is aligned and balanced while either sitting or standing, placing minimal stress on the body and keeping joints aligned. Neutral postures minimize the stress applied to muscles, tendons, nerves and bones and allows for maximum control and force production.
Other control methods to consider are Job enlargement, job rotation and counteractive stretch breaks.
Principle 4. Reduce Excessive Force. Excessive force is one of the primary ergonomic risk factors. Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body.
Working from the power / comfort / handshake zone ensures that you are working from proper heights and reaches, which reduces MSD risk factors and allows for more efficient and pain-free work.
You’ll stretch out your fingers and wrist. Stretching reduces fatigue, improves muscular balance and posture and improves muscle coordination. Everyone is an athlete in life, so you need to prepare your body for work by warming up to improve performance and lower injury risk.
The power zone for lifting is close to the body, between mi-thigh and mid-chest height. This zone is where the arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort.