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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. High task repetition, when combined with other risks factors such high force and/or awkward postures, can contribute to the formation of MSD. A job is considered highly repetitive if the cycle time is 30 seconds or less.