WEEK SIX: ERGONOMICS

The term "ergonomics" is derived from two Greek words: "ergon," meaning work, and "nomoi," meaning natural laws. Ergonomists study human capabilities in relationship to work demands meaning it's all based on work settings. There are eight fundamental principles to ergonomics:

1. Maintain Neutral Posture
2. Work in the power / comfort zone
3. Allow for movement and stretching
4. Reduce excessive force
5. Reduce excessive motions
6. Minimize contact stress
7. Reduce excessive vibrations
8. Provide adequate lighting 

This is a good picture of how to be at a desk 

The first principal is something everyone in a work place should do because with having neutral posture it minimizes the stress on muscles, nerves, and bones. The power and comfort zone is the area where you should be lifting objects without getting hurt which is close to your body between mid - thigh and mid - chest height. Static load will occur to your body if you are in static position for a long period of time, so that's when you should start stretching. Find ways to reduce excessive force in the work environment.

This table helps me keep my posture when doing my work
because it is the right height for me

Excessive or unnecessary movements should be reduced if possible in the work place because it can form into MSD (Musculoskeletal Disorder) if done frequently. Contact stress is when you continuously contact a hard or sharp object on a soft spot like your finger or wrist. It should be reduced because it can inhibit blood and nerve function. Reduce excessive vibrations in the work place because it can lead to permanent adverse health effects. The last principle is to provide adequate lighting which is important because it can make work difficult which bad lighting and it can cause eye fatigue and headaches. 

This shows that every part of the work place comes together in how it is designed

Ergonomics are important to design especially with designers creating an office space. Each of the principles above are all considered when creating an office space. For example, the stand up desks are becoming used a lot more in office spaces because once you start getting tired of sitting down and start having bad posture then you can just stand up.