Presented at IAPTI's Fourth International Conference, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 22, 2017

1. ERGONOMICS IN THE PROFESSIONAL
TRANSLATOR’S WORKPLACE
Caroline Alberoni
IAPTI Fourth International Conference - Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 22, 2017

2. ABOUT ME
• Brazilian translator from English and Italian specialized in IT.
• MA in Translation Studies with Intercultural Communication by the
University of Surrey, UK, and BA in Letters Specialized in
Translation by UNESP, Brazil.
• Blogger and podcaster.
• Runner, tennis player and into exercising and having a healthy and
balanced life in general.

3. FRAMEWORK
• “Ergonomics and Technologized Knowledge Work: Cognitive Effort,
Creativity, and Health Issues,” an international workshop held in Belo
Horizonte, Brazil, on July 2016.
• Interdisciplinary workshop held at University of Minas Gerais in cooperation
with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences to foster interaction between
researchers of different disciplines (e.g., translation studies, ergonomics)
and professional translators.

4. ERGONOMICS• Physical: human’s physical characteristics (use of hand/wrist on the
keyboard/mouse; sitting for long periods in one position; external factors, such as
lighting, noise, temperature). Consequences for concentration and health.
• Cognitive: mental processes (human-computer interactions, computer
responsiveness, disturbances and interruptions, etc.). Consequences for
efficiency and concentration.
• Organizational: sociotechnical systems (teamwork, communication, job
satisfaction, professional identity). Consequences for autonomy and decision-
making.

5. CONSEQUENCES
• Affects blood circulation and the body’s flow of
water.
• Muscle cramps and tension.
• Headache.
• Disruption or even disorder of the digestive
process.

6. OBJECTIVES
• Identify what can be improved in the
workplace.
• Be aware of incorrect posture.
• Mitigate health problems caused by
computer work.

7. LIGHTING
• The light (window or ambient) should come from the side,
to prevent reflections and glare.

8. TABLE
• Preferably adjustable height.
• Arms should rest on the table, forming a 90-degree
angle.

9. CHAIR
• Preferably adjustable (height,
armrest, backrest).
• Feet should rest on the floor. Use
a footrest, if necessary.
• An angle of at least 90 degrees on
the knees and hips.
• A gap of least two fingers between the knees and the seat.
• Correctly support the lumbar region.
• Back flexible enough to lean back but providing enough resistance.
• If present, armrests need to support the arms at a 90-degree angle.

11. SCREEN
• Straight in front.
• At least an arm’s length distant
from the eyes.
• The top of the screen must be
one hand below eye-level.
• Two monitors: whenever possible, main screen straight ahead;
second screen at an angle. If both are used equally, both
should stand at an angle.

12. KEYBOARD
• Directly in front.
• Distance to the edge of the table: 10-15 cm (so that
the hand can rest on the table).

13. MOUSE
• Close to the keyboard.
• Palm support.

14. WORKING WITH PAPER
• Between the keyboard and the screen.
• If possible, use a document holder.

15. LAPTOP
• External keyboard and mouse.
• Adapt the height of the screen.
• An external monitor is also recommended.

16. RECOMMENDATIONS
• Stand up straight and keep your body relaxed. Be mindful of your body
at all times.
• Avoid interruptions.
• Communicate your working hours.
• Be aware of mobile notifications.
• Sleep well.
• If necessary, resort to apps to remind you about breaks, drinking water,
avoiding social media distractions, resting the eyes, stretching, etc.

17. Eat healthily

18. Exercise

19. Take
regular
breaks

20. REFERENCE
• Workshop website (with all presentations): bit.ly/WorkshopSite
• FCOS (Federal Commission for Occupational Safety) Box (German, French,
Italian, and English): bit.ly/FCOSBox
• Suva (German, French, and Italian): bit.ly/SuvaSite
• An international survey of the ergonomics of professional translation:
bit.ly/ZHAWSurvey
• Office exercises for busy freelancers: bit.ly/OffExerc
• All the benefits of good posture: bit.ly/BenefPost
• Source of general images: Unsplash
• Source of ergonomics’ images: FCOS Box

22. THANK YOU!
Email:
caroline@alberoni.com.br
Website:
www.alberoni.com.br
Blog: caroltranslation.com
FB: /alberoni.translations
Twitter: @AlberoniTrans
G+: /+CarolineAlberoni
LinkedIn: Caroline Alberoni
Pinterest: /alberonitrans
YouTube: Caroline Alberoni