1. 1 Ergonomics Paper
Student Name: Enda Edward
Student Id#:2013010026
Course: Introductory Computer Tools for Nurses CRTR100N
Assignment Title: Ergonomics
Lecturer: C. Cudjoe
Date: 09/02/13

2. 2 Ergonomics Paper
Table of Content
Title Page
Introduction 3
What is Ergonomic? 4
Some Good Ergonomic Practices 5
Health Problems from Improper Computer Use 7
Techniques that help Prevent these Problems 8
Conclusion 9
Reference 10

3. 3 Ergonomics Paper
Introduction
As nurses moving to an era of embracing computer technology in health care delivery, we are to
be aware of the possible issues that may arise from prolonged or improper use of the computer.
We as nurses have the tendency to always place emphasis on delivery the best patient care and
neglect to take care of ourselves. Before this assignment, I don’t think I had ever heard the term
Ergonomics. Somehow I thought it had something to do with workplace ethics. I couldn’t have
been further from the truth. This paper will provide a definition for Ergonomics, some good
ergonomic practices, some health problems associated with improper computer use and some
techniques to help prevent these health problems.

4. 4 Ergonomics Paper
What is Ergonomic?
Ergonomics is considered to be the applied science of organizing one’s job to suit the worker,
and not having the worker bend to suit the job. It involves all aspects of work. (Miller, L)
Author of the article: What is Ergonomics? Seeks to define Ergonomics as the relationship an
individual has with his/ her work. (Adams C. 2013)
A more technical definition states that Ergonomics is scientific discipline that involves
understanding how human beings interact with the various elements of a system; the science of
applying theory, data, principles and methods to design to maximize efficacy and productivity.
(Ergonomic Times 2009)
Basically I see Ergonomics as making work more comfortable while efficient.

5. 5 Ergonomics Paper
Some Good Ergonomic Practices
Good ergonomic practice is important to avoid discomfort. Meaning the workplace should be
arranged to suit one’s individual needs.
Listen to your body; be cognisant of the alerts and signals from your body, to improve
your body posture, work habits and overall ergonomics.
Workplace Organisation, have enough desk space, your body, monitor and keyboard
should take the form of a straight line, take breaks when possible or do another task away
from your sit.
The Chair, ensure that your chair is comfortable; if not, adjust the following:
Have thighs, horizontal
your back, supported by the seat; both lower and middle back
the back angle between your trunk and legs, just a bit above 90
degrees
ensure feet are flat on floor when seated
With elbows at a 90 degrees angle; forearms and wrist should be
about desktop height.
Trays and wrist- rest, ensure that your keyboard tray is in a flat or slightly tilted
position, wrist rests are for rest periods, not when typing.
Mouse and Keyboard, position keyboard so that forearms are horizontal, keep shoulders
relaxed and comfortable at all times, wrist should form a straight line with your forearms,
have mouse close to keyboard, and there should be no need to lean to your side.
Monitor, poorly placed monitors can put a strain on eyes and upper spine.

6. 6 Ergonomics Paper
Positioning should minimize reflections and/or glare from lights
and windows
Position the screen just below eye level for comfortable viewing
Users head should be erect yet comfortable
Angle your monitor slightly backward
Comfortable viewing distance is considered to be about 18 to 30
inches based on your preference
Regular cleaning of screen and eye glasses
(Ergonomic Times 2009)

7. 7 Ergonomics Paper
Health Problems from Improper Computer Use
Several conditions may arise from prolonged and improper computer use. Some of these
problems include:
 Cumulative Trauma Injuries (CTD’s); When working at the computer for prolonged
periods this can lead to inflammation of the tendons, nerves endings, ligaments and in
some cases soft tissue damage. Some of these injuries include; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
Tenosynovitis, Epicondylitis, Tendinitis, DeQuervain’s disease and Ganglionic cyst.
 Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems; Improper placement of the monitor, mouse or
paper working on contributes to stiffness of the back, neck, and shoulder, as well as
cradling the phone to your ear.
 Vision; Eyestrain, eye fatigue, eye irritation and blurred vision are just a few of the
vision related issues that can arise from prolonged use of a computer or a glare on the
monitor screen
 Radiation; computers are said to give off very low frequency (VLF) and extremely low
frequency (ELF) radiation called non- ionizing. Though results are inconclusive about
these harmful effects, prudent avoidance which is reducing exposure by placing people
away from the source of the radiation, is recommended.

8. 8 Ergonomics Paper
Techniques That Help Prevent These Problems
 Organize your work space to have items in close proximity
 Reposition the monitor and adjusting room lighting to eliminated glares, while
ensuring lighting is adequate for desired task
 Ensure proper body alignment with your computer by adjusting your work station
appropriately. Importance is in adjusting equipment to comfort
 Annual eye examination; contact eye specialist or occupational health
practitioner if vision problem persist
 Always report symptoms of health issues, that you believe are computer related
immediately to supervisor, union, and physician
 Get treatment and / or help right away, for changing your work station
 Take breaks; every 30 minutes or so, get up or do alternate work which require
you to move around.

9. 9 Ergonomics Paper
Conclusion
As shown computers, though they help make our lives easier, can be very harmful if they are
used improperly or for prolonged periods of time. Through the application of Ergonomics, these
issues are placed in focus and avoided or corrected. The focus is to make your workspace
conducive and comfortable.

10. 10 Ergonomics Paper
Reference
Miller L.A. Office Ergonomics. EHS Safety Training
http://www.ehs.okstate.edu./modules/ergo/What.htm
Adams.C. (2013). What is Ergonomic- Ergonomic Basics.
http://ergonomics,about.com/od/ergonomicbasic/alergo101.htm
Ergonomic Times (2009)
http://wwwergonomictimes.com/article.php?articleID=9
Health and safety Fact Sheet: Health hazards of Computer Use. A publication of New York State
United Teachers
http://www.nysut.org/files/hs_070828_computerfactsheet.pdf