In this section
Objectives of ergonomics
The objective of ergonomics is to adapt the workplace to human requirements. Numerous factors influence the ergonomic form of the working conditions, including: legislation, physical conditions, social environment, and technical possibilities.
In 1990, the European Community issued a directive on the use of display screen equipment. This sets out a series of minimum requirements for the VDU Workstation which minimizes risks to users. These Directives, together with supporting guidance, were issued by the UK's Health and Safety Executive towards the end of 1992. They became law on January 1st 1993. The Regulations cover such diverse aspects of the VDU working environment as workstation and equipment design, working practices, training and eye tests.
The requirements under the new Regulations translate into good ergonomics - matching the working environment and equipment to the worker. A comfortable VDU user who can easily see the screen, whose arms are correctly positioned and who takes rest breaks before becoming exhausted is likely to work more efficiently and with fewer errors. Good ergonomics makes sound sense economically as well as making for good industrial relation.
Employers' are also obliged to provide the necessary training in the use of the VDU and associated furniture. This includes such simple things as adjusting seats to achieve the correct position of the hands and forearms to minimize the possibility of musculoskeletal problems. Eye tests should be provided for existing and new VDU users and any glasses they may require to conduct their work paid for by the employer. The guidance is quite clear that the intention is to correct any visual defects at the employers' expense.
Control rooms are covered by the Regulations. They pose a particular problem for the employer as the rigid adoption of all the requirements listed may be neither in the interest of operational efficiency nor indeed benefit the operator.
Call the team at Thinking Space for advice about ergonomics in the workplace. We will design, manufacture and install a complete solution.
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Ergonomics is the science of optimizing the working conditions, especially with regard to avoiding injuries at work.
- Sauer & Saner
