Our bodies were not designed to stand, so this is a task that our bodies are not originally designed to do well. If you’ve ever stood on a hard surface for an hour, you might feel the outcome of continuous loading on the knee and back joints leading to articular fluid inside the joints to get pushed to the side. Blood naturally follows gravity pooling to the lower extremities and a feeling of pressure on the soles of feet.
Read MoreThe two considerations for setting conveyor belt height will depend primarily on the visual acuity required and downward force required. Generally, a degree of both will be required but the mechanics and posture related tradeoffs need to be considered. In a simpler example, if an object size is small there will be a need to raise the height closer to view, however, the tradeoff would be the weight of the upper body cannot use gravity so much to its advantage to apply pressure onto the object and allow the weight of the arms to relax the shoulder more.
Read MoreConveyor belts are used in industry to automate the transport of goods and materials between stages of a process. It eliminates the risks of musculoskeletal injury related to manual materials handling since it greatly reduces the need for repetitive lifting and carrying.
Despite the benefits of a conveyor belt workstations, they can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) if not designed properly with the end users in mind. Workers in unideal conditions to which awkward and uncomfortable postures are common for long periods are at a high risk of MSDs. Therefore actions such as reaching, stooping, twisting, and leaning are all problematic and need to be reduced.
Read MoreBack belts do not reduce the forces on the spine. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), back belts provide a insignificant reduction in compressive force. They also do not reduce the strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Studies show that belts do not change the activity levels of spinal muscles in any posture.
Read MoreA study in the journal of Clinical Biomechanics did a study using surface EMG on muscles responsible for wrist deviation, flexion, extension, and pronation. A last surface EMG was placed on the trap muscles. The goal was to find out if slanted mice reduced muscle activation and awkward postures related to the use of the device.
Read MoreAs all of the ergonomics technologies are improving with sit/stand desks and other improvements there is one trend leading us backwards. That is the mobile-computing trend. Things like notebook computers, tablets, and other touchscreen devices are creating this tradeoff between either our neck posture or shoulder and back posture.
Read MoreThings to consider when choosing tools include the weight, handle shape, handle diameter, handle length, separation between the handle and tool, triggers, and vibration. These are all important to use a tool to reduce bending, excessing grip force, and avoid vibration.
Read MoreA study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session showed a correlation between the time spent sitting and coronary artery disease. The study also found evidence that the amount of exercising an individual does offers little, if any, benefit when it comes to preventing or counteracting the cardiovascular damage caused by sitting.
Read MoreAs technology progresses so does the percent of sedentary jobs. High technology businesses are finding it essential to be attentive to the hazards associated with prolonged inactivity as it is the nature of the computer work.
Read More“Don’t let me catch you one thumbing it!” is something you might hear me say as an ergonomist to friends, referring to the way they use their cell phone.
Millennials are crushing it as far as adaptation of technology. Texting skills are at an all-time high but what about hand strength?
Read MoreThis article explores what researchers believe is the optimal ratio between sitting and standing as well as options for how to increase blood flow and combat the negative effects of sitting while at at computer workstation.
Read MoreNumerous articles appeared in the media warning of the dire consequences of prolonged workplace sitting. Headlines have stated dramatic comments such as, “Your Chair Is Killing You!”, “Sitting for Hours Can Shave Years Off Life”, or “The Most Dangerous Thing You’ll Do All Day (Is sit in a chair)”. These headlines accompany language that often implies that sitting is bad for you, you should avoid seated work at all costs, and you should stand when working.
Read MoreLet’s look at what features are typically found in the design of a gaming chair and if they can be positive or negative in terms of ergonomics. This article will also touch on what features you might want to have present in a gaming chair and other features you might want to have present in a gaming chair and other features which may be deemed a gimmick (aside from the racing stripes).
Read MoreChairs should have a back to them, specifically a curved support for the lower half of your back. At a computer, we spend a lot of time in a static posture so standing, kneeling, or sitting on a chair without a back is not realistic. Studies show that if you spend more than 20 - 30 minutes at a computer without relaxing your back, you are very likely to perch or lean in a poor posture onto the desk or armrests. This leads to poor postures, habits, and body mechanics which make us much more likely to incur an ergonomic injury or illness.
Read MoreThis computer era has brought with it another inescapable component: prolonged sitting. Isn’t that how all of us work on our computers? But what if I tell you this way of working can topple our health in the long run? How? Let me explain.
Read MoreLet’s start off where the (work) magic all happens…your desk. Does it fit you at your seated hight? If you get tight in the hips and or lower back, can you stand? Does it have the real estate you need? Can you reach items easily or quickly front face your work?
Read MoreWith ergonomic designs, your workspace is safer, your productivity is maximized and the extraneous costs are reduced.
Read MoreMousepads are designed to improve the comfort and ergonomics of computer mouse.
Read MoreIf you are bothered with skepticism, this article will help you understand why virtual casual meetings are equally relevant to virtual business meetings. Understand that keeping these two at balance puts a successful business in the picture. Also, learn how to reinforce the constructive virtual casual meetings your company holds.
Read MoreTo create an ergonomic working environment, it designs tasks, workspaces, controls, displays, tools, and equipment to fit the unique physical capabilities and limitations of each employee. It recommends reengineering, administrative and personal solutions to the workplace.
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