Ergonomics And Human Factors FAQ

Ergonomics is the scientific, interdisciplinary study of individuals and their physical relationship to their environment.

Ergonomics

The word, ergonomics, is derived from the greek words ergos meaning "work" and nomos meaning "laws"; therefore, we have the laws of work.

Ergonomics can be further defined as the design of the workplace, equipment, machine, tool, product, environment, and system, taking into consideration human's physical, physiological, biomechanical, and psychological capabilities.

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Commentaries and Information

Ruth Rose's Dragon Pages
How to Improve NaturallySpeaking's Performance
http://www.brightok.net/~edrose/page9.html
How to Treat a Sick Dragon
http://brightok.net/~edrose/page10.html

September 1998

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What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a passageway that runs from the forearm through the wrist. Bones form three walls of the tunnel and a strong, broad ligament bridges over them. The median nerve, which supplies feeling to the thumb, index, and ring fingers, and the nine tendons that flex the fingers, passes through this tunnel. This nerve also provides function for the muscles at the base of the thumb (the thenar muscles). Usually, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered an inflammatory disorder caused by repetitive stress, physical injury, or other conditions that cause the tissues around the median nerve to become swollen. It occurs either when the protective lining of the tendons within the carpal tunnel become inflamed and swell or when the ligament that forms the roof becomes thicker and broader. Just as stepping on a hose slows the flow of water through a garden hose, so compression on the median nerve fibers by the swollen tendons and thickened ligament slows down the transmission of nerve signals through the carpal tunnel. The result is pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist, hand, and fingers (except the little finger, which is not affected by the median nerve).

Ergonomics is the scientific, interdisciplinary study of individuals and their physical relationship to the work environment.

Just as computers have changed the way we work, it is becoming increasingly necessary for us to change the way we operate them. There are concerns over the proper and safe use of computer equipment to prevent injury. Safe computer use, including body posture, typing and mousing methods, and workstation adjustments will help prevent musculoskeletal problems.

In addition to musculoskeletal problems, computer users may experience temporary symptoms such as eye strain, burning eyes, blurred vision, focusing difficulties, and headaches. (see Vision & Eye Strain)

The major causes of strain are:

• Poor body alignment - take the time to set up your work environment to fit you.
• Prolonged positions - take a short break every 20 minutes or so to shift positions, walk, stretch
• Repetitive movements - try to vary your work, so that you use different muscles.
• Inadequate vision - strains posture as well as eyes - check eyes annually, you may need special glasses