Ergonomics Also Known as Human Term Paper

• Length: 7 pages
• Sources: 6
• Subject: Disease
• Type: Term Paper
• Paper: #6948547
• Related Topic: Muscular System, Yoga, Pilates

Excerpt from Term Paper :

Use tools and equipment that are properly designed to reduce the risk of wrist injury," (Zieve & Eltz 2010)

"Workstations, tools and tool handles, and tasks can be redesigned to enable the worker's wrist to maintain a natural position during work," (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2010).

"Ergonomic aids, such as split keyboards, keyboard trays, typing pads, and wrist braces, may be used to improve wrist posture during typing," (Zieve & Eltz 2010)

Training and awareness; the encouragement of frequent breaks; yoga classes offered for free at the workplace; job rotation.

"Employers can develop programs in ergonomics, the process of adapting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers," (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2010)

"Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may ease symptoms that have been present for a short time or have been caused by strenuous activity. Orally administered diuretics ("water pills") can decrease swelling. Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or the drug lidocaine can be injected directly into the wrist or taken by mouth (in the case of prednisone) to relieve pressure on the median nerve," (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2010)

Tendonitis

Avoid "Intense, repeated, and sustained exertion" and also "Awkward, sustained, or extreme postures" (Steele & Norvell 2010).

Allow ample recovery time

Temperature regulation in gym

New equipment that encourages stretching

Encourage peer support and foster good employer-employee relations (Steele & Norvell 2010)

"Usually, painkillers and an ice pack will relieve symptoms until the tendonitis goes away after a few days," (NHS n.d.)

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

"Avoid frequent use of the arm with the elbow bent

If you use a computer frequently, make sure that your chair is not too low. Do not rest the elbow on the armrest.

Avoid leaning on the elbow or putting pressure on the inside of the arm

For example, do not drive with the arm resting on the open window.

Keep the elbow straight at night when you are sleeping. This can be done by wrapping a towel around the straight elbow, wearing an elbow pad backwards, or using a special brace."

(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2007)

Proper design for workstations; follow guidelines for carpal tunnel syndrome

Encourage frequent rests, breaks, and stretches.

Safety specialist to lead stretching and body awareness classes in the workplace

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

Neck Tension Syndrome

Avoid static postures by encouraging movement

"Take regular breaks every 30-40 minutes and stretch neck muscles," (Delta Ergonomics n.d.).

Use a Monitor arm or monitor stand to promote optimal monitor height

In-line document stand to neutralise neck position and prevent unnecessary head tilting while referring to documents

Make sure the chair back is high enough to support the spine while seated and not push the shoulders forward.

Headset to promote neutral neck posture during phone use," (Delta Ergonomics, n.d.).

Workplace assessment and review (Delta Ergonomics n.d.)

Formal posture strengthening programs including pilates, yoga, and other techniques to be applied in the workplace during mandatory break times.

Relaxation and meditation exercises.

Encouragement to use "Neck stretches, deep tissue work, joint mobilisations provided by a professional," by paying for employees (Delta Ergonomics n.d.)

"Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxant medication to subdue muscle irritation and promote relaxation respectively," (Delta Ergonomics n.d.)

Conclusions

Investing in a comprehensive ergonomics awareness program in the workplace will lead to cost savings for any organization. Absenteeism will be reduced, thereby increasing productivity and increasing job satisfaction. The result is a more effective and productive workplace environment. No matter what the overuse disorder may be: carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, ulnar nerve entrapment, or neck tension disorder, prevention is the first step. The second step is investing in ergonomic materials and equipment to make sure that employees assume better posture and working techniques. Managerial and leadership cues include the hiring of specialists; the use of frequent training, the employment of yoga and stretching programs, and paying for employees to have periodic massages. When these steps are taken, organizations can reduce workplace fatigue and improve not just employee health but organizational health as well.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2007). Ulnar nerve entrapment. Retrieved online: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00069

Delta Ergonomics (n.d.). Neck tension syndrome. Retrieved online: http://www.deltaergonomics.net.au/rsi3.html

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2010). Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. Retrieved online: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/carpal_tunnel/detail_carpal_tunnel.htm

NHS (n.d.). Tendonitis. Retrieved online: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tendonitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Steele, M. & Norvell, J.G. (2010). Tendonitis. eMedicine. Retrieved online: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/809692-overview

Taylor & Francis (2009). Aims and scope. Ergonomics. Retrieved online: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/00140139.asp

"Tension Neck Syndrome" (n.d.). Retrieved online: http://www.rsi.org.uk/text_only/conditions/tension_neck_syndrome.asp

Zieve, D. & Eltz, D.R. (2010). Carpal tunnel syndrome. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001469

Carpal tunnel