Jul 09 2009
The Universal Ergonomic Mistake
Most people, books, classes, even experts make a glaring ergonomic mistake. The result of this mistake is muscle tension, pain, injury and reduced productivity when working at the computer.
THE PROBLEM
The standard approach is to make the computer operator fit their configuration to the computer and workstation. The equipment is adjusted according to the directions on the box, or information learned from book, class or even a consultation at their workstation. Then the operator fits him or herself to the workstation. Renowned universities and brilliant engineers have come up with the formulas. They work great in theory, even in computer simulations.
Sounds good? Wrong!
The operator must use constant muscle contraction in some part of their body to fit themselves to the equipment, and to hold themselves in that working posture. This subtle contraction could be anywhere from fingers to hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, head and neck, low back, legs or feet.
This method does not take into account an individual’s areas of tension, pain or restriction resulting from old injuries and imbalances of muscle strength and flexibility (the subject of a future article).
THE SOLUTION
It is actually very simple! Put the operator into the most comfortable, relaxed, stress free position first; then adjust the equipment to the operators body. Check out www.workpainfree.com for a free version of Work Pain Free. You will have no-strings-attached access to a step-by-step system that will take you through the process to find your perfect ergonomic position. You will have more energy, be more productive, and have less tension, pain and injury.
