Have you ever thought, “I’ve been doing this job for 10+ years and I’ve never had a problem or noticed pain until today?” This is quite common with ergonomics-related injuries, and it is the reason they are referred to as “cumulative trauma” disorders. They keep accumulating in your body without much symptoms for a long time. Ergonomics is the science of understanding on how humans interact with their environment. How these interactions lead to repetitive strain, awkward postures, force, contact stress, vibration etc.
Science of ergonomics can be used to reduce these root causes and promote human centric work environment and work practises.
In 2003, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), decided to promote the benefits of ongoing research in the area of ergonomics for the general public, academicians and practitioners. So declared October as Ergonomics Month!
Why should one care about Ergonomics? - Do you or your employees... Feel overly tired with job tasks? Low energy? Localised fatigue in certain body parts? Discomfort that develops at a certain time of the day? Feel that there is a definite pattern to discomfort? Low productivity Need time off for common musculoskeletal issues Recurring symptoms in spite of medical care?
When you feel above and one ignores and hopes it will somehow get better, sometimes it may, but often this is what leads to the above kind of scenarios.
Non-Office Ergonomics
Remember, ergonomics is not solely about office and computer work. There is far more to it. If you are performing any kind of work tasks from housekeeping to a CEO of multimillion corporations, ergonomics can improve health and well-being.
Keep in mind that one of the primary goals of ergonomics is to design tasks, tools, equipment and environments to meet user’s capabilities and limitations, to reduce the risk for injury, improve productivity and enhance health and well-being. Evaluation of any job task performed can and ideally should be evaluated to ensure proper ergonomics.
Science of Ergonomics with robust research and completely evidenced based practices is helping millions of people in the world to work in comfort, maintain health and improve productivity. So reach out to your nearest Ergonomist to get help, to work in comfort, to remain healthy, to develop a lifetime of good working habits.
A happy, healthy, productive workforce is the backbone of Society! And Ergonomics is the primary need of a healthy and productive society.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!
Bharati Jajoo
OTR CEAS AOEAS
"Health in your hands!"
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