Topic 75

ergonomics/health impacts of word processing and DTP in the workplace by Marek Strzepek


Ergonomics is “the study of work and its environment and conditions in order to achieve maximum efficiency.” as defined by the Oxford Dictionary. Basically, it means how our working habits affect our work. Described below are several underlying factors which influence our work. Proper standards must be kept in order for the work force to operate at peak efficiency, and to avoid uncessary and potentially harmful injuries such as MSD`s.

MSD`s or Muscular Skeletal Disfunctions are injuries in the form of cramps and pains caused by repeatedly straining a particular set of muscles, or bad form while moving heavy objects. These can affect almost every muscle in your body, and while only being a minor irritant at first, the problem can dramatically spiral out of control if not looked after immediately.

According to all the medical experts around the world, the majority of our back, neck and shoulder pains are the product of our inability to maintain to strong, healthy posture while working. By slouching over our computer or textbook, we put excessive strain upon key areas of our spine, which in turn lead to soreness, and loss of flexibility. Extended exposure to extreme conditions can and possibly will lead to paralysis.

Companies have spent millions of dollars designing and producing specially crafted chairs in which the pressure is relived from the spine in such a way so that the person can feel both comfortable and maintain the proper stance, so that their backs will not ache later. People, in return, have spent hundreds of dollars buying these chairs, just to feel better about themselves and secure knowing that by sitting in the chair, they will

Another significant aspect of how we were is the amount of noise we are exposed to during our (work). Sounds can distract and even irritate people, breaking their concentration and wasting valueable time. For optimal efficiency, noise should be kept to a minimum. However, several students hold beliefs contary to this, thinking that listening to music helps them study harder. It is a fact that hearing music will help time pass faster, and may even may study sessions more enjoyable to an extent, but they will by no means do anything more than detract from a learning experience than help you succeed in acquiring new knowledge.

All in all, it appears that how you work will affect your work. Should your stance during studying become cramped and unhealthy, there will be most severe consequences due to the muscles becoming overworked and weakened. The psychological factor also comes into play as work becomes harder and harder and the stress continues to mount. Noises can lead to distracts, which could also potentially hurt you. It seems that ergonomics is a much more valuable topic to learn about then it could have ever seemed before.