Term98

Ergonomics

How to Save Your Back

Always try to maintain the natural curves in your back.

These curves provide strength and support for your back. This is especially important when lifting or when sitting for long periods.

Hinge at your hips and bend your knees when lifting.

You should be doing most of the work with your legs rather than with your back! Placing your feet shoulder-width apart will help you stay balanced. A wider stance can also help if you have difficulty bending your knees.

Tighten your stomach muscles before you lift.

They help support and stabilize your back when you lift.

Efficacy of Ergonomics

Historically, Ergonomics was another name for Human Factors. Today, Ergonomics commonly refers to designing work environments for maximizing safety and efficiency. Biometrics and Anthropometrics play a key role in this use of the word Ergonomics. Engineering Psychology often has a specialty dealing with Workplace or Occupational Ergonomics.

Companies once thought that there was a bottom-line tradeoff between safety and efficiency. Now they embrace ergonomics because they have learned that designing a safe work environment can also result in greater efficiency and productivity. Recently, U.S. laws requiring a safe work environment have stimulated great interest in Workplace Ergonomics - from ergonomic furniture to ergonomic training. But it is in the design of the workplace as a whole where the greatest impact can be seen for both safety and efficiency.