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IEA (International Ergonomic Association) has declared October as Global Ergonomic Awareness Month! IEA's goal is to reach community and society to increase public awareness about Ergonomics!

Ergonomics is a science that deals with man and machine environment. In simple words it helps people to do their work more efficiently and with fewer chances of injury and illness. By using Ergonomic principles one can reduce stresses and strains on the body which ultimately helps health and safety of the individual and organization.

Physical ergonomics is concerned with human anatomical, anthropometric, physiological and biomechanical characteristics as they relate to physical activity. (Relevant topics include working postures, materials handling, repetitive movements, work related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety and health.)

Cognitive ergonomics is concerned with mental processes, such as perception, memory, reasoning, and motor response, as they affect interactions among humans and other elements of a system. (Relevant topics include mental workload, decision-making, skilled performance, human-computer interaction, human reliability, work stress and training as these may relate to human-system design.)

Organizational ergonomics is concerned with the optimization of socio technical systems, including their organizational structures, policies, and processes. (Relevant topics include communication, crew resource management, work design, design of working times, teamwork, participatory design, community ergonomics, cooperative work, new work paradigms, virtual organizations, telework, and quality management.)

What does it mean to you!
In day today office work physical Ergonomics plays an important role. Multiple factors put office workers at risk for aches and pains which are related to improper ergonomics. More and more people are suffering from repetitive strain injuries (RSI). It is proven that Ergonomics can help people to work safely and reduce chances of physical injury.

How Ergonomics can help you in your work life?
Setting up your workplace e.g. Safe usage of computer, chair, desk, telephone so that you incur fewer strains on your body. So what you need is right set up, posture, right work habits, and simple exercises to keep you fit to work.

What is Right Set up?
While sitting at your desk:
Keep Feet flat and supported
Knees lower than hips
Low back against back rest
Shoulders relaxed and by the side
Elbows bend around 90-100 degrees
Wrist and hand in neutral (i.e. straight position)
Fingers curled as if you are holding a ball in your hand while typing
Head over shoulders in straight alignment
In case you have difficulty in getting above posture, you may need help in assessing your work station /workplace ergonomic analysis and looking at the needs for modification.
Some Ergonomic products that may help in achieving good alignment and minimizing risk for injury are:
Ergo. Lumbar Support
Foot rest
Height adjustable monitor stand
Angular laptop stand
Articulated keyboard trays
Wrist rest
Mouse rest
Document holders
Mouse bridge
Antiglare filter
To know more visit: : www.ergoworksinc.com

Be well and safe at work is the message of Ergonomic awareness month!
(Information compiled by Team ErgoWorks Inc. This is a general purpose awareness information and does not replace qualified health care professionals advice)