Ergonomics is important because...  Ergonomics

Ergonomics is important because inadequate ergonomics in the workplace can cause a number of problems. These can manifest themselves on a physical or psychological level. But what are they?

In which areas must ergonomics be taken into account?

Modern working life is characterized by activities involving objects. These include tools, machines and vehicles. But office objects such as desks, office chairs and computers are also such objects. The special feature of computer and VDU workstations is that both the mechanical objects to be used can be optimally adapted to people and the software, which is not always user-friendly. Consequently, there are two main aspects that need to be considered when assessing workstations.

Hazards to the musculoskeletal system

Humans were not born to sit for long periods of time. They are designed to move. Long periods of sitting are harmful. Standing for long periods is not healthy either. One-sided movements are not healthy either. A classic example of this is mouse arm.
 

 „6.1 Allgemeine Anforderungen an Bildschirmarbeitsplätze - (4) Die Bildschirmgeräte sind so aufzustellen und zu betreiben, dass die Oberflächen frei von störenden Reflexionen und Blendungen sind. (5) Die Arbeitstische oder Arbeitsflächen müssen eine reflexionsarme Oberfläche haben und so auf­ gestellt werden, dass die Oberflächen bei der Arbeit frei von störenden Reflexionen und Blendungen sind.“

 “6.1 General requirements for VDU workstations - (4) Visual display units must be set up and operated in such a way that the surfaces are free from disturbing reflections and glare. (5) The work tables or work surfaces must have a low-reflection surface and be set up in such a way that the surfaces are free of disturbing reflections and glare during work.”

Incidentally, the light spectrum plays the same role as the light intensity.
 

“(2) The assessment shall include all hazards arising from the use of work equipment, namely from

• the work equipment itself
• the working environment and

• the work objects on which activities with work equipment are carried out.

  The following in particular must be taken into account in the risk assessment:

1. the suitability for use of work equipment, including ergonomic, age- and age-appropriate design,
2. the safety-relevant factors including the ergonomic relationships between the workplace, work equipment, work procedures, work organization, work processes, working hours and work tasks,
3. the physical and mental stresses on employees that occur when using work equipment

4. foreseeable operational disruptions and the risks involved in taking measures to eliminate them.”

   Work equipment must be usable. Among other things, the requirements for posture, recognizability and the effort required are important. Otherwise, this can lead to work equipment not being used as such.

§ 4 „Barrierefreiheit“ BGG - "Barrierefrei sind bauliche und sonstige Anlagen, Verkehrsmittel, technische Gebrauchsgegenstände, Systeme der Informationsverarbeitung, akustische und visuelle Informationsquellen und Kommunikationseinrichtungen sowie andere gestaltete Lebensbereiche, wenn sie für Menschen mit Behinderungen in der allgemein üblichen Weise, ohne besondere Erschwernis und grundsätzlich ohne fremde Hilfe auffindbar, zugänglich und nutzbar sind. Hierbei ist die Nutzung behinderungsbedingt notwendiger Hilfsmittel zulässig.“

§ Section 4 “Accessibility” BGG - “Buildings and other facilities, means of transport, technical commodities, information processing systems, acoustic and visual information sources and communication facilities as well as other designed areas of life are barrier-free if they can be found, accessed and used by people with disabilities in the usual way, without particular difficulty and in principle without outside help. The use of disability-related aids is permitted.”