Your Workspace & Ergonomics
Those of you have read my blog posts both here and at www.jonespainrelief.com/blog know that ergonomics is the study of how we can manipulate our work environment to both improve work performance and reduce injury-causing fatigue.
Obviously, the cost of injury drives the study of ergonomics. This is a good thing. Most employers, especially those who run large corporations are detached from their employees - both physically and emotionally. Were it not for the actual cost of employees’ injuries, many employers would not know or care about their workers’ ergonomic situation.
In the world of ergonomics, there are six separately identifiable variables that affect work performance and fatigue. These six variables are:
1) Workload
2) Each Individuals Physiological Response to the Workload
3) The Individuals Size & Strength Capabilities
4) Biomechanical Variances
5) Human Factors
6) Work Organization
The questions that should be answered by examining the variables listed above are not limited to but include:
1) Can You Perform a Task Once Without Injury
2) Do You Physically Fit Your Workplace
3) Are You Strong Enough
4) Can You Perform the Task For Seconds to Minutes Without Fatigue or Injury
5) Will Injury Occur if the Work is Performed Over Months or Years
6) Do You Have the Mental Capacity to do the Work
These variables directly affect an individual’s ability to perform certain job duties with or without producing an injury.
The reason that I have decided to include this dry and academic sounding material in this blog is to help provide some very general guides that can be used to evaluate your fit for your work duties.
I have patients who were injured at work who are not good fits for their work. They either lack the strength, the height or the endurance to effectively perform their work tasks.
If you find yourself in such a situation you should ask for or pay for an ergonomic analysis of your work environment. Many large companies either have an ergonomics department or have access to an ergonomic specialist. If so, you should take advantage of these services.
Here’s To Your Health
Dr. Jones
Dr. JonesEconomical Adjustable Mouse Platform
San Diego Chiropractic
Pain Relief San Diego Chiropractor
