ergonomics
Webster's New World Dictionary (College Edition) defines ergonomics as "The study of the problems of people in adjusting to their environment; especially the science that seeks to adapt work or working conditions to suit the worker." The large number of people reporting discomfort while using computer equipment has resulted in many research studies and investigations. A major incentive to purchase ergonomic equipment and to design ergonomically correct environments is the improved performance and well-being of office workers and personnel using computer work stations. There has been an association with increased absenteeism, reports of muscular discomfort, eyestrain and reductions in job satisfaction when an employee's work area is not ergonomically designed. Legislation is beginning to pass laws regarding the design of office equipment and the duration of computer terminal work. Some of the fines may be up to $1,000 a day per worker for infractions. Users at risk for musculoskeletal disorders associated with computer use may experience some of the following signs or symptoms: Numbness or a burning sensation in the hand Reduced grip strength in the hand Swelling or stiffness in the joints Pain in wrists, forearms, elbows, neck, or back Reduced range of motion in the shoulder, neck, or back Dry, itchy, or sore eyes Blurred or double vision Aching or tingling Cramping Loss of color in affected regions (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/more.html#signs). Ergonomics provide the foundation for effective management and trained people to perform at their best level. This paper will outline the workstation of my home as well as my job and also assess the screens and programs used in the health care information system at my workplace for effectiveness of usability. In regards to assessing my workstations at home and work, I am going to briefly discuss an overview of each area and then will use a checklist that I discovered on OSHA's website to evaluate my workstations. My computer workstation at home in which I complete my BSN coursework needs some major changes to become"ergonomically correct." My new Dell computer that I purchased is actually smaller than my previous Gateway computer that crashed. The tower that contains the hard drive is smaller but is essentially a moot point as it sits on the floor. My monitor on the other hand sits on top of a vanity table and is actually at an angle so that the back portion of the monitor will fit on the table without falling off. The monitor is a 15" screen.