At the end of the workday,
you uncurl yourself from your seat in front of your
computer screen and you find your shoulder and back
hurts, and there is a nagging pain in your hands. This
could be the result of poor ergonomics and the way you
work.
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of fitting
the job to the worker. When there is a mismatch between
the physical requirements of the job and the physical
capacity of the worker, Occupational Overuse Syndrome
(OOS) can result. Occupational Overuse Syndrome, also
known as Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), is a collective
term for a range of conditions characterised by discomfort
or persistent pain in muscles, tendons, and other soft
tissues. Some common conditions are backaches, stiff
necks and shoulders and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Ergonomics is a way to solve a host
of physical problems brought about by over-exertion
or repetitive stress.
Who are at risk of developing Occupational
Overuse Syndrome?
- People who must repeat the same motion throughout
their workday
- People who must do their work in an awkward position
- People who must use a great deal of force to perform
their jobs
- People who must repeatedly lift heavy objects
Office workers who spend long hours working on the
computers are also at risk of developing OOS if they
do not observe good ergonomics.
