Health and Fitness – Article Flash

Ergonomics

The Critical Nature Of Computer Ergonomics

by Keira Adams on Mar.30, 2010, under Ergonomics

Computer ergonomics is the study of equipment design for workstations aimed at reducing fatigue and discomfort that plague relatively sedentary workers. The study of ergonomics helps to promote worker efficiency, maximize productivity and cut down on absenteeism, as well as medical expenses. Ergonomic seating, mouse pads, lighting, desk organizers or wrist braces that can reduce the risk of injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back injury, eye strain, fatigue, migraine headaches, work-related upper limb disorder and musculoskeletal disorder.

One need only look at some recent statistics to learn the importance of computer ergonomics. Back injuries account for 33% of all workplace injuries, according to OSHA. Ten years ago, only heavy lifters reported back injuries, but today they are caused by people sitting at computers at work. Just three hours in front of a computer each day can increase health risks of tension headaches, low back pains, psychosocial stress, computer vision syndrome and occupational overuse syndrome, studies indicate.

As a result, computer workstations with ergonomic furniture have gained widespread popularity around the world. For example, there are special keyboards for typing designed to reduce muscle strain. Some keyboards split the keys up, with different elevated sections to increase the range of motion. Others are fixed at a certain elevated position to the user’s hands aren’t so bent while typing.

A special ergonomic chair with a tilt function helps workers stretch their backs and change postures throughout the day to allow different muscle groups a chance to relax. Adjustable computer workstation ergonomics gives individuals the ability to change their postures frequently by moving trash cans, document folders and mouse pads around. There are even laptop attachments, like a different type of mouse and monitor.

In addition to purchasing necessary computer ergonomics products, workers must be trained to spot health hazards like musculoskeletal disorders. Signs and symptoms may include painful joints, painful tingling or numbness in hands or feet, shooting pain in the arms or legs, swelling or inflammation, burning sensation, pain in wrists or shoulders, fingers or toes that turn white, back or neck pain, and stiffness. Many people suffer these problems due to repetitive motions and poor posture.

An ergonomic kneeling posture task chair ensures that you are comfortable while working and also minimizes the chances of sustaining injuries related to sitting for long periods of time. Find out more at the Ergonomic Chair site.

Leave a Comment :, , , more...

Before You Buy Laminate Floor Cleaner

by Betty Conway on Feb.04, 2010, under Ergonomics

Laminate flooring is very durable but, like everything else in life, it must be maintained. Regardless of whether you have kids running in and out all day every day, or you live alone, your laminate floors will need attention from time to time. Before you go out and buy the most expensive laminate floor cleaner, thinking it’s going to take care of everything for you, read some of these quick tips on keeping your laminated flooring in clean and in good shape.

A clean Sweep Is Usually All That Is Needed

Laminated floors and linoleum kitchen floors are different animals entirely. Laminate flooring does not need expensive cleaners to look its best. The vast majority of the time, your laminate floor really only needs the dirt and dust swept away, and it’ll look brand new. For faster results, you can also use a vacuum cleaner. Be careful that the vacuum either has no beater bar, or that it is disabled, or it will damage both the vacuum and the floor. A vacuum that has a hard floor option works, too, since that also disables, and sometimes retracts, the beater bar.

A Little Warm Water Sometimes Does The Trick

Even if you do find yourself with a stain or something stuck to your lovely flooring, laminate floor cleaner may not be necessary. First, try cleaning it with a warm wet cloth (using water only) and scrubbing it a little. Remember, laminate floors are designed for the traffic and the cleaning they receive. Meant for deflecting stains, the upper layer of the laminated flooring should keep things from sticking to it. Most times, the flooring just needs your help.

When To Use The Laminate Floor Cleaner

If warm water, a rag, and some elbow grease just won’t do the trick, it may be time to pick up some laminate floor cleaner. This can get confusing and expensive, though. It’s important to only use the laminate floor cleaner that the manufacturer of your flooring recommends. This is because every manufacturer makes that top coating a little differently, meaning different chemicals are likely to react in unexpected ways. You could very easily end up with dulled and damaged laminate flooring if you just buy whatever cheap laminate flooring cleaner you happen to find.

Do Not Soak Laminate Floors

Never, ever, ever soak a laminated floor. Neither water nor laminate floor cleaner of any kind should be left standing in a puddle. Moisture can cause laminated floors to warp so quickly that their owners’ heads spin. If you think that there is even a chance that you’re using too much cleaner or water, then you are. Use only the barest amount of laminate floor cleaner or water and, remember, you can always add more, and it’s still a lot better than having to change out your laminate flooring.

Want to learn more about laminate floor cleaner? Check out Laminate Floor Facts.

Leave a Comment :, , , , , , , , , , , , , , more...

Green Ergonomics For Your Office Renovation

by Pamela Anderson on Jan.20, 2010, under Ergonomics

The term Climate Change has been more oftentimes used in present day conversations than twenty years ago. Sociological Studies suggested that as Society turns more complex, so is its Language. This just tells us that the use of new words or phrases as topics depends on its evidence in that society. In connection with the present, the idea that Sociology has propounded is valid. The concept of Climate Change has really become more obvious now in our contemporary society.

In the past, we frequently thought of little changes around us as insignificant matters unworthy of our time. The hustles and bustles of life unwittingly shadowed these serious problems that now, we are afflicted with. We even thought of those Scientists who assiduously coordinate forums about its dangers as absurd people; but the truth is, they are the true illuminators. They cast light to the things that we have been neglecting for a long time. There have been activities to fight this seemingly minutiae problem, but still, they are not sufficient. We must think that problems facing the world will not be cleared if only one symptom is cured; a holistic healing is definitely necessary.

Though we carry on deceiving ourselves into thinking that the world matches our ideal vista, the truth will always hit us with a tsunami (literally). Climate change is difficult to combat. That is why the more rapid it changes its pace (often faster and to our danger); the more combative we must be in order to prevent it. Since the present Climate Change talks are focused on business (in particular factories and industries), why don’t we stretch its scope into its other parts, the offices. In this nook, a green-minded concept is offering its help- Green Ergonomics.

What is green ergonomics? Green Ergonomics is a coined-term which stands for the study of workplace intended for the comfort and efficiency of workers infused with social responsibility on the environment. To start the workplace renovation, the changes that may be featured in a green workplace are the following:

1) Plants! – Buildings may drop the humdrum in their designs by adding plants as ornaments to its walls and to its other parts;

2) Environment friendly office supplies- The materials that may be utilized are those prepared out of recyclable materials which are environment friendly in all its fibers;

3) Appliances- The use of low energy consumption (or those that use other sources of energy such as solar, wind, nuclear) is not just helpful to the environment but also to the production costs of the company.

These are just few of the examples. We can still immerse ourselves on research and come up with new ones. Besides, if Necessity and Passion are present, an invention will certainly come out. This may also be achieved through the initiative of both the private sector and the government of any society. The government, to boost such activities, may pass a mandate that states a reinvention of present workplaces into a “green workplace”. It is also an advantage for the company practicing green ergonomics for it send off a message to its customers (and would be customers) that it exercises Social Responsibility.

Our solution to the ginormous Climate Change problem may be deemed small; but still, if it can help, it is adequate to be called heroic. We are the inhabitants of this precious planet. No one else will take care of her but us. So as her children, may we all find solutions in our respective fields and hope for her recovery. If we succeed, we have not only found her cure, we also added a new word to our diurnal conversations. That word/s may be the word of the year and the elixir of our planet’s illness. It is none other than the green-minded concept, Green Ergonomics.

Discover more about Renovation Tips and the Top Interior Designers from our list of most recommended renovation and interior designing companies.

categories: renovation,office renovation,office interior design,interior design,interior designer,house design,home improvement,interior ideas,bedroom design,architecture,ergonomics,environment

Leave a Comment :, , , , , , , , , , , more...

Looking for something?

Use the form below to search the site:

Still not finding what you're looking for? Drop a comment on a post or contact us so we can take care of it!

Archives

All entries, chronologically...