The document discusses work station ergonomics and safety. It notes that increased use of electronic health records means increased computer use in hospitals. It then provides examples of common ergonomic issues like monitor placement being too high, clutter limiting leg room, and limited desk space causing awkward postures. The document recommends ensuring proper lighting, taking regular breaks, and performing stretches to avoid injury from prolonged sitting. Neutral positioning and ideal lighting placement are also illustrated and described.
2. The use of Clinical Information Systems (CIS) in the hospital setting has
become more pervasive. The federal governments recent initiative to
increase adoption of the electronic health record (EHR) will only lead to
increased adoption of a CIS in hospitals. Computers and technology vary
from acute care organization to organization in terms of the extent of
system automation and workflow. The EHR implementation and
expansion will continue to evolve in the coming years, ergonomics needs
to play a vital role with its growth and considerations for the future
pictures. (Elkind, Finley & Narloch,2008)
3. The scientific study of work
space, including details that affect
productivity and worker health .
4. MONITOR RELATED PROBLEMS
Eyestrain
Awkward posture and positioning
Eye fatigue and dryness
1. Monitor placed to
high
5. CHAIR, DESK AND KEYBOARD RELATED
PROBLEMS
Awkward posture related to limited space on work
surface
Generalized fatigue and circulation restrictions
2. Clutter under work
top limits space for
chair and leg
positioning
6. CHAIR, DESK AND KEYBOARD RELATED
PROBLEMS
Shoulder back and neck pain from
sitting too far away from computer
components
3. Limited space at
Contact Stress desk
4.Contact stress from the table edge
7. CHAIR, DESK AND KEYBOARD RELATED
PROBLEMS cont.
Awkward postures
Restriction of blood flow to legs
Excess pressure on buttock
Excess pressure on knee
back pain
Fatigue and numbness related to:-
Inadequate back rest size, positioning and use of chair
Inappropriately sized seat pan
8. Ensure light around monitor is same
brightness as with monitor
Take regular breaks from seating get up
and walk
Eye exercises
Palming Exercise
5. Palming Exercise
9. Eye exercises cont.
Refocussing exercises
Perform micro-break stretches
Shoulder shrugs
Neck stretch
Mid-back stretch
Stand while talking on phone
Use head phones when speaking
10. Ensure chair have adjustable back rest
Use foot rest a when at desk
If using laptop computer
Use a docking station a work
Sit on a pillow for additional comfort
Use a notebook wristrest
11. NEUTRAL POSITIONING - This is a comfortable
working posture in which your joints are
naturally aligned.
Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and
roughly parallel to the floor.
Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the
side of the body.
12. Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between
90 and 120 degrees.
Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support
when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
Knees are about the same height as the hips with the
feet slightly forward.
Head is level, or bent slightly forward,
forward facing, and balanced. Generally it
is in-line with the torso.
14. Lighting tips:-
Use the contrast settings on your computer monitor
to adjust the brightness of the screen.
Move the monitor away from direct sources of light.
Do not place the monitor screen directly facing a
window.
Use window coverings to control the amount of
light that enters the room.
Use task lighting for illuminating documents
instead of bright overhead lighting.