Developing comprehensive ergonomic design solutions requires a task and/or worksite analysis. There are many solutions that do not require extensive analysis and can implemented easily and with minimal costs.

Ergonomic checklists and anthropometric data is used to facilitate collecting of data. There are numerous checklists and anthropometric (body measurements) data provided within all of the references listed.

The section below provides just a general overview of some risk factors and common interventions associated with:

• Posture and Movement (Repetitive Motion)
• Materials, Equipment Handling
• Workplace Safety
• Work Environment
• Keyboard Design
• Comfort Using Portable Devices

Posture and Movement (Repetitive Motion)

Common postures include sitting, standing, changes in postures and head/arm postures. Movement, and thus risk factors occur with changes in posture including:

• Lifting and carrying
• Twisting and turning
• Pushing and pulling

Consequences of repetitive motion can result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD's) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.

Common low-cost interventions include:

• Changing work processes to minimize repetition, twisting, bending, and stretching
• Providing carrying handles
• Putting tools, controls and handle within easy reach
• Automating some tasks to reduce physical (and mental) workload
• Using adjustable chairs and work surfaces
• Using wristpads and footrests

Materials, Equipment Handling

Risk factors associated with handling machinery, equipment and tools include:

• Amount of force required
• Movements and repetitions (cumulative injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Use of handles (gripping, squeezing)
• Torque (twisting of hand or wrist)
• Tool or equipment design
• Pace required to keep up with equipment
• Use of chemicals and hazardous materials

Common interventions include:

• Making controls and handles easy to access and grip
• Using clamps or vices to hold tools and provide stability
• Using visual affordances to reduce physical and mental workloads
• Using personal protective clothing and protection
• Using protective equipment (gloves, goggles, dust masks, etc.)

Workplace Environment

Environmental factors include:

• Noise
• Vibration
• Lighting (illumination, glare)
• Climate (air quality, temperature, humidity)
• Chemical Substances

Common interventions include:

• Using of anti-glare computer monitor screens
• Using adequate light sources
• Fixing heating and air conditioning
• Providing proper ventilation

Workplace Safety

Basic safety relates not only to a user's clearance, reach, muscular strength and posture, but also to job hazards associated with materials, processes and equipment.

Some preventive measures to eliminate job hazards and protect include:

• Redesign of equipment (to prevent accidental operation)
• Modifications of a material, equipment or process (use of hands-free controls)
• Change in a process to minimize MSDs
• Procedures to limit user's exposures to risks
• Use of protective equipment and clothing

Some safety aspects of workplace ergonomic plans can include:

• Establishing of safety procedures and training programs
• Conducting a job/task or worksite analysis
• Positioning equipment and work surfaces so improper movements are eliminated

Keyboard Design

Keyboard design is an important area in office ergonomics which includes the physical setup of the computer. Common design issues include:

• Position of the screen relative to the keyboard
• Layout and familiarity of the keyboard
• Size and spacing of the keys
• Size and position of attached input device (mouse)

Some low-cost interventions include:

• Centering the mouse to accommodate both right and left-handed users
• Grouping function keys together
• Color-coding function keys

Comfort Using Portable Devices

Portable devices include laptop computers as well as hand-held devices.

Risk factors associated with laptop computers include:

• Carrying (size and weight)
• Screen height and distance with keyboard height and distance
• Position and type of pointing device
• Glare

Some common design solutions include:

• Centering or making pointing device adjustable
• Making screen adjustable to reduce glare and optimize viewing

Some interventions for hand-held devices include:

• Providing a strap to prevent device from slipping from user's hands
• Making a non-slip surface and shape conform to the hand to prevent slipping
• Color-coding frequently used function keys

Data Analysis and Reporting

To identify and assess risk factors, and then to design ergonomic solutions, a task and/or worksite analysis may be conducted.

According to the National Safety Council, common items reviewed during a worksite analysis are:

• Overall environment
• Workstation Design
• Task/job design
• Machinery and equipment design
• Materials handling
• Accessibility
• Guarding and warnings

Types of documents that are typically reviewed include:

• Injury reports
• Accident reports
• Insurance claims
• Worker's compensation reports
• Absenteeism and turnover reports

Ergonomic checklists used to make evaluations can include such questions as:

• Are office chairs and worktables adjustable?
• Are employees using proper lifting techniques?
• Are machines and equipment maintained on schedule?
• Is adequate light provided?
• Are protective clothing and equipment used?
• Are controls and handles properly labeled?
• Are safety warnings posted?

Next Steps

Changes and/or considerations that can affect design include:

• New technology
• Government regulations (ìgreenî technology, new equipment, hazardous materials, etc.)
• Accessible technology and regulations (Section 508)
• Legacy equipment
• Refurbishing or building of new facilities
• Security issues