Ergonomics and Workplace Physiotherapy

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. define and describe the goal of ergonomics; 2. explain the importance of ergonomics to occupational health physiotherapy practice; 3. measure some structural anthropometric variables in the workstation; and 4. give simple ergonomic advice to minimise work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Definition and goal of ergonomics. Simple and complex work systems. Description of human- machine systems – human components, machine components of a work-system and the local environment. Modern work-system and standard format for describing human-machine systems. Some basic body mechanics – stability and support, control of muscle function, fatigue and discomfort, the spine and pelvis as related to posture. Musculoskeletal problems in sitting and standing - back pain, neck pain and many others. Anthropometric principles in workspace and equipment design (structural anthropometric variables). Different types of office chairs. Ergonomic adaptation of machines and general conditions towards achieving maximal efficiency by the worker. Ergonomic advice and occupational health physiotherapy.