Ergonomics Principles
The Big Three
• The three main risk factors for ergonomics analysis are:
1) The Force
2) The Posture
3) The Repetition
• Each of these factors alone poses a risk of injury.
• However, the combination of all poses a greatest risk of injury.
• Minimizing forces, controlling the frequency (repetition) rate, with a proper working posture can minimize the risk of injury.
1) The Force
• It is the ability to exert power through contraction of muscles.
• If you exert muscular force, more than you are capable of, it may cause risk to injury.
• Example: While working on keyboard, high finger forces combined with awkward hand posture and high repetition rate increases the risk of hand injury.
2) The Posture
• It is the angles your body and joints are in when performing tasks.
• Posture becomes risk, if a task is performed in an awkward or unnatural position.
• Example: For office tasks, poor posture of spine, neck, elbow and wrist may case risk of injury.
3) The Repetition
• It is the ability to repeat a task in a specific posture for over a period of time.
• Repetition becomes risk, if you perform the same movement multiple times on the work for a long period of time.
• Example: For task involving keyboard, repetitive typing on office desk can increase risk of injury.
• Thus, it is recommended to take frequent breaks by simply performing a different task other than typing.
