Visual Ergonomics: The Relationship Between Vision and Office Ergonomics
• Ergonomics: Working Smarter NOT Harder
• Fitting the job to the worker
• Not all workers are the same size or have the same strength capabilities
• Aim is to design workstations, work processes, equipment, and tools to fit the worker
Visual Ergonomics: Visual ergonomics is the science of designing things like lighting,
screens, and tools to be easy and comfortable for the eyes, reducing strain and improving both
comfort and performance.
Vision and Office Ergonomics?
We live in an electronic age.
Visual Habits are changing - technology, COVID 19, work practices.
Lifestyles are changing – less activity, min. 7 hours per day screen time (computer, phone, tv,
etc.)
Ergonomic Risk Factors in the Office
STATIC POSTURES
REPETITION AWKWARD POSTURES
Maintaining a position for a
Same or body movements Body positions which deviate
prolonged period of time (e.g.,
carried out over and over, such as from neutral, such as twisting
prolonged sitting, viewing a
constant mousing without your neck to view your monitor
computer monitor with a flexed
adequate rest or reaching to use your mouse
neck, or reaching for a keyboard).
Good Vision = Good Posture
• If vision is compromised, one will adopt
postures to ease the strain on the visual system.
• You need a good visual environment to have
good work posture.
• Poor vision leads to compensation, which may
lead to MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders).
• Affected areas: neck, upper back, shoulders,
arms, low back.
Ergonomic Chair
A chair is only “ergonomic” if the user can
adjust it to fit their own personal dimensions.
The following parts of a chair need to be
adjustable:
•Seat pan - height & depth
•Backrest - height & angle
•Lumbar Support - height & depth
•Armrests - height, width, and ability to rotate
Computer Screens/Monitors: Height
Computer Screens/Monitors:
Distance
Keyboard Placement
• Position the keyboard below elbow
height and close to the body.
• On the worksurface, keep it flat or on a negative
tilt.
• You should be able to move the keyboard freely.
• Hands should "float" above the keyboard while
typing.
• Rest only the heel/pad of your hand when
pausing.
WORK SPACE ENVELOPE
• Workspace is the space within which you perform the tasks that add up to your job.
• The physical design of a workspace includes working out how much space is needed,
and positioning of furniture, tools, equipment and any other items needed to perform
the tasks, in respect of posture, access, clearance, reach and vision of the user.
• A poorly designed workspace, or a bad arrangement of furniture or equipment, may
result in injuries and strains due to adoption of uncomfortable working postures.
• Workspace envelopes should be designed for the 5th percentile of the user
population, which means that 95% of users will be able to reach everything placed
within the envelope.
WORK SPACE ENVELOPE
The Normal Zone (Easy Reach): This is the area right in front of you where you can
comfortably reach things without stretching. Your arm is relaxed, with your elbow bent.
The Maximum Zone (Stretching Reach): This is the area you can just barely reach by fully
extending your arm.
The main idea is: Keep the things you use most often (like your mouse, keyboard, and
phone) in the "Normal Zone" to avoid straining yourself.
A few things that can change your reach:
The Task: It's easier to just press a button than it is to grab a heavy object.
Clothing: A tight jacket can limit your arm movement.
The Person: Everyone's flexibility and arm length are different.
WORK SPACE ENVELOPE
For Heavy or Forceful Work (like lifting or hammering):
Surface Height: BELOW elbow height.
This lets to use the strength of back and shoulder muscles most effectively.
For Light, Everyday Tasks:
Surface Height: AT or JUST BELOW elbow height.
This is a comfortable, neutral position for arms.
For Precise, Detailed Work (like writing or assembling small parts):
Surface Height: ABOVE elbow height.
This brings the work closer to eyes and allows to rest elbows for better stability. (But for long periods of
precision work, it's better to sit down).