As people have moved from their pastoral and farming pasts into the industrial age, the melding of human bodies and their work environments has come under more and more scrutiny. What is ergonomics? Ergonomics comes from the Greek words "ergon", meaning work, and "nomos", meaning laws. Ergonomics is thus the field of research related to the science of work. In more immediate, modern terms, it means studying how people interact with their environment, whether work or pleasure. Ergonomics involves designing things (cars, chairs, computers) so that they are more natural and easy for people to use, conforming with the requirements and natural tendencies of their bodies - acknowledging their strengths and limitations in the process. Ergonomics are especially relevant in the workplace today, as companies design computers, office equipment and furniture, and even industrial assembly lines and processes with the human body in mind.
So let's take a look at how ergonomics relates to how we all use computers - sitting in a chair. Ergonomic chairs have been around for a number of years, and have made news with their strange (at times) designs and often high prices. Basically, an ergonomic chair is one that is designed to conform to the natural position and alignment of the spine and limbs. Some of the key adjustable components in an ergonomic chair are:
- Lumbar Support: ergonomic chairs offer the lumbar area of the lower back support either through a curved backrest or a pad or cushion, as opposed to conventional chairs with a flat sloping backrest.
- Seat Height: ergonomic chairs have adjustable seat height so the user can position the chair so their feet rest flatly on the ground and the keyboard is properly positioned for their arms.
- Backrest Angle: by tilting the chair back slightly, weight is transferred to the chair seatback and away from the lower back
- Armrests: used properly in an ergonomic chair, armrests can lessen stress on the shoulders
- Armrest Padding: reduces pressure on the elbows and forearms
- Recline: some ergonomic chairs allow the entire chair body to tilt back slightly, again allowing the sitter to find the optimal position to reduce pressure and weight away from their body and into the chair
- Armrest height: armrest can also be raised up and down to match the dimensions of the users body
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