ERGONOMICS

Essay by mikehuntHigh School, 12th gradeA-, March 2007

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Table Of ContentsWhat is Ergonomics?...........................................................................................................2Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)..........................................................................................2Work Station Exercise…………………………………………………………………….5Proper Desktop Position ………………………………………………………………….6Chair Position……………………………………………………………………..6Keyboard Position………………………………………………………………...6Mouse……………………………………………………………………………..7Monitor……………………………………………………………………………8Work Environment Quiz.....................................................................................................9Sources…………………………………………………………………………………..11What is Ergonomics?When people think of the word ergonomics they most likely think along the lines of something to do with the way you sit or the way a cars’ interior is designed. While that is true it’s so much more than just that. By definition Ergonomics is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environment for human use. Ergonomics has everything to do with humans and our environment. Leisure, sports, work systems, health and safety all encompass ergonomics if well designed.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpus is a word derived from the Greek word "karpos" which means "wrist." The wrist is surrounded by a band of fibrous tissue which normally functions as a support for the joint. The tight space between this fibrous band and the wrist bone is called the carpal tunnel.

The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel to receive sensations from the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the hand. Any condition that causes swelling or a change in position of the tissue within the carpal tunnel can squeeze and irritate the median nerve. Irritation of the median nerve in this manner causes tingling and numbness of the thumb, index, and the middle fingers, a condition known as "carpal tunnel syndrome."Diagram:Now you may be asking yourself do I have CTS? People who work at desktop placements and who spend prolonged time at computer keyboards are at great risk. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected based on the symptoms and the distribution of the hand numbness. The wrist can be examined for swelling, warmth, tenderness, deformity, and discoloration. Sometimes tapping the front of the wrist can...