Ergonomics in Office Design

Paper Summary:

Ergonomics, is the science, or study, of people and their environment and the fit between them. This paper discusses how need to consider ergonomics in office design for several reasons: because the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory boards have mandated it for the health and safety of workers, because it increases employee productivity and retention and because many less tangible benefits will accrue from having a good workplace with healthy and happy employees.

Outline:
Introduction
Findings
Design Factors
Space Considerations
Furniture
Office Equipment
Physical Needs
Work Space
Specific Health Considerations
Aesthetics

From the Paper:

"It has been demonstrated by much ongoing medical research that office employees are subject to a range of medical problems and injuries caused by poor work space or equipment design. Recently OSHA has begun to pay more attention to office environments, and after many investigations of claims, OSHA made new rules for office environments to protect workers concerning noise level, light, and ventilation. If a company is found to be in violation of OSHA riles, the fines can be huge, starting at about $75,000 per instance and ranging up to $500,000. It pays to know and comply with the rules. In addition to the danger of being fined by OSHA, insurance rates can rise as violations are reported."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bridger, R. S. (2003). Introduction to Ergonomics. New York: Taylor & Francis. Retrieved March 22, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=107925980
• Clements-Croome, D. (Ed.). (2000). Creating the Productive Workplace. London: E & FN Spon. Retrieved March 22, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=108932158
• Hirschman, C. (1998, April 27). Flexibility for Growth, Change Is Office-Design Watchword. The Washington Times, p. 20. Retrieved March 22, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001475977
• Woods, M., & Babski-Reeves, K. (2005). Effects of negatively sloped keyboard wedges on risk factors for upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders and user performance. Ergonomics, 48 (15), 1793-1808.
• Allsopp, J. (1999, October). Participatory Ergo Training Gets Everyone on Track. Occupational Hazards, 61, 125. Retrieved March 22, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002351622

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