It is increasingly
important to address the relationship between stress and
ergonomics, and to examine all aspects of stress.
For example, some stress
is good, even essential. Too little stress and work
becomes boring; inattention occurs. An optional level of
stress keeps people keyed up, engaged in their work.
After a certain point, however, additional stress can build to
levels that are counter-productive and potentially unhealthy.
In the office environment
- with rapid changes in work process and information
technology - a negative level of stress can often result from
the mismatch between job demands and what the human mind and
body can provide.
The agents that cause
stress are called stressors; or clinically, traumatogens.
By properly identifying - then eliminating or minimizing - the
source of stressors, stress can be reduced. Physically,
little aches and pains go away; psychologically a person's
outlook, enthusiasm, and performance can be improved. Although
there is no perfect posture when seated, the ideal seated
posture is one that keeps the body in a "neutral"
position while working; this means keeping the body in its
natural alignment with minimal stress or strain. In
neutral position, the arms swing naturally at the body's side
with forearms roughly perpendicular to the upper arms; neutral
wrists follow the plane of the arm without being bent or
flexed; and the spine maintains the same natural s-curve as
when standing. Shoulders should be relaxed, and the head
upright with a slightly forward tilt. A
standing posture can provide a healthful break from long
periods of sitting, because standing promotes a natural
alignment for the spine and arms. Standing work,
however, requires either that the worksurface - including VDT
and keyboard - be adjustable in height over a
seated-to-standing range, or that separate seated and standing
workstations be available.
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