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ERGONOMICS OF YOUTH

QURATULAIN MUGHALBATCH IV

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPYISRA UNIVERSITY

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WHAT IS YOUTH??

The period between childhood and adult age

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Youth Are Exposed To Ergonomics Risk Factors Due to the more technology evolvement as

like: computers, cell phones, personal digital

assistant and electronic games.

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The Average Youth Engage In: Few active physical activities. Sit stationary in mismatched furniture in

school/college/uni for hours. Carry heavy backpacks.

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ERGONOMICS

“ The ergonomics is most commonly thought of as designing work, work environment or conditions to prevent injury and promote worker health, safety, productivity and comfort”

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MAJOR CONTROLS

1. Engineering controls: Works at the level of : Workspace Furniture Tools used by students Redesigned by adjusting heights or

locations Also by modified environmental factors.

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2. Administration controls: Are decisions made by occupational: Therapist School administrations Teachers Parents• By set the duration, frequency and severity of

exposure to existing hazards.

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3. Work practice control: Take by: Self-directed Self-initiated strategies• Ensure safe and proper techniques when

doing activities.

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Discussing some areas

1.BACKPACKS: Challenges: Back pain or back aches Back injury Awkward postures

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(a) Engineering controls Select backpacks on the basis of the youth’s

size and age. Look for wide, padded, adjustable and

shoulder straps. Choose backpacks with several

compartments for better weight distribution. Or can be with wheels

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(b) Administration controls: Be attentive to complaints of back pains. Monitor the youth’s posture. Schedule regular health checkups to identify

M.S problems. Ensure that the youth carry only the items

required for that particular day. Make sure the weight of the backpack does

not exceed 15% of the youth’s body weights.

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Provide youths with information on alternate types of backpacks, such as a with wheels and back balancer.

Provide textbooks in CD. Use web-based books. Issue a second set of books for the house. Purchase books that are bound in sections Ensure locker space.

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(c) Work practice control Position the backpack below the shoulders and

resting on the hips and pelvis. Use both straps and the chest and hip belts. Fasten the straps, but not too tightly. Replace heavier items with lighter one’s (e.g plastic

lunch box instead of a metal one) Stretch your shoulders, arms and neck before

carrying backpack. Stay fit and healthy.

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2.SCHOOL/ COLLEGE/ UNI WORKSPACE Challenges: The furniture is not designed to facilitate the

2 common postures of all youth ages(a) Sitting forward for reading and writing.(b) Sitting back for listening and watching. excessive forward bending. strain on the back and neck Discomfort Postural problems

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(a) Engineering controls Use multiple size of furniture because of wide

range of body size. Use a rolled-up towel or a small pillow to

create a lumbar support with an angle of 100*-110*, which may be effective as a back support.

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(b) Administration controls Ask youth about the comfort of the desk and

chairs. Allow youth to choose furniture for

themselves. Teach youth the healty and proper body

posture.

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(c) Work practice control Use proper body mechanics, such as turning

the body as a whole Keep frequently used supplies within reaching

distance. Take breaks b/w activities and stretching

before, during and after an activity.

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3.HAND WRITING Challenges: Pen grip Paper/pen positioning Low handwriting

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(a) Engineering controls Use a workstation that allows for proper

positioning and back support so that the students has at least 90* of hip, elbow and knee flexion ,with feet flat on floor.

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(b) Administration controls Encourage teachers to incorporate a 2

minutes breaks every 20-30 minutes. Also encourage teachers to do warm-up

exercise with students before writing activities

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(c) Work practice control Take 2-minutes stretching breaks every 20-30

minutes while doing handwriting exercise.

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4.COMPUTER WORKSTATION Challenges: M.S injuries Discomfort Stress Strain C.T.D Eye problem

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(a) Engineering controls Is divided into 5 aspects:1.Monitor2.Chair3.Desk4.Mouse5.Keyboard

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(b) Administration controls 2 minutes breaks every 20-30 minutes. Stretch fingers, hands, arms, shoulders,

necks, and backs. Set the time limits for daily or weekly use.

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(c) Work practice control Set the time limits for daily or weekly use. Take regular breaks. Tell an adult about any pain or discomfort.

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5. HOME WORK SPACE Challenges: Discomfort of neck and shoulders. M.S problems. Visual fatigue Eye strain

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(a) Engineering controls Provide a stable study work surface. Provide chair that fits the youth. Provide proper lighting.

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(b) Administration controls Monitor the youth’s work practice during

homework time, adhering the to previous recommendations.

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(c) Work practice control Choose adjustable chair Proper lightening Proper posture

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6.LAPTOP

Challenges: Discomfort of neck and shoulders. M.S problems. Visual fatigue Eye strain

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(a) Engineering controls Place the monitor at eye level. Ensue the use of light weight laptops..

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(b) Administration controls Limit the amount of time the youth uses a

laptop minimum 1 hour per day. Encourage youths to use their laptops at a

stable work surface rather than in awkward postures (e.g. lying in bed, sitting on floor).

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(c) Work practice control Use your laptops at a study table. Don’t carry awkward postures. Don’t use more than 1 hour per day. Take stretch breaks.

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7.VIDEO GAMES AND TELEVISION Challenges: M.S problems. Obesity High blood pressure High cholesterol Psychosocial problems Less physical activity

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(a) Engineering control Place the television screen at proper eye

level to avoid the neck strain. Ensure the proper room lightening. Proper chairs

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(b) Administration controls Educate youths on the effects of excessive

video game and television use. Involve youths in sports, and volunteer

activities which will help them to promote their self-esteem, social interaction and fitness.

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(c) Work practice control Take stretch breaks. Maintain good posture. Sit far enough from television to prevent eye

strain.

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