The Aging Workforce - Ergonomic Recommendations
Tips to accomodate an aging workforce ...
"Part 1 explored the potential shortage of American workers in the near future and the benefits of being able to retain mature and experienced employees.
Part 2 defined an aging worker and explored the physical changes that can occur with aging and their impact on work performance.
Part 3 will now take a practical look at specific ergonomic accommodations that can easily and inexpensively ensure the comfort, productivity and safety of an aging workforce.
To accommodate for age-related visual changes:
• Increase area lighting.
• Use task lighting with desk lamps (consider up to a 60% increase in task lighting).
• Reduce Glare. The light source should be perpendicular to the work area/computer screen rather than directly in front of or behind it. Use indirect lighting or ergonomic equipment such as glare-reducing screens on computers.
• Adjust the monitor angle of the computer so that print can be easily read and glare is reduced.
• Increase the size of font in written communications and on the computer screen.
• Reduce visual “clutter” in correspondence and on the monitor screen.
• Have magnifiers or magnifying glasses readily available.
• Clean computer screens regularly and adjust the screen color and contrast so that the print is most legible. Use high resolution monitors. Use larger monitor screens.
• Schedule or encourage regular visits to an eye-care specialist.
• Eye drops and artificial tears can reduce the discomfort of dry eyes and irritations.
• Take frequent breaks when reading, computing and performing work that requires intense visual focus.
• Be particularly aware of neck and shoulder posture if using bifocals." (Continued via Bella Online) [Ergonomics Resources]
"Part 1 explored the potential shortage of American workers in the near future and the benefits of being able to retain mature and experienced employees.
Part 2 defined an aging worker and explored the physical changes that can occur with aging and their impact on work performance.
Part 3 will now take a practical look at specific ergonomic accommodations that can easily and inexpensively ensure the comfort, productivity and safety of an aging workforce.
To accommodate for age-related visual changes:
• Increase area lighting.
• Use task lighting with desk lamps (consider up to a 60% increase in task lighting).
• Reduce Glare. The light source should be perpendicular to the work area/computer screen rather than directly in front of or behind it. Use indirect lighting or ergonomic equipment such as glare-reducing screens on computers.
• Adjust the monitor angle of the computer so that print can be easily read and glare is reduced.
• Increase the size of font in written communications and on the computer screen.
• Reduce visual “clutter” in correspondence and on the monitor screen.
• Have magnifiers or magnifying glasses readily available.
• Clean computer screens regularly and adjust the screen color and contrast so that the print is most legible. Use high resolution monitors. Use larger monitor screens.
• Schedule or encourage regular visits to an eye-care specialist.
• Eye drops and artificial tears can reduce the discomfort of dry eyes and irritations.
• Take frequent breaks when reading, computing and performing work that requires intense visual focus.
• Be particularly aware of neck and shoulder posture if using bifocals." (Continued via Bella Online) [Ergonomics Resources]
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