Ergonomics and Making Jewelry
Ergonomics is the science of fitting a job to suit the worker. Improving the match between a task and a person's physical limitations also improves a person's comfort, health, and productivity. You may have never heard the term 'ergonomics' before, but I bet you unconsciously apply ergonomic principles when make jewelry.
If you have been making jewelry for any length of time, you will have established your own preferred ways of performing certain tasks and have preferred places to do these tasks. For example, when I know I will be linking chain maille rings, I turn on bright lights and some music and I settle myself cross-legged on a futon, with my beverage of choice sitting on the armrest to my right, my tools arrayed on my left leg (I'm left handed), jump rings beside the tools, and I get to work. I open jump rings, then I start assembling units. When the CD I am listening to ends, then I get up and do something else for a while. If you ask other people about their ritual for performing the same task, the details will differ, but the ergonomic aspects of the job remain the same:
- The lighting should be sufficiently bright.
- The tools should be placed within easy reach.
- Your body should be well-supported.
- The method you use to actually perform the task should be a compromise between efficiency and prevention of repetition. Higher efficiency may make the task go more quickly, but too much repetition will make it boring and may lead to repetitive motions or stress that could cause injury.
- The room should be at a comfortable temperature, with clean air and no extraneous noise or other distractions.
- Allowance should be made for taking a break. I use the music for this, but there are lots of choices.
Every occupation carries its own particular health risks. Depending on your area of jewelrymaking expertise, you may be particularly susceptible to eye strain or damage, repetitive motion-associated conditions (e.g., tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome), strain or pressure-associated injuries, or various chemical exposures from inhalation or absorption through the skin. It's a good idea to assess the risk factors in your environment and take steps to minimize your risks from them.
Do you feel numbness in your hands? Do you have a stiff neck? Sore back? Blurred vision? Contact dematitis? Hemorrhoids? If you experience these or other problems, you need to consciously consider the ergonomics of your workplace. Listen to your body and think about situations that cause or worsen physical symptoms. What changes can you make to improve the situation? Giving consideration to ergonomics will make your jewelry making more enjoyable and more productive.
