Ergonomics has become a big buzzword especially in my safety world.  People have ergonomic chairs and workstations.  Scuba divers need to understand ergonomics and how if can affect them too.  During each dive they are lifting a large amount of weight.

Ergonomics in Greek literally means the laws of work.  It is the study the study of human physiology and behavior to appropriately design the work and living environment or “human factors engineering.”   How does this apply to divers?

Divers have to lift about 80 pounds of equipment before and after each dive.  They have to climb up a ladder or walk out of the water with the weight on their back.  In addition, they have usually put on their fins with their equipment on.   Let’s consider human factors of engineering dealing with these issues.  In plain simple terms:

• Lift with your legs
• Never lift with your back
• Do not twist and lift at the same time
• Lift heavy equipment closer to your body
• Be aware of weight changing form the start of a dive to the end (tanks get lighter)
• Use assistance to put your fins on (forget the macho crap)
• Keep in good shape or GET IN SHAPE!

Two of the most common injuries associated with diving are a sprained or broken toe when you drop a heavy piece of equipment on it, and lower back injury from improper lifting.  To help avoid injuries consider how ergonomics can affect you.

Diver Al has a degree in Sports Medicine and has taken advance courses in Ergonomics.  He has consulted with several companies on ergonomics issues with regards to OSHA compliance.