Working as a translator usually means spending a long time in front of a computer. Nowadays, using modern technologies is an important part of the job. It involves a ‘constant repetition of the same specific movements and hence can cause an overload of muscles of the upper extremities and back,’ as described by the ILCEA authors[1] in their Revue. Clearly, there are possible consequences for your health, both mental and physical.
Injured several years ago in my lower back and hand, it might be easier for me to acknowledge when my posture or gestures are wrong, since the pain comes immediately. But for most people, this phenomenon can set in insidiously over time, starting with a lack of comfort that leads to the inability to move and, therefore, to work.
This article is about physical ergonomics for the translator. As a former nurse, I will try to explain what happens to our bodies when we work statically for a long time and what can be done to limit or (why not?) avoid developing these disorders. Most of this article is based on my own experience, both professional and personal, but you will be able to find other references for your possible further research on the topic.
You said Physical ergonomics?
The Usability Body of Knowledge, a professional association, describes physical ergonomics as follows:
It’s simply “about the body’s response to physical and physiological demands of work. […] Physical ergonomics is concerned with the impact of anatomy, anthropometry, biomechanics, physiology, and the physical environment on physical activity.”
It’s one of the aspects of ergonomics, which includes the consequences of “repetitive motion, materials handling, workplace safety, comfort in the use of equipment, […] working postures, and the work environment.” You can find information on their website: https://www.usabilitybok.org/physical-ergonomics
As a translator-to-be, I will focus on the aspect of working posture and what can happen in your body.
Translator: a non-physical job?
It’s important to know what being a translator means and does to our bodies. Some people think that it’s easy to sit on a chair and simply work on a computer all day long. Obviously, it’s not that easy.
As it’s explained here, the job even has cognitive consequences. Indeed, it requires attention and concentration, and it’s necessary to compensate any physical discomfort or frustration by exerting energy and cognitive resources. A good organisation is also essential.
Physically, sitting for hours on end is absolutely unnatural for our bodies. Everyone can feel it when they pay attention to the signals of discomfort or pain that our body sends. You know this need to move when you’re in class, don’t you? Well, you’ve got it.
Keeping the same position for hours can also lead to getting into ‘pain-relieving positions’ that can lead to body problems. And it never ends.
Another issue people don’t think about involves your hands and fingers. And I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have thought of that! Take a look at these unexpected, yet interesting facts that Maureen Ehrensberger-Dow relates in her book Ergonomics_and_the_translation_process:
‘Professional translation isn’t usually thought of as a physical activity, but analyses of recordings of translation processes done in the lab by professionals showed that on average they typed approximately 1,000 characters and spaces and made over 80 mouse clicks within 15 minutes […] Since translation is generally a seated activity done indoors, physical factors such as the design of desks, chairs, office layout as well as ambient noise, lighting, and temperature can influence translators’ performance.’
With her colleagues of the ILCEA, M. Ehrensberger-Dow has published articles on the Revue de l’ILCEA, such as this one: Physical Ergonomics at Translators’ Workplaces: Findings from Ergonomic Workplace Assessments and Interviews (openedition.org), in which they say that the major ergonomics issues for the translator are ‘musculoskeletal ailments of the upper extremities, back, shoulders, arms, hands and problems with the eyes. “
As you understand, being a translator and thus a heavy computer user can lead to many and sometimes bad injuries. I would like to focus on MSDs.
Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD): the risks and consequences of a static job.
In their article, ‘The-HSE-are-shining-a-light-on-musculoskeletal-disorders-(MSDs)’, the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) defines MSDs as follows: ‘The term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) covers any injury, damage or disorder of the joints or other tissues in the upper/lower limbs or the back.’
They mention four main disorders that can be directly related to the job of a translator, based on what I said above and because I can feel the pain and discomfort every day: Upper limb disorders (ULDs), Lower limb disorders (LLDs), Display screen equipment (DSE) and Manual handling.
ULDs are maybe the first you will notice, since it implies a range of disorders of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck. LLDs might come later, and concerns mostly your legs, knees, ankles and feet.
The DSE may be interesting for the translator to be aware of, since it results from using screen equipment and implies headaches and visual problems. And as seen above, manual handling can occur with awkward postures and all the activities of the translator.
Pain, swelling and difficulty moving are essentially the main symptoms.
Main areas touched for the home working translator. (Image: BICSc)
How to limit or even avoid MSDs:
The first piece of advice my physiotherapist gave me was to move regularly. Get up and stand as often as possible, walk around, change your posture and position. This means getting the right equipment, like an ergonomic desk, mouse or keyboard. I’ve already experienced different types of equipment, posture and organisation. Therefore, I know what I’m talking about when I’m writing these words. Even today, I know that my situation isn’t optimum but with time and investment in good material, I have hope for the rest of my career. I hope you’ll start yours with the best information, so that you can start having good habits as soon as possible.
In a nutshell, you need to be aware of the concrete risks you take by not working in good conditions. Taking care of yourself will help you to be a better professional and be healthe at work.
You can follow this link for easy-to-apply tips in you daily work life: https://osg.ca/7-simple-tips-for-improving-workplace-ergonomics/
(image: healthandbalance.com)
Emmanuelle Ambert
M1TSM (2021-2022)
[1] Institut des langues et cultures d’Europe, Amérique, Afrique, Asie et Australie (Institute of languages and cultures from Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Australia). https://ilcea4.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/ (French only)
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