Dear Readers,
Our newsletter is designed to provide you with the most-up-to-date information about the science of workstation design and function. We will endeavor to educate our readers so that when an ergonomic decision needs to be made such as what product to buy or which training programs work best, your decision will be based upon other's experiences and not just a guess.
When appropriate, we will publish questions we get from you, and create an Ergonomics FAQ archive in our website. We will do new product previews and reviews, without all the usual "babble" from the manufacturers. We simply offer honest opinions about the features, functions and benefits of particularly well-designed products, and how they can address specific ergonomic issues in the workplace.
Also, from time to time, we will publish short stories or articles relevant to ergonomics. If you have a personal story to tell, or wish to write an article about some facet of ergonomics, submit your piece and we'll see what happens. We make no promises that that your article or piece will be published and there is no pay. By submitting your piece, you are giving us your permission to print all or part of your work. If you have any comments or suggestions of how we might improve our newsletter, please send them to steve@ergosci.com.
Enjoy!
Stephen A. Marshall
President of Ergonomic Sciences
Director of the Ergonomics Lab
Ergonomic Sciences Corporation
1031 E. Duane Ave., Suite H
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Phone: 408.737.9800
Fax: 408.737.9801
Email: info@ergosci.com
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding ergonomic strategies is, "how can corporations improve their working environments and get the highest return on their investment?" Because each task is different and individual physical needs to accomplish these tasks vary, there is no standard answer to this question. Based on my past experience, I have certainly found this to be true in most cases. In the next two issues, I will try to prioritize the normal needs and expenditures required to satisfy most ergonomic based concerns within an organization. I will also identify the specific benefits a corporation might expect to receive from their investment.
The first four priorities will be covered in this month's issue. Look for the remainder of this article in the February issue.
1. General Ergonomics Training - Employees and Managers
2. Alarm & Stretching/Exercise Software
3. Optical Filters - Monitor Glare Treatment
4. Correct Monitor Height and Positioning
5. Adjustable Chair and Footrest
6. Adjustable Height Worksurfaces and Furniture
7. Full-Spectrum/Low Glare Lighting Treatment
8. Alternative Input Devices - Keyboards and Mice
9. Telephone Headsets - Wired and Cordless
10. EdgeGuards, (wrist pads), Copy Holders and Arm Supports
Well, Cirque Corporation has done it again! They have actually improved upon one of the most innovative input devices of 1995, the original Cirque Glidepoint Trackpad. The Glidepoint 2, not to be confused with the Alps model of a similar name, offers increased comfort, use with either hand, intelligent custom software, three programmable buttons, motion extenders and an absolute mode for accurate cursor positioning.
To direct the insertion point, users simply touch the Glidepoint 2 surface and move their fingers in any direction or lightly tap the surface to click or click-and-drag! Because this device is so intuitive and precise, the Glidepoint 2 Trackpad Desktop may be one the easiest to use pointing devices ever designed! Available for PC or Macintosh. Priced at $79.97 each with a limited lifetime warranty.
For more information, including system requirements and product specifications, contact Ergonomic Sciences at info@ergosci.com or look under input devices on our products page.
Understanding that the keyboard may be just a part of the puzzle when trying to address keyboard-related RSI's, we were more than excited to obtain the latest version of the DataHand Professional II Keyboard System.
We have always felt that the DataHand Keyboard System, even when retailing at $1,295.00, offered the most potential biological benefits of any alternative keyboard on the market. More than any other keyboard we tested, the DataHands Keyboard System changed the way that hands are used in the keying process. More importantly, the DataHand II significantly reduced the impact of keying to the hands, wrists, elbow, neck, shoulders and back.
The DataHand Professional II System offers several new innovative features, such as programmable function keys, two built-in mice, a wider range of adjustability (now fitting petite sized hands!), and a revolutionary laptray called the "LapLander", which is designed to get the user's hands offthe work surface and into the lap. This enhanced feature affords individuals a natural and neutral alternative to themore conventional keyboard trays that are attached to desks. At half its original price, this keyboard is a better value than ever!
Because of the dramatic reduction in the impact to the hands, the DataHand Professional II Keyboard System is the only keyboard we recommend for people who have undergone surgeries. Currently available for PC only. Other platforms supported via keyboard interface connection. Contact Ergonomic Sciences for additional details. From $995.00
Product reviews are for information only and imply nothing more than our opinion as to the value of a particular product in addressing particular ergonomic issues. A product offering superior features, functions and benefits could achieve a 5 Diamond rating. A product offering no significant features, functions or benefits might achieve an empty Diamond rating.
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| 1. General Ergonomics Training. You cannot spend money better than educating your employees about symptoms of repetitive strain injuries. There are several techniques that each employees can learn easily to reduce the potential for work-related injuries. You might start with a mandatory ergonomic training program for employees and managers. This can be accomplished by having someone come to your facility to speak to your employees about ergonomics, or you could purchase a CD based training program that takes about 45 minutes for each individual to complete. Completion of the training program certifies an individual with a basic comprehension of ergonomic principals. In the following months, you might distribute a pamphlet on workspace design, pass out a questionnaire, bring in a massage or hand therapist, show an ergonomics video, give out exercise mouse pads, keyboard templates or any of a wide variety of items to remind each and every employee about the risks and responsibilities of work related injuries. If performed frequently, ergonomic training and its components will become part of an employee's everyday thought process. The costs can vary, but you might estimate between $10.00 to $25.00 per employee per year for a large company to administrate such programs. With all the positive benefits a training program has to offer, the price for implementing ergonomic awareness program throughout an organization becomes a wise investment! 2. Alarm and Exercise/Stretching Software. |
3. One of the least expensive, most beneficial additions to a computer environment can be the installation of a high quality optical filter. An optical filter differs from a glare screen in that it uses optical quality glass or polycarbonate and superior optical and conductive coatings that increase the contrast and resolution of the images and characters displayed on the screen. At the same time, these same materials absorb and attenuate ambient glare and reflections caused by poor lighting conditions in the work area. Optical Filters are also instrumental in minimizing ELF/VLF emissions that emanate from the monitor's face. High quality filters are very easy to install and maintain. Optical filters literally make it easier for our eyes to do their work, day in and day out, reducing the potential for headaches and eyestrain. From $69.00 to $179.00 each, depending on size of monitor and type of filter ordered. 4. Having the monitor at the correct height and distance can reduce the potential for neck, shoulder and back pains. When combined with a proper upright seated posture, positioning the monitor so that the characters on the screen sit at or just below eye-level is paramount in the reduction of physical stress. Elevating the monitor to a proper position doesn't have to cost a lot of money either (reams of paper actually cost more and are not stable enough for the job). Stacking monitor pedestals offer adjustability, strength and durability at an extremely low cost per inch ($4.80, and figure 4" - 6" to get the job done) You might also choose any of a variety of articulating monitor supports that clamp onto your desk and elevate and position monitors in a variety of ways. Note: Always order monitor supports that are rated somewhat higher than your monitor's weight ....this should prevent sagging and bending of the mechanism. Good quality supports can range from $79.00 for smaller monitors and up to $579.00 for supports that will handle monitors up to 125 lbs. Don't miss the February issue for the remainder of this article!  |
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