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Body of Work
A new generation of ergonomic office equipment allows users to work more comfortably - and better
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Business New Haven
12/08/2003
By: Theresa L. Corso
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What do keyboard trays, multifunctional chairs and liquid crystal display (LCD) computer monitors have in common? Ergonomists believe that these and similar products may pave the way for more comfortable nine-to-five office jobs.
Although many people will agree that most desk jobs probably will not qualify for a top spot in Bureau of Labor Statistics lists of most dangerous jobs, workers can suffer their fair share of computer workstation-related injuries without proper ergonomic office equipment and knowledge of their functions.
In 1950 the word "ergonomics," also known as "human factors," was formally established as a term for the science that incorporates human abilities with jobs and equipment.
Comprised of the Greek words ergon and nomos (work and natural law), ergonomics is explained by the International Ergonomics Association Executive Council as "the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among human and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance."
Ergonomics encompasses human sciences including physiology (both work and technical), anatomy and psychology to promote greater well-being, safety, comfort and productivity in the workplace. By studying various environments including technological, psychosocial, physical and the overall work environment, ergonomists can work towards creating more efficient work spaces for employees.
Office ergonomics stresses the importance of proper placement of office equipment such as computer monitors, keyboard, mouse and chair to prevent injuries and disorders typical to job duties that require prolonged and awkward positions and repetitive motions, such as sitting at a desk and typing on a keyboard for extended periods of time.
These musculoskeletal injuries can affect spinal discs, tendons, nerves, muscles and joints, among others; potentially causing wrist, leg, shoulder, neck and back pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, epicondylitis (so-called tennis elbow), tendonitis and eye strain are a few of the disorders that can result from physical and psychological stresses associated with workstation equipment that is not ergonomically correct.
Many office supply and furniture retailers specialize in ergonomic office equipment and ergonomic office design that utilizes space for greatest efficiency.
Alan Greenberg, owner of Acme Office Furniture Co. on Crown Street in New Haven, provides employers and employees with multifunctional chairs. The chairs "free float or lock into position," says Greenberg. People are commonly looking for greater back support, he notes; with a multifunctional chair, the adjustable lower back provides lumbar support and should have five legs with rollers for support and maneuverability. Adjustable head and arm rests allow workers to find their own level of comfort. "Like a suit, the chair has to fit the person sitting in it," explains Greenberg.
Like much ergonomic office equipment, a multifunctional chair's wide range of price really is a function of its quality and style, according to Greenberg.
The International Source for Ergonomics Inc. (ISE) is a privately held manufacturer and distributor of ergonomic products for home and office use including furniture, seating and computer accessories. Allen Carder is the Ontario-based ISE manufacturer's representative for New England. He agrees that the chair is the most important aspect of an ergonomically correct office workstation. "That's what everyone looks for," notes Carder. ISE also represents La-Z-Boy Inc. for ergonomic task seating.
Workers can also use foot rests to change leg posture or provide added support if as adjustable chair is not an option. "One thing that ergonomics agrees upon is change is good instead of repetitive motion," explains Carder.
Another option for workers is the height-adjustable workstation, which allows users to sit or stand and adjust the surface for typing or writing without slumping shoulders.
According to Carder, a good height-adjustable workstation can adjust from 24 to 46 inches in less than ten seconds. An articulating keyboard arm is essential to keep wrists and forearms straight. The best height for the keyboard tray is usually elbow height, but any height is satisfactory as long as it is comfortable for the user.
If the worker misuses the keyboard trays by adjusting the tray at the wrong angle, or adjusting too low or too high, the end result is probably loss of knee clearance or bent wrists. "The biggest problem [with the equipment] is that the end user doesn't understand and doesn't know how to use it," explains Carder. "We have to show them."
Computer software and equipment manufacturers also typically provide ergonomic office products. Alternative keyboards that bend with the shape of the wrists allow the user to type at a natural angle that typical keyboards do not accommodate. In addition to these contoured keyboards, trackballs and touchpads are alternatives to the traditional mouse.
Adesso Inc. (www.adesso.com), a computer equipment manufacturer and distributor, supplies ergonomic office equipment including its Tru-Form Contoured Ergonomic Keyboards with Glidepoint Touchpad and separate Adesso Smart Cat Four-Button PS/2 Glidepoint Touchpad that can be connected to users' existing keyboards. This makes it convenient to alternate use of a mouse and touchpad to avoid repetitive motion.
Convenient and ergonomically correct computer software includes the IBM ViaVoice (www.IBM.com), available for Macintosh and Windows users. This adaptive software "frees users from the dependence of a mouse, keyboard and stylus for many applications," according to IBM.
Last year two out of ten computer users chose LCD computer monitors over traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. According to David Wrenn, vice president of sales for Advanced Office Systems in Branford, this year more than half of buyers have chosen LCD screens over CRTs.
Popularity of the LCD monitors is due in part to falling prices for the picture frame-like monitors. According to Wrenn, a 15-inch LCD monitor averages about $300, while a 17-inch CRT goes for approximately $125.
Benefits of LCDs compared to CRTs include brightness. "[LCD screens] are crisper and brighter," explains Wrenn. "They have less glare than CRT monitors and are better for the eyes." Indeed, LCD screens are generally twice as bright as CRT screens.
Because of individual pixel circuitry, the images displayed on an LCD screen, including text, are crisper than the same images on a CRT. Typically, LCD screens allow for less eye strain than deciphering duller images on a CRT monitor.
According to Wrenn, LCD monitors are smaller, thinner and take up less desk space than their CRT counterparts. They also consume less power and produce less heat. CRT monitors typically consume 100 watts, double the power consumption of LCD monitors. LCD monitor offices tend to be cooler and more comfortable.
On the other hand, CRT monitors are better than LCDs when it comes to viewing the screen at various angles. When LCD monitors are adjusted up or down, the screen becomes dark and unreadable. CRTs are viewable at most any angle.
Beyond office equipment designed to reduce physical stress, the U.S Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that workers use measures to prevent or reduce the effects eight hours at a computer workstation can have on the body.
The computer monitor should be at or slightly below eye level and positioned in a straight line with the keyboard and chair, with any written work materials propped next to the monitor to avoid eye and neck strain. To prevent disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, the arms should be kept in the "neutral typing position" at a 90-degree angle with the mouse located close to the keyboard.
Wrist rests, which prevent wrists from bending back while typing, take weight of the shoulders and can aid in the prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome. The rest should be placed directly in front of the keyboard. For lower back support, thighs should remain parallel to the floor with feet planted on the floor or foot rest.
Although ergonomic office furniture, computer software and equipment can be beneficial in preventing office-related injuries and disorders, it is the end user's responsibility to understand and correctly use them. These devices can work to assist users in making both the workstation and workday more comfortable and users' knowledge of the functions of ergonomic office solutions will allow the equipment to do their jobs.
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