Students' Posture While Using Computers May Be as Important as Total Hours of Computer Use With Regard to Musculoskeletal Discomfort

An Office Ergonomics Research Committee, Inc.(OERC)study ...

"Researchers at the Office Ergonomics Research Committee (OERC) Marconi conference reported that students who reported frequently assuming awkward postures when working with a computer, were, compared to other students, more likely to report musculoskeletal discomfort in several body regions, including the eyes, neck, and back. Dr. Carolyn Sommerich, of The Ohio State University, recommends that, "Similar to the recommendations provided to adults, children should be encouraged to take periodic breaks from any computer they use, in order to give eyes and other body parts a break from sustained, and sometimes awkward postures adopted while using the computer." Sommerich, who is studying computer usage among high school juniors and seniors in a high school with a well-developed technology program, found that 92% of the participants reported using a Tablet PC "daily or almost every day." A sample of 13 students who used special software to monitor their daily computer use averaged about 1.7 hours of active computer use (e.g., mousing and keying) per day.

Dr. Karen Jacobs, of Boston University, who has been studying notebook computer usage among seventh- and eighth-grade students in Maine, used similar software to monitor average daily computer use and found it to range between 3 to 5.5 hours per week. Jacobs reported that ergonomics training, which included recommendations for desirable postures, information on breaking up long periods of computer use, and the use of auxiliary keyboards and mice, was effective at improving students' computing work habits."    (Continued via EarthTimes.org)    [Ergonomics Resources]

ASSE Safe and Sorry

More safety programs may not result in better safety ...

"We've all heard the maxims “better safe than sorry” and “you never can have too much of a good thing.” But psychologist Zara Hart has found that it's not always better to be safe and that there is such a thing as too much safety.

Hart, who works as a corporate psychologist for the nonprofit Industrial Foundation for Accident Prevention (IFAP) in Australia, has collected quantitative and qualitative data – through surveys, focus groups and candid one-on-one interviews with workers – on organizational safety cultures. Recently, Hart said, she has observed corporate cultures that challenge the basic assumption that more safety always engenders ... well, more safety.

Hart, speaking at the American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) 2007 Professional Development Conference in Orlando, Fla., told attendees that she believes that excessive safety could be a growing problem.

“The concern is that more and more and more might not be adding more,” Hart told OccupationalHazards.com after her June 25 presentation. “It might actually be detracting.”

According to Hart, it is possible for organizations to reach a point of “safety saturation,” which she defines as “the point in the development of a safety culture [in which] the addition of more safety initiatives will not improve safety outcomes.”

Safety saturation, Hart said, can lead to excessive safety, “which represents a waste of time and resources and has a negative effect on culture.” The potential negative effects of excessive safety, ironically, include more accidents and injuries.

“Incredibly ironic,” Hart commented."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Feasibility of Changing Minds, Changing Habits

Everything seems to be called an ergonomic product ...

"... Ergonomics seem relegated to the eccentric side of consumerism. It’s something that only a few “crazies” think and obsess about. Who uses the standup mouse or the walk while you work anyway?

I’d call this group hippies but they’re a bit too computer savvy to be considered hippies. What should I call them, understanding that I am probably a member of the group?

I think it’s pretty mainstream knowledge (don’t shoot me on this) that staying at a computer all day is really bad for the body. Sitting in a chair, hunched over, tapping away on little plastic keys while you (try to) stare down the monitor is in no way a good thing for your muscle structure. Hence the investment of extremely creative energies into solving what is probably among the modern world’s most difficult of engineering challenges: getting the human body to conform comfortably to the hyper-connected, Internet-based world we’ve created for ourselves.

What I find perverse is there’s such a prevalence of ergonomically engineered products but nobody uses them! Companies just keep on buying the same damn keyboard and mouse from Dell and Microsoft, the same stupid chairs, and the same confining cubicles, etc, etc. Is this a lack of sales force? Marketing know-how on the part of the engineers. I wouldn’t be surprised because engineers tend to think (and this is really just based on personal experience working with them) that if it’s built the best, people will find it and automatically make a switch. Like the calls for product orders are just going to roll in. It’s very strange that the engineering side would think things like that. I guess they don’t spend too much time outside their equations, designs, and algorithms to notice what the non-engineers are doing. Does this mean they question me taking a pay check home?

My point is that until we reach a critical mass of users in the right positions (people capable of making the culture changes through policy or purchase) as well as a willingness to change (adopt, use, purchase, ect), ergonomics is going to be for “computer hippies” and only for computer hippies. Period."    (Continued via The Ergonomenon)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Computers growing source of headaches

Getting rid of those computer use headaches ...

"You feel like an invisible vise has had your head in its grips for days. The Aspirin you took has done absolutely nothing to loosen the grip. They might as well have been sugar pills.

So look down. Are you hunched over the computer? How long have you been there? Are you playing computer games? Is your head tilted forward as it would be to read a book or a laptop?

If so, more than likely you have what is called a cervicogenic headache.

That is the medical term for a mechanical dysfunction in the neck joints that is a growing problem as more people sit at computers for longer periods at a time.

Blair Schachterle, physical therapist and executive chair of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy, says people are putting in longer and longer hours on their computers these days as employers demand more to cope with short staffing.

"People are working longer hours hunched over a computer and end up going home in the evening with shooting pain in their back and neck that results in a headache."

Schachterle says anyone in a sedentary occupation, who sits for long periods of time, risks cervicogenic headaches if they don't pay attention to their posture.

"We are really vulnerable in the area," he says. "We have a 12-pound weight which is our head sitting on these really tiny, small joints with muscles that are really small supporting that structure.

"If you spend more than 70 per cent of your time at work with your neck bent forward at 20 degrees, which is the same as reading, writing or looking down at a computer, you increase the risk of a neck headache."    (Continued via Canada.com)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Shoulder & Repetitive Strain Injuries

RSI series - the shoulder ...

"Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) from computer use or desk work can cause headaches, eyestrain, and pain through the neck, shoulders, arms and back. “The Shoulder” is part of a series taking a closer look at the mechanism of injury and specific injury prevention techniques for particular pain areas.

Anatomy

The shoulder is a unique joint in the body. It has a great deal of mobility in order to allow us to reach and perform activities away from our body. The cost of this mobility is a lack of stability. Most of the stabilizing forces at the shoulder are muscular and ligamentous rather than bony. These soft tissues that provide the shoulder motion and stability can be at risk for repetitive strain injuries.

The shoulder is composed of three bones: the clavicle (collar bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (long bone of the upper arm). The rotator cuff surrounds the shoulder and provides muscular stability for the humeral head. The shoulder blade controls shoulder motion. Nine of the fifteen muscles that attach to the scapula provide this motion.

RSI
With computer, desk, assembly or other types of hand intensive work, the neck and shoulders round forward and the upper arm tends to rotate inward. The chest muscles become tight. The muscles of the back weaken and stretch. The upper trapezius (the big, bulky muscles that make up the top of the shoulder) try to compensate by working harder than they should. Muscle knots and tension develop. The arms feel tired and weak. Eventually, this muscular imbalance can cause a tendonitis in the rotator cuff (supraspinatus) or in the biceps where it attaches to the humerus. Or the fluid cushion (bursa) between the rotator cuff and the shoulder bones can become inflamed (bursitis).

Poor posture can be the primary factor in developing shoulder pain. Other activities that tend to cause problems are prolonged or repetitive overhead reaching (such as when lifting binders or books down from shelves above the computer) or holding the arms elevated while typing, using the mouse, or performing other hand work. Tichauer (1978, The Biomechanical Basis of Ergonomics) discovered that a chair height that was 3 inches too low for a worker caused excessive shoulder movements and reduced productivity by as much as 50%."    (Continued via BellaOnline)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Mercedes Uses Virtual Reality to Study Driver's Worldview

Auto design with ergonomics video ...

"A good view of other road users is crucial for safe driving. A-pillars or B-pillars that are too thick can restrict a driver’s field of vision and quickly lead to danger.

Now, virtual reality specialists at DaimlerChrysler Research have developed a visualization process that enables developers to realistically assess how vehicle design affects a driver’s field of vision - before a new model even exists.

... For example, you might feel as if you are actually steering a flawless arc through a left-hand bend on a serpentine road. And were it not for the autumn leaves on the shoulder of the road - and the fact that a tiny part of your brain still remembers it’s springtime outdoors - it would be impossible to tell that the scene is only a simulation. And that’s exactly the point: Everything seems so real. The instrument panel with its cluster of dials, the sun visors, the A-pillar separating the windshield from the side window - they’re all there. What’s more, there’s even the familiar film of dirt on the part of the windshield where the wipers don’t reach - and which somewhat clouds the view of the road beyond.

And that’s really the essence of this project in “video-based ergonomics.” The two engineers’ objective is to be able to investigate - under “real” conditions, and as early as possible in the development process - how vehicle design affects a driver’s field of vision. Such tests are designed to answer questions like: Is the A-pillar sufficiently slender to ensure that an important part of the road will not be hidden from view when turning left? Does one design variant restrict driver visibility more than another? And if so, in what road situations does this apply?

> Ergonomics from the start
It wouldn’t be fair to suggest that vehicle developers have only just begun to pose such questions. Ergonomics has long been playing a very important role in vehicle development, with voluntary test persons asked to assess factors like the operability of switches and controls, the feeling of space within a car - and also driver visibility ahead, sideways and to the rear. Yet there is one major shortcoming with such an approach. “You’ve got to have real prototypes,” explains Bettina Westerburg. “But the prototypes aren’t even built until a relatively late stage in the development process. If it turns out that there are in fact problems with driver visibility, it’s usually too late to change the design. And if such changes are unavoidable, the needed modifications are very costly."    (Continued via AutoSpies)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Ergonomics Video

Distracted workers will affect profitability

Open vs. closed office design ...

"Small businesses often enjoy a family feeling with a core of loyal and highly motivated employees. Many larger firms envy this kind of organizational climate. But research is showing that dedicated staff might not be enough, and that worker distractions might erode the bottom line.

The trend in office design over the last 20 years has moved away from dedicated space to the open office concept, an innovation adopted by many small- and medium-sized firms as they followed the trends impacting larger firms. Now it appears that the open office concept may not be as ideal as originally thought, particularly when considering worker distractions and their impact on the bottom line.

The adoption of the open office concept, usually employing a large workspace filled with desks or cubicles, developed out of a rethinking of what work organization should be, and how organizations should be run. The open office is much more democratic. Gone are many of the trappings of luxury or status that often accompanied dedicated office spaces.

While the executives of most firms still enjoy the privacy and luxuries afforded to the executive suite (which usually includes more than just the key to the executive washroom) the rank and file staff are often relegated to an open office. Research has shown that the executive offices are much larger than the workspace given to the typical worker, which averages only about six square meters compared to nearly 17 square metres for the executive.

A key strength of the open office was believed to be enhanced communication, which is the hallmark of any successful organization. The egalitarian nature of the layout and furnishings of such spaces was expected to lead to more of a team orientation, resulting in a more cohesive work force.

However, the open office concept also has a number of weaknesses, some of which are coming to light years later under scientific scrutiny. Such spaces offer little privacy, resulting in stifled interaction and increased levels of office gossip."    (Continued via TheChronicleHerald.ca)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Prescriptions may be key to solving computer vision issues

The practical effect of computer eye strain ...

"During virtually all of her eye exams, optometrist Tamara Bonnes asks patients about their computer use. And for good reason.
As people spend more and more time using computers, their eyes undergo more stress and strain.

“It's a real issue at this point,” said Bonnes of Precision Vision in Grand Island. “There are very few people who don't use the computer.”

The American Optometric Association's Web site lists computer vision syndrome as a term for eye discomfort associated with computer use. Symptoms include eyestrain, fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, dry or irritated eyes, neck aches and/or backaches and double vision.

Computer vision syndrome is believed to be a more prevalent computer-related health problem than carpal tunnel, Bonnes said, although it's not as well known.

She said the cause of any person's computer vision syndrome can be a complex combination of ergonomics, existing eye problems and the nature of the visual stimulus.

“It's difficult for the eye to interpret dots of light,” Bonnes said, and prolonged use of the computer can amplify existing eye problems. While doctors do not think it has serious long-term consequences, eyestrain can affect productivity and make working uncomfortable in the short term.

Eyestrain can be corrected or prevented through proper posture, placement of the computer screen and, if necessary, the right prescription eyewear.

The Mayo Clinic recommends people position their computer monitor 20 to 28 inches from their eyes, with the screen positioned slightly lower than the line of sight. Computer users should also beware of bright lighting and glare on their screens."    (Continued via Alaska Star)    [Ergonomics Resources]

New Logitech Laptop Stands and a Cool New Contributor!

RSI help with Logitech's new laptop stand ...

"I’ll start with the new contributor since that’s me and I love talking about myself.

Adria asked me to join the Ergonomenon team to help deepen some of the great posting that’s been going on, help reach out to all the readers (who we cherish and don’t get to spend enough time responding to!), as well as add something that even after a million years Adria could not provide: a dude’s perspective.

That being said, let’s get to the gadgets!

I’ve been using the ilap laptop stand for some time. I had been relegated by my employer to a laptop for all work. After a couple of months, I found I had a severely weakened wrist (from cramming it at a weird angle to use the “convenient” mouse pad) as well as unusually sore.

... So, with the unveiling of Logitech’s new Alto line, I have to admit I’m quite excited to give them a whirl.

... As you can see, these stands will definitely raise the computer screen to a natural eye level—which is probably more important than some realize for reducing back strain. Also, the angle—and I think there’s a bit of passive aggressive design here—insists that people use a peripheral keyboard and mouse since nobody could comfortably pound out a report or even a short email with the keyboard at that angle."    (Continued via Ergonomenon)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Alto Express Notebook Stand

Spotlight on: desk health

Lots of problems for people stuck at their desk all day ...

"Stuck at your desk all day, glued to your computer screen? For most employees working in a fast-paced, pressurised environment, this is a reality, and it is likely most of us will at some point suffer unnecessary headaches, eye fatigue or bad backs as a result of poor desk habits.

If you went on a health and safety check and induction process when you first joined your company, you may well be aware of your rights to take frequent breaks. You may also have been given instructions by your health and safety officer to carry out an MOT of your desk area: to check that your computer is at the right height in relation to your eye level and that the mouse is placed appropriately to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and eye fatigue.

Peer pressure

But how many of you actually took any notice and followed through with these procedures?

A survey of 1,500 UK office workers from market research firm Tickbox.net, carried out on behalf of visual display provider ViewSonic, found that 46% of respondents admitted to spending six or more hours in front of their computer screens. Some 55% of 16- to 24-year-old employees agreed that they were unable to schedule frequent breaks due to excessive workloads or peer/management pressure.

"We are in danger of creating a workforce culture plagued by chronic ill-health," warns Mel Taylor, vice-president and director of European marketing for ViewSonic. She advises employers to promote better desktop ergonomics and urges employees to implement better working practices.

The most worrying statistic from the survey suggests that more than two-thirds of employees would consider suing their employer over health issues. Taylor argues: "Employers may be opening themselves up to serious legal liabilities in the future."

To avoid potential work-related desk injuries, such as neck strain and eye fatigue, Taylor advises employees to adjust their monitors to approximately 10cm below eye level, and a minimum of 64cm away from the eyes. The screen should also be tilted away slightly at the top to accommodate the natural viewing plane of the eye."    (Continued via Personnel Today)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Partnership Improves Ergonomics at USPS

Getting a handle on Post Office ergonomics ...

"Through interventions such as the use of container tilters, flexible vacuum hose nozzles, pallet lifters and adjustable work platforms, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) – with the help of OSHA and USPS' unions – over the past 3 years has reduced its musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) recordable rates and its workers' compensation costs.
OSHA, USPS, the American Postal Workers Union and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union in 2003 formed a partnership to reduce MSDs among USPS' more than 700,000 employees at its 675 mail processing facilities and more than 38,000 retail sites. To achieve this goal, the partners used an ergonomic risk reduction process (ERRP), which is designed to help identify ergonomic risk factors and eliminate or reduce those risks.

According to OSHA, ERRP sites in the process for the full 3 years experienced a 38 percent reduction in their MSD recordable rates and a 40 percent reduction in their handling and lifting rates. Compared to USPS sites that have not implemented the process, ERRP sites' MSD rates are 35 percent lower and ERRP sites' handling and lifting rates are 18 percent lower.

Since the process was initiated, USPS has saved $1.8 million in workers' compensation costs.

“By bringing management, unions and employees together to cooperatively identify potential hazards and ergonomic health risks, the Postal Service, through this partnership, is transforming its workplace safety and health ergonomic program into a model for both the public and private sector,” OSHA Administrator Edwin Foulke Jr. said."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Neck & Repetitive Strain Injuries

An overview of RSI and some solutions ...

"Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) from computer use or desk work can cause headaches, eyestrain, and pain through the neck, shoulders, arms and back. "The Neck" is the first part of a series taking a closer look at the mechanism of injury and specific injury prevention techniques for particular pain areas.

Anatomy

The neck is made up of seven cervical vertebral bones. The vertebrae, when stacked upon each other, form a bony tunnel that protects the spinal cord as it runs up the back and attaches to the base of the brain. Discs between the bones act as shock-absorbing cushions. Nerve branches come off the spinal cord and pass between gaps in the bony stack to provide power to the muscles and sensation to skin segments of the shoulder, arm and hand. Arteries, responsible for blood supply to the tissues, also pass through gaps along with the nerves.

The cervical spine supports the skull. The muscles of the neck work to turn, rotate or tilt the head. This positions the head in space and allows us to have almost a complete range of vision. Since the head can weigh between 10 and 20 pounds, the head positioned over the cervical spine is the equivalent of balancing a bowling ball on a stack of blocks. When the cervical vertebrae are in proper alignment, the head is centered over the shoulders and gravity works to support and hold the head in place. The farther forward the ball (head) is in front of the blocks (cervical spine), the less stable and efficient is its function.

RSI

Most often, neck pain and tightness is postural in nature. With repetitive desk or computer work, the head can gradually assume a position forward of its proper alignment over the shoulders. The more that the head creeps forward, the harder gravity pushes the head down, and the more rounded the shoulders become. This causes muscular strain, promotes muscular tightness and weakness, pinches the nerves and arteries, and compresses the cervical discs. Neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches are often the result. In more serious cases, arm fatigue and weakness, impaired circulation, and numbness and tingling can occur. Any extreme or sharp pain should be evaluated by a physician who can check for other medical causes including arthritis, osteoporosis, herniated discs, and meningitis.

RSI Prevention for Neck Pain

Neutral Neck Positioning

• Maintain a neutral spine while working and at rest. The head should be stacked over the cervical spine with the shoulders relaxed.

• Use a lumbar support while seated to help the spine maintain its natural curves.

Sleeping

• Don’t use thick pillows that push the head forward.

• Don’t sleep on your stomach (this position pushes the head back)."    (Continued via BellaOnlinie)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The technical challenge of making space travel easy

The ergonomics of designing for space travel ...

"One glance at the model rockets, space magazines and NASA knickknacks strewn across Marc Newson's desk tells you that he is a space freak. Newson has been obsessed by space for as long as he can remember, and whenever anyone asks what his dream design project would be, he says a space station.

He is now taking what he calls "a brilliant first step" toward that goal by working on the design of a spaceplane, a new leisure spacecraft that is part airplane and part rocket. "This is the sort of project I've always known that I'd love," said Newson. "It's been a huge challenge, technically and ergonomically, but most of all because we've had to deal with a whole lot of issues that didn't exist before. It's felt a bit like designing in the early days of flight."

The spaceplane was unveiled in Paris last week by its manufacturer, Astrium, part of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, as the latest challenger in the space tourism market. Like its archrival Virgin Galactic (where the French designer, Philippe Starck, is cast in Newson's role) Astrium plans to take people into space and straight back again. It expects to charge up to €200,000, or about $265,000, for a ticket when commercial flights start in 2012. Another competitor, Space Adventures, will offer multimillion-dollar eight-day holidays at a space station."    (Continued via International Herald Tribune)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Spaceplane

Rocketfish Twister Laser Mouse printer friendly version

A new mouse review that lacks ergonomic benefits ...

"While desk space often comes at a premium, space in your laptop bag is even more precious. That's why Rocketfish has designed its $45 Twister laser mouse, a flat rectangle smaller than a smart phone, to fit snugly in one of your bag's organizer pockets or even your back pocket if necessary. When you're ready to get to work, a twist of the lower third of the mouse creates a more traditional mouse shape, though we thought its rectangular edges still made mousing a bit uncomfortable, particularly given the Twister's small size. We appreciate the innovative design, and we like several of its features, such as a receiver that stows inside the mouse (also found on the more expensive Logitech VX Revolution) and software that lets you truly customize the mouse's few buttons. Also, people with smaller hands may appreciate the Twister's compact size. But despite these advantages, we found the Rocketfish Twister too small and awkward for sustained use.

The Rocketfish Twister's glossy black case feels sturdy enough to stand up to everyday abuse in your laptop bag, though it also comes with a neoprene sleeve for extra protection. For transit, the Rocketfish Twister stores into a flat rectangular shape that measures 3.4-inches wide, 2.2-inches deep, and 0.5-inch thick--one of the most compact travel mice we've seen and one that's uniquely shaped to fit inside your bag's organizer pockets. We love that the tiny USB receiver fits entirely inside the mouse when not in use; the mouse automatically turns off when the receiver is stowed, which saves power and ensures that the mouse won't accidentally turn on when it's in your bag.

When you're ready to get to work, the lower third of the mouse twists 180 degrees, snapping into an angled position that creates a more traditional mouse shape. This lift is important, as it holds your hand in a position that's closer to neutral. While that makes mousing with the Rocketfish Twister a bit more comfortable, it wasn't quite enough to combat the mouse's boxy shape, which is harder to grasp than more traditionally shaped mice. In addition, the mouse's small size makes it difficult to maintain an ergonomically appropriate wrist angle; our sensitive wrist began to ache after using the Twister for about five minutes. That said, we think users with smaller hands (for example, women who find traditional mice too large) may find the Twister to be perfectly comfortable."    (Continued via CNET Reviews)    [Usability Resources]

Rocketfish Twister Laser Mouse

Here Comes the Sun Are Your Eyes Ready for It

Sun is a problem for eyes as well as skin ...

"Most people know the harmful effects – such as premature aging and skin cancer – that ultraviolet (UV) rays can have on their skin. But many are not aware of the damage that UV rays can cause to the eyes. Possibly the most frightening aspect of UV damage is that it is cumulative; the negative effects may not present themselves until years later.

A recent survey sponsored by Transitions Optical Inc. revealed that although 82 percent of respondents knew that extended exposure to the sun could cause skin cancer, only 9 percent knew it could damage vision. Additionally, only one in six respondents said they wear sunglasses when they prepare for extended exposure to the sun and only one-third said they wear a hat.

“Most of us wouldn’t dream of staying outside in the sun without putting on sunscreen lotion,” said Daniel Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America. “But we also have to remember to wear both UV-blocking lenses and a brimmed hat to protect our eyes as well.”

Protecting the Eyes

Eyes can be protected from UV rays in two important ways: By knowing the dangers of UV rays (see sidebar) and by wearing proper eye protection and hats that block UV rays.

UV rays can come from many directions. Although they radiate directly from the sun, they also are reflected from the ground, water, snow, sand, glass, road and other bright surfaces.

Prevent Blindness America counsels anyone working or playing outside to use eyewear that absorbs UV rays and to wear a brimmed hat or cap. A wide-brimmed hat or cap will block about half of UV rays, according to the experts at Prevent Blindness America. A brimmed hat or cap also can limit UV rays that hit the eyes from above or around glasses.

Eyewear that absorbs UV rays offers the most protection. All types of eyewear, including prescription and non-prescription glasses, contact lenses and lens implants, should absorb UV-A and UV-B rays. For UV protection in everyday eyewear, there are several options, including UV-blocking lens materials, coatings and photochromic lenses. UV protection does not cost a lot of money and does not get in the way of seeing clearly."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Ethics of Safety

Building an organization on an ethical safety program ...

"In the last Leadership column, we discussed the motivations for leaders to improve safety – human compassion, building a performance platform and contributing to profitability. Among these, we have seen that the predominant motive driving safety leaders is a deep sense that it is the right thing to do.

This motive poses a noteworthy question: What role does safety play in helping leaders meet the demands placed on them by legislation, regulation, shareholders and the public at large for greater responsibility in, and oversight of, their organizations? It is our view that safety offers a natural starting point for building an ethical organization, once you acknowledge the principles that underlie ethical leadership and culture.

Safety and Ethics

Derived from the Greek work ethikos (“of or for morals”), ethics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of values or morality. The ancient philosophers who pioneered the study of ethics were largely concerned with the functioning of society as a whole and the individual’s role in it.

Today, ethics also relates to corporate social responsibility. What is it that we owe our employees, customers, shareholders and the community at large, and how does our fulfillment of these obligations ensure our long-term sustainability as a company?

Many leaders have come to see safety as the starting point for answering these questions. To them, providing a safe workplace lays the foundation for organizational excellence and integrity in strategic, financial and operational performance."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The art of reducing your computer's noise

Computer noise may not hurt your hearing but it may add to your stress ...

"Increasingly powerful PCs mean a greater need for cooling, but reducing the racket seems not to be a priority for manufacturers

...Nonetheless, computer noise is becoming a mainstream issue, especially since people are beginning to build media centre PCs into their home audio/video systems. And who wants to watch a great movie or listen to a fine piece of classical music over a high-pitched whine in the wrong key?

... Why not just ignore it? How well you can filter out noise depends on a number of factors, such as the sensitivity of your ears, the intensity and frequency of the noise, and how persistent it is. "The human auditory system adapts quite quickly," says Tom Stewart, founder and director of the ergonomics consultancy System Concepts. "So we tend not to be aware of how noisy an environment is [until equipment is switched off]. But the noise can contribute to our overall stress levels and tends to make us tense generally."

However, he says, hearing damage in modern offices is "unlikely". This is especially so since the Noise at Work Regulations came into force last year for most sectors. These set the level above which employers must take action at 80db - about the noise level of a tractor cab or very loud music. "Most offices are closer to 40db to 55db."    (Continued via Guardian Unlimited)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Kinesis Introduces Revolutionary, New Ergonomic Keyboard, the Freestyle

A new idea for an ergonomic keyboard ...

"Kinesis Corporation, the leading innovator of ergonomic computer input devices, announces the launch of the Freestyle Convertible keyboard. The Freestyle design incorporates two years of intensive research including input from both ergonomists and health professionals. The result is the first mainstream ergonomic keyboard to offer interchangeable configurations accommodating the needs of each user.

The Freestyle family consists of the Freestyle Solo™ keyboard, plus the Freestyle Incline™ and Freestyle VIP™ accessory kits. Each may be purchased separately to allow individuals and organizations to choose the features best suited for each person.

Freestyle Solo

The heart of the Freestyle lineup is the Solo keyboard. A traditional but compact key layout makes adaptation a breeze, but that's where traditional keyboard design ends. The Solo consists of two keying modules connected together by the flexible Pivot Tether™, which allows infinite adjustment of the front opening angle (splay). Removing the Pivot Tether allows the two modules to completely separate up to six inches, accommodating a range of shoulder widths (optional model provides 20 inch separation). Other features include:


-- Driverless hot keys replacing mouse-intensive actions.
-- Low-profile design to promote neutral wrist posture.
-- Narrow footprint allowing closer reach of a mouse.
-- Embedded 10-key with status LED. A separate 10-key is available for
intensive number crunchers.
-- Double wide Escape, Delete, and Backspace keys for faster editing.
-- Quiet and tactile key switches."    (Continued via Yahoo! Finance)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Freestyle Keyboard

OSHA Partnership Helps Reduce Ergonomic Injuries at the U.S. Postal Service

Reducing ergonomic injuries for postal workers ...

"U.S. Postal Service employees are experiencing fewer ergonomic injuries as a result of a 2003 partnership between the U.S.Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

... "By bringing management, unions and employees together to cooperatively identify potential hazards and ergonomic health risks, the Postal Service, through this partnership, is transforming its workplace safety and health ergonomic program into a model for both the public and private sector," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Through identification and resolution of ergonomic risks, the Postal Service has saved $1.8 million in workers' compensation costs and has had a 38 percent reduction in the musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) recordable rate."

The document illustrates several examples that could have resulted in an ergonomic-related injury and the proactive measures taken to correct the situation before a workplace injury occurred. Several of the protective measures cost less than $100 to implement.

Once the Ergonomic Risk Reduction Process (ERRP) is initiated, an ergonomist uses the 10-step process to identify jobs with high rates of MSDs. Those jobs are then broken down into tasks and steps. The ergonomic risk is then linked to the steps before identifying an implementation plan, obtaining feedback, and determining the cost to implement the solution."    (Continued via Yahoo! News)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Celebrating Health, Safety & Injury Prevention

About Hand Therapy and this week's convention ...

"Simply put, the goals of ergonomic intervention are to reduce the impact of an injury that is already established and to prevent injuries from occurring. For those with an interest in ergonomics and the prevention of traumatic and repetitive injuries, two concurrent health and safety observances taking place in June uphold these goals. June is the month to celebrate health, safety and injury prevention.

Hand Therapy Awareness and Injury Prevention Week : June 11-15, 2007

The American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) is sponsoring Hand Therapy Awareness and Injury Prevention Week from June 11-15, 2007. ASHT was founded in 1977 and provides support services to more than 3000 hand therapy professionals. Its stated mission is to advance the science of hand therapy. Its stated vision is to be the recognized leader the hand therapy field. ASHT accomplishes this through education, communication, advocacy, research, and the establishment of clinical and ethical standards in the hand therapy profession.

Certified hand therapists are occupational or physical therapists who have received special training and passed a national certification examination in the treatment of hand and arm injuries. To be certified shows a high-level of training and competence in the treatment of these injuries. Types of injuries treated by hand therapists include accidental and traumatic (fractures, cuts, bumps, bruises, sprains, amputation, burns), repetitive (carpal tunnel, tendinitis, tennis or golfer's elbow, nerve compressions, muscle strains), arthritic and neurological.

ASHT takes the position that the advantages of preventing injuries are just as important to discuss as the benefits of treating established injuries. Hand Therapy Awareness & Injury Prevention Week offers the opportunity for hand therapists to go into the community and provide information and tips for avoiding injuries and living a healthy and productive life."    (Continued via Bella Online)    [Ergonomics Resources]

No-pain Painting

Paint brush with an angle ...

"A new paint brush system - ComfortGlide - cleverly promises "to take the pain out of painting" with an ergonomically designed paint "handle."

Introduced in May at the National Hardware Show, it's only available online so far.

The brushes - with interchangeable heads - have an ergonomic handle that fit any size hand and give the same control in your right or left hand to relieve wrist stress. The brush heads come in five sizes and work with water or oil-based paints, stains and varnishes."    (Continued via The Enquirer)    [Ergonomics Resources]

ComfortGuide

Housekeeping's pain

Making a bed can cause injuries - if you do it several times per day ...

"Those comfy, thick comforters. The 300-count fine bed linens triple-sheeted on king-size beds with newer, heavy mattresses. Extra pillows. Robes, slippers, plush bath sheets. Refrigerators and coffee pots in every room.

It's heaven for hotel guests.

Not so much for the housekeepers.

"The worst part is the bed," said Terry Smith, a longtime housekeeper who estimates that she lifts the mattress eight times as she makes each bed.

... Joining Smith on the panel was ergonomics professor William Marras from Ohio State University. About a year before Smith started cleaning hotel rooms, Marras patented a device that, when worn by a worker, measures the twists, turns, exertions and other factors that lead to back and shoulder injuries.

Last year, Marras began to run tests on housekeepers, who in the Philadelphia area start out at an hourly wage of $7 to $13. What he found so astounded him that he ran the tests again. "I said: 'This can't be right.' "

By his calculations, a hotel housekeeper, changing sheets and wiping down showers in an air-conditioned, carpeted hotel room, is as much at risk for a back injury as a construction worker, lifting boards and hauling concrete.

"When I saw how many exertions per day they were exposed to, it made sense," he said.

"When you are making a bed, you are lifting the head or foot of the bed with lateral, twisting motions," he said. "When you do it quickly, that's where the problems are. There are good biomechanical reasons why it hurts."    (Continued via Inquirer)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Ergonomics Economics: Prevention is a Good Investment

Response to a negative view of ergonomics standards ...

"A post from Ergonomics Economics sound eerily similar to the climate change debate to me. Basically, industry tries to save money by ignoring problems until they reach crisis state. Whether it is the atmosphere or the human body, the same rules apply. It makes more financial sense to invest in prevention rather than waiting until crises arise and then paying for the damages.
Excerpts:

I believe there is a substantial difference in the standards of proof in finance and science, and this is responsible for a significant misallocation of resources in industry today. It is part of the story of why ergonomics is not utilized to maximize shareholder value.

Much of the argument over general duty citations and the ergonomics standard have revolved around whether there is a scientific basis for injuries being caused by biomechanical factors.

Opponents of ergonomics have focused on weaknesses of study designs and held research reports to the standards found in the medical science literature.

The standard of certainty in finance is less than it is in science, so profit-maximizing decision makers should not rely on policy-science discussions or analyses to inform them about whether to adopt ergonomics as an injury prevention strategy."    (Continued via The Ergonomenon)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Can You Really Learn While You Sleep

The benefits of sleep on cognitive function ...

"Long before scientists and researchers were dissecting what happens to our brains when we close our eyes at night, my mom (and probably yours as well) was doling out the simple secret of how to do well on the next day's big exam: get a good night's sleep.
According to an article on www.physorg.com, several research teams have found that sleep actually strengthens learning; it can help you to remember facts. In fact, a few years ago, a Harvard University study revealed that a good night's sleep can enhance movement skills, things like playing a piece of music, riding a bike, or throwing a ball the way you want.

Heck, they could have just talked to my mom and saved themselves some effort.

The researchers -- according to physorg.org -- created a number of test pictures that 56 young male and female subjects would not likely be familiar with, oval images of colorful abstract patterns. These quickly became known to the researchers and test takers as "Fabergé eggs" (see photo).

Participants, ages 18 to 30 years, were first shown a combination of five pairs of the eggs. The shapes were given ratings, and the subjects had to learn which shape rated higher and so should be chosen over another shape. For example, shape A should be chosen over B, B should be chosen over C, shape C over D, etc. What they were not told is that a hidden connection linked all five pairs together. They fit together a certain way on an imaginary chain.

The results? Those who got a good night's sleep performed best, those in the 20-minute group did the worst.

The study went on to prove that "sleeping on it" -- as the old saying goes -- is much more beneficial than cramming during an all-nighter. A good night's sleep shouldn't help just students preparing for a final exam but everyone dealing with near-overloads of critical information."    (Continued via DentalPlans.com)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Science vs. Finance

An argument for ergonomics prevention ...

"I believe there is a substantial difference in the standards of proof in finance and science, and this is responsible for a significant misallocation of resources in industry today. It is part of the story of why ergonomics is not utilized to maximize shareholder value.

Much of the energy behind widespread adoption of ergonomics as a prevention tool for work-related musculoskeletal disorders has been driven by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), mostly through the general duty clause. When the Bush Administration decided not promulgate an ergonomics standard, many companies seemed to turn their backs on ergonomics. Much of the argument over general duty citations and the ergonomics standard have revolved around whether there is a scientific basis for injuries being caused by biomechanical factors. Thus, the argument has been a combination of politics and science. As such, opponents of ergonomics have focused on weaknesses of study designs and held research reports to the standards found in the medical science literature.

However, I argue that this standard is quite higher than what a profit-maximizing agent such an investor or business use in decisions to allocate capital. Therefore, the entire ergonomics policy debate is irrelevant to the question of whether firms can maximize profit by carefully and thoughtfully applying ergonomics . Thus, when many businesses walked away from ergonomics after the demise of the ergonomics standard in 1999 they abandoned the opportunity to make money by wisely investing in ergonomic interventions.

This belief is the motivation for the ErgoBenefit project. It is intended to help guide business decision makers in making money through ergonomic investment."    (Continued via Ergonomics Economics)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Why is a flier in coach twisted like a pretzel?

The ergonomics of airline seats ...

"You and that pretzel you're eating in the airlines' cheap seats have something in common: You're twisted into a shape that's simply not natural.

Aircraft designers are trying to maximize the number of passengers and cope with a range of passenger sizes. As a result, seat design is a compromise, and comfort is now defined as the absence of pain and injury.

"We're trying to protect a woman a bit under 4 feet 11 and a man 6 feet 3 inches," says Klaus Brauer, Boeing's director of passenger satisfaction and revenue.

"In the course of a week, airlines face every conceivable body type on the planet," says Brauer, who's 6 feet 1 and 200-plus pounds.

If your economy seat also seems thinner and harder, that might be because it is. Airlines have been installing less padded, lighter seats while complying with an FAA regulation requiring that all aircraft built after October 2009 have seats designed to withstand 16 times the force of gravity (rather than the current nine).

For most passengers, legroom -- lack of it -- is a big issue, but it isn't the only one. Headrests can be fixed in "ouch" positions. And take those "ears" -- the projections at each side of the headrest designed to prevent head tilt when a passenger is asleep. They are positioned to be at, or below, the shoulders of tall passengers.

"One of those cases," says Brauer, "in which a well-intentioned enhancement can make [the tallest] passengers quite uncomfortable."

As Americans get taller and fatter, they're bound to "spill into other people's spaces," says Peter Budnick, president and chief executive of Park City, Utah-based Ergoweb Inc., an ergonomics consulting and training company that has examined airline seating from the standpoint of both ergonomics and anthropometry -- the study of the human body in relation to things people use."    (Continued via delawareonline)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Repetitive Strain Injury - A Computer User's Guide

A good introductory book to RSI ...

"Years ago, I had the good fortune to attend a conference at which Dr. Emil Pascarelli spoke. Considered to be one of the world's leading authorities on repetitive strain injuries, Dr. Pascarelli is as good a writer as he is a speaker. His book, Repetitive Strain Injury – A Computer User’s Guide, is highly recommended for anyone who works on a computer or at a desk. His first book, published in 1995, is an easy-to-read and concise summary of his approach to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). It was one of the first written about RSIs, and it continues to be one of the best.

Dr. Pascarelli began his study of RSIs not with computer users but with musicians who experienced upper body pain after intense practices and stressful performances. His successful approach was to treat the musician comprehensively by improving a combination of playing technique, positioning, posture and general physical conditioning. Similar problems – improper typing style, poor computer and work ergonomics, an ill-fitting workstation and equipment, a lack of postural awareness, and poor physical conditioning - were observed and addressed when computer users began seeking treatment at his clinic.

Deborah Quilter co-authored Repetitive Strain Injury - The Computer User’s Guide. Ms. Quilter is a journalist and an RSI sufferer who developed painful symptoms so severely that she was in danger of not being able to perform her job. After seeking treatment from Dr. Pascarelli and beginning the slow journey to recovery, Pascarelli and Quilter joined forces to write this guide as a resource to help those already dealing with RSI and to prevent others from developing it.

Between Dr. Pascarelli and Ms. Quilter, thousands of people suffering from RSIs have been observed, treated, and interviewed to provide the common-sense recovery and prevention information outlined in their Seven-Point Program. Their seven-points include the necessity to find a physician who can diagnose and treat the injury appropriately, to develop appropriate pain management techniques, to perform preventive stretching and strengthening exercises, to develop postural awareness, to acquire proper workstation positioning and equipment, to pace activity, and to have patience during the recovery of these slow-healing injuries.

The authors take the reader through all the steps of the RSI process beginning with a risk assessment, symptoms checklist, and discussion of common examination and treatment procedures. They then outline treatment options, give advice on performing daily activities in less physically demanding ways, provide vision care and exercise guidelines, and discuss the emotional aspects of living with an RSI. Lastly, Dr. Pascarelli and Ms. Quilter outline prevention techniques through ergonomics, workstation set-up, and typing retraining."    (Continued via Bella Online)    [Usability Resources]

Human Factors Methods for Design: Making Systems Human-Centered



Check-out more books at Usernomics.

Home Safety Month Focuses on Top 5 Hazards

A home safety program ...

"According to research from the nonprofit Home Safety Council (HSC), home injuries result in nearly 21 million medical visits and 20,000 deaths on average each year. To increase home safety awareness among families across the nation, HSC in June plans to unveil its annual “Hands on Home Safety” campaign during Home Safety Month.

Throughout the month of June, HSC will offer an expanded suite of resources and educational opportunities that encourage the public to take action and follow a few simple steps to create a safer home environment from the five leading causes of injury – falls, poisonings, fires and burns, choking/suffocation and drowning.

“Issues like falls and home fires can affect any family. This year's 'Hands on Home Safety' campaign is focused on the key actions families need to take to protect against the most common home safety hazards,” HSC President Meri-K Appy said. “The Home Safety Council urges families to make a few simple changes now to create a safer home environment and reduce serious injury risks year-round.”

The “Hands on Home Safety” theme is incorporated in all Home Safety Month activities and materials, including educational posters and brochures, interactive games and downloadable home safety checklists in both English and Spanish."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards)    [Ergonomics Resources]