How One City Tackles Freezing Offices, Denver's Mayor Issued A Decree To Raise Temperatures Four Degrees

Cold in the summer ...

"It may be 90 degrees in Denver, but Kim Devigil walks into work knowing the temperature is about to dive. "I bring sweaters, I always wear suit coats, and I have my space heater," says Kim, who works for MillerCoors.

You might expect the brewery to be ice cold, but not the office building. "In general, we're all cold, most all the time," says fellow MillerCoors employee Aimee Valdez.

"Isn't that crazy? And here we are at a time of $140 barrels of oil, and we are wasting that energy to make people uncomfortable," Denver's Mayor John Hickenlooper tells correspondent Hattie Kauffman. "Uncomfortably cold!"

So Hickenlooper decreed that all city buildings should raise the thermostat four degrees. "It saves money, it's benevolent to the environment and it makes people happy, right? It's more comfortable. What's not to like?" he says.

Wanting to cut their energy bills, Qwest and MillerCoors signed on as well, even if it meant warmer offices.

The companies that adopted the mayor's proposal may have thought they were asking their employees to make a sacrifice. But the workers Kauffman talked to welcomed the higher temperatures.

For some, like Kim, raising the thermostat four degrees barely makes a dent. "It's still cold," she says.

But others, like Aimee, say they extra four degrees have made a difference. "And I'm glad that we did it, too, because, you know, we don't need it that cold. And I'm sure it saves a ton of energy."

Some, like Helen Tanner, were caught unaware by the rising temperatures. "I did notice the temperature change. And I was complaining, it was like 'Wow, is it just me having a hot flash?'" she jokes.

Professor Alan Hedge from Cornell University visited The Early Show to discuss the issue. He is the director of Cornell's ergonomics laboratory and has studied the effects of cold offices.

He says many offices are way too cold in the summer. "We know that about 40 percent of people have problems with the temperature in these buildings throughout the summer," he says.

Asked what these cold offices do to productivity, Hedge says, "Our research shows productivity goes way down. People actually do less work and they make more mistakes when the temperature is too cold."

So why do they keep it so cold?

"Because what happens in buildings is think of a building like a refrigerator. Somebody sets the temperature and whatever is in the refrigerator gets that temperature. That's what happens in a building. So the buildings usually are set with a temperature set way too cold for most of the people in the building," he explains."    (Continued via CBS News)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Big Chill Video

Rest your Wrists when you're Writing on the go

New way to rest your rists on your laptop ...

"Computer Intelligence, Inc. has launched its Intelligels(R) line of wrist rests for laptop computers. These patent-pending wrist rests were designed to differentiate themselves from the dozens of different wrist rests sold for desktop computers and the few sold for laptops. The goal of this unique design is to provide comfort and relieve the pain and discomfort to the palms and wrists while typing on a hot and hard laptop case. While simple in appearance and design, Intelligels(R) offers two versions of the wrist rest, SoftGEL and Lycra nylon SoftFOAM.

Michael E. Zuckerman, CEO and founder of Computer Intelligence, Inc., has been in the computer industry for over 25 years. As a business analyst, IT developer and road-warrior consultant he has spent many hours working uncomfortably on his laptop and began to experience signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. As a direct result of this and unable to find anything in the market to solve his problem, Mr. Zuckerman designed Intelligels(R) laptop computer wrist rests. With the two styles Computer Intelligence offers a broader selection of product solutions for the consumer, whether student, road-warrior or gamer.

Place the rectangular-shaped Intelligels(R) directly on the case of the laptop where you rest the heels of your hands. In the center is a one-size-fits-all cutout area so you can access your integrated touchpad and mouse click buttons. Both work seamlessly with Intelligels(R).

SoftGEL Intelligels(R) is composed of polyurethane gel for a soft supportive feel while offering a cool feel to your hand. The available colors are lime green, red, orange, blue, pink and black. Therefore, you can add your own personal touch to your computer and keep up with market trends in laptop colors from the leading manufacturers such as Dell(R) and Sony(R).

SoftFOAM Intelligels(R) is a Lycra nylon covered rest injected with soft foam on a rubber non-skid base. This too provides excellent ergonomic comfort and relief with a curved resting position for the heel of you hands and more cushion. Lycra SoftFOAM rests are available in black, grey and navy blue. Both wrist rests do not slip and stay in place while resting on your laptop for more control. Then you can remove and store the Intelligels when not in use.

As noted on the US Department of Labor's OSHA's website concerning the proper positioning of your hand/wrist in the use of computers: "Your hands should move freely and be elevated above the wrist/palm rest while typing. When resting, the pad should contact the heel or palm of your hand, not your wrist." Intelligels(R) laptop wrist rests are designed to provide this exact type of support!"    (Continued via Usability News, Intelligels)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Stretching for the Computer Athlete

Good exercises if you are sitting at a computer all day ...

"People often sit in poor or awkward postures while working on the computer, playing on gaming systems, using a laptop, and even manipulating hand held electronic devices. These postures can cause stress to the body. Over time, these body stressors may develop into repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis.

Stretching and strengthening programs can be instrumental in easing the rounded shoulder and forward head postures that develop from computer or desk activities. A recent study shows that stretching may not only improve flexibility but can also enhance performance making people stronger and increasing their endurance (Chronic Static Stretching Improves Exercise Performance; October 2007; Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise).

The study also suggests that stretching is an important part of an exercise program for those who are out of shape or just beginning an exercise program.

Here are a few recommended stretches for the computer athlete –
(Stretches should never hurt. Stop if you have pain. Hold the stretch gently. Do not bounce).

* Stretch the Pecs
Face a corner with the forearms resting against adjoining walls, hands placed at about ear height. Put one foot in front of the other. Gently lunge forward (bending the knee of the leg in front) keeping the back straight. As the chest presses forward towards the corner, you should feel a stretch through the chest muscles. Hold for a count of thirty. Repeat three to five times.
(see picture at toneyourbones.com)

* Squeeze the Shoulder Blades
Place your hands gently on the table in front of you. Leaving your hands on the table and keeping your shoulders relaxed, squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for a count of five. Repeat five times.
(see picture at toneyourbones.com)

* Chin Tuck
Begin in a good, relaxed posture. Slide your chin back as if you are trying to give yourself a double-chin. Look straight ahead and do not tip your head up or down. Hold for five seconds. Repeat 5 times.
(see picture at silvafamilychiropractic.com, position 1)

* Head Tilt (Scalenes Stretch)
Begin in a good, relaxed posture. Tilt the right ear to the right shoulder. Hold for ten seconds. Modify position by slightly rotating the head as if you are looking at the ceiling. Hold for ten seconds. Modify position again by slightly rotating as if you are looking down towards the floor. Hold for ten seconds. Bring the head back to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
(see picture at silvafamilychiropractic.com, positions 2, 3 and 4)

* Triceps Stretch
Place the right hand on the left shoulder. Place the left hand on the right elbow. Push the elbow towards your chin as if you are reaching for an object behind your left shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times. Then repeat on the other side.
(see picture at adam.about.com)"    (Continued via BellaOnline, Marji Hajic)    [Ergonomics Resources]

SatNav danger revealed: Navigation device blamed for causing 300,000 crashes

Distraction from satnav cause accidents ...

"About 300,000 motorists have crashed because of a satnav, the Mirror has found.

Around 1.5 million drivers have suddenly veered dangerously or illegally in busy traffic while following its directions.

And five million have been sent the wrong way down a one-way street.

Katie Shephard of safety charity Brake warned lives were in danger and said: "Anyone buying a satnav must consider whether they can be safe on the road."

Campaigners fear many of the the 14 million users put lives in peril by slavishly following their instructions and also neglecting road safety.

One in 10 drivers with a satnav says following its instructions made them take a dangerous or illegal turn.

Twice as many blame the gadget for making them hesitate on a busy road and lose track of road traffic.

More than one in 50 - almost 300,000 drivers - say it has caused or nearly caused an accident.

Maggie Game of insurance giant Direct Line, which carried out the survey for the Mirror, warned: "If a satnav gives you an instruction that is likely to endanger other road users, ignore it.

"Motorists must realise that while they are a helpful navigation tool, they should not follow their instructions to the detriment of road safety."    (Continued via Usability News, mirror.co.uk)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Sat Nav

The Mouse Bridge - Improving Mouse Position

Avoiding CTS by positioning the wrist properly ...

"A mouse bridge is a simple way of bringing the mouse in closer to your optimal work space while working at the computer. Typically, people tend to reach forward or out away from the body for the mouse. Because the keyboard tray may be too small to accommodate both the keyboard and the mouse, the mouse is often placed wherever space tends to be available, often to the far side of the keyboard or on a desk surface. Using a mouse bridge can make mousing activity more comfortable and less stressful on the body. Although the mouse bridge does cover the numerical keypad and prevents its use, the bridge can be easily moved for access to the keypad when necessary.

How Does A Mouse Bridge Work?

Ergonomically, the mouse converts the numerical keyboard pad into a mousing surface. This eliminates some of the awkward reaching or the awkward wrist angles that occur during mousing activity and that can contribute to repetitive strain injuries such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

What is a Mouse Bridge?

A mouse bridge is simply a thin piece of plastic or metal with shallow legs that fits over the numerical pad of the keyboard. Depending upon the type and shape of the keyboard, the style of this bridge may vary.

Who Needs to Use a Mouse Bridge?

Using a mouse bridge is the perfect ergonomic adaptation for those who have short keyboard trays that do not have a mouse tray attachment or for those who have limited desk space that places the mouse more than a half an arm’s reach away from the body during use. It is also helpful for those who have placed the keyboard and the mouse at different working levels.

When Will a Mouse Bridge Work the Best?

The mouse bridge is appropriate for right-handed mousers who spend a majority of time at the computer using a mouse but who do not use the numerical pad section of the keyboard. It can also be used by those who have distinct work tasks that use either the keyboard or the numerical pad at separate times.

What Styles are Available?

* The Standard Mouse Bridge has legs that rest on the same surface as the keyboard (on the desk or the keyboard tray). It is larger as it fits around the keyboard and is good for those who have a standard style keyboard.
* The Flat Mouse Bridge is the smallest bridge. It rests on the keyboard itself. It can be used with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard or with pull-out keyboard trays with limited space availability.
* A Rear Mouse Bridge has legs that can be adjusted (raised) for extra clearance for higher keyboards or if the keyboard has a cable at the right rear.
* A side mouse bridge is also available for use with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard."    (Continued via BellaOnline, Marji Hajic)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Carpal Tunnel Culprits for Commuters

CTS for commuters ...

"Carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t limited to employees who spend their days at the keyboard – it also can affect workers commuting long hours by car or using cell phones while driving.

“Repeated, prolonged gripping of anything – whether it’s a steering wheel or a tool – can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome,” said Jennifer Valle, occupational therapist and certified hand therapist at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. “There are activities you can do and modifications you can make to help alleviate the risk of developing carpal tunnel.”

For example, drivers should keep their hands in line with their elbows while behind the wheel. They also should hold their wrists straight.

“If you imagine the steering wheel as a clock, the best position to put your wrist in would actually be at three o’clock and nine o’clock,” Valle explains.

Drivers using cell phones while commuting often hold the phones with bent wrists, which can lead to carpal tunnel over time. Experts encourage these drivers to get an earpiece or headset to avoid physically holding the phone. Of course, the safest practice may be to turn off the phone entirely while driving. (See Danger Ahead! Cell Phones and Driving for more information.)

Experts say most people who already have developed carpal tunnel symptoms can reverse them by making simple changes. Wrist splints, for example, can be just as effective for commuters as they are for typists. These splints, which can be found in most pharmacies, force the wrist to remain in a straight position and can be beneficial for drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards, Laura Walter)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Mouse Uses "Alien Technology" to Relieve Stress and RSI

Another shot at an ergonomic mouse ...

"Whenever a gadget is focused on ergonomics, buckle up for some seriously weird looking design. A prime example of this phenomenon can be seen in this "Alien Mouse" concept from designer Mizanur Rehman. The idea was to create a mouse that would strictly adhere to the principles of ergonomics and provide maximum comfort by molding itself to the user's hand with a body constructed of soft gel and cellulose. It even features a pulsating central core that reverberates throughout the frame to help relieve stress.

As for the controls—all functionality is handled by the sphere-shaped section at the top. A central joystick is flanked by fairly standard right and left click buttons, but the layout of the controls means that the mouse never needs to be physically moved. As mentioned, the Alien Mouse is only in the concept stage at this point, so I doubt that we will be seeing it on store shelves anytime soon. Hell, we may not even be using a computer mouse in 5 years time (if "experts" are to be believed)."    (Continued via Gizmondo)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Alien Mouse

New Spine-health.com Survey Shows 50% of Workers Absent 10 or More Days in Past Year Due to Back Pain

Easing pressure on your spine ...

"A new online survey by Spine-health (www.spine-health.com) shows that back and neck pain and their related health problems are causing productivity troubles at the workplace. The Spine-health.com survey of more than 750 respondents found that 50 percent reported missing work for 10 or more days due to back-related problems. Another 29 percent of respondents said chronic pain kept them off the job for as many as nine days over the last year, according to the survey. Spine-health.com is a 2,000 page online resource written and reviewed by doctors for patients with back pain, chronic pain, and related health issues.

“Health problems caused by long hours sitting in front of a computer are jeopardizing the health of the workforce, and affecting corporate America’s ability to compete in the global economy,” according to Dr. Peter F. Ullrich, Medical Director of Spine-health and an orthopedic spine surgeon at the Neurospine Center of Wisconsin. “These survey results indicate business will reap great economic and competitive benefits by helping their employees address personal behaviors and habits that hurt their backs.”

Whether you’re a web designer, lawyer, researcher or engineer, you are at risk because back problems don’t discriminate. The criteria are simple. If you sit in an office chair and work at a computer for most of your day, than you have a potential back problem in the making.

“If your job involves sitting at a desk in front of a computer, you are at risk for developing pain associated with sprains and strains to your spine. Poor posture and lack of vascular circulation aggravate the situation.” said Doctor Stephen Hochschuler, MD, spine surgeon and Co-founder of The Texas Back Institute (www.TexasBack.com). “Spine-health offers useful tips that are aimed at helping workers of all ages prevent back and neck pain, which can develop as early as your 20s and 30s and continue to progress over time,” he added.

As a result of this recent survey, Spine-health is offering tips on preventing back and neck pain with “Five Ways to Turn Back the Clock on Computer-related Back Issues”:

1. Just move. Your body can only tolerate one position for 20 minutes at a time, 30 minutes maximum. Learn the Reverse Arch Stretch exercise that can be done right in your office chair and literally takes just a few seconds to do.

2. Avoid hunching. Sitting at the front of your office chair, hunching forward to see the computer screen, is the WRONG way to use your chair. Try the tennis ball technique for 30 days and see if you can “retrain” your posture.

3. Choose an adjustable office chair. Make sure it has the flexibility to adjust to the needs of your body and your work and can support your low back and create good posture. When looking for an office chair, choose one that has the right ergonomics and consider these additional features:

* Adjustable seat height
* Enough seat width and depth
* Lumbar adjustment
* Adjustable back rest
* Padded seat material
* Adjustable arm rests
* Swivel"    (Continued via Yahoo! Finance)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Kinesis Freestyle V3 & Other "Tenting Accessories" for Ergonomic Keyboards

The value of tenting keyboards ...

"When I first starting have trouble with RSI, it was hard to find a keyboard that actually made a difference. There were some ergonomic keyboards on the market, but I ended up resorting to voice recognition software for quite a while (and if you've ever wanted to feel stupid, trying dictating a fantasy novel to your computer... it'll do all sorts of interesting things with the names of your major characters). Fortunately these days, I'm able to make a living while only working an hour or two a day (see my latest blog for more on that: Writing for Your Wealth) and my RSI doesn't bother me nearly as much. That doesn't keep me from gawking at all the interesting new ergonomic keyboards and accessories though.

For instance, Kinesis has a new accessory out for their popular "Solo" split keyboard (I don't have a Solo but dropped the $300 for one of their contoured ergonomic keyboards a few years back and found it well worth the money--once I got used to the funky layout):

The Kinesis Freestyle V3 "clips onto the base of the Solo keyboard and enables users to set slope settings of 5, 10, and 15 degrees without using any tools." Like a little more angle to your split keyboard? Try the Ascent Multi-Tent, which " enables both vertical and variable keyboard tenting, letting users independently set the tenting angle of each module in 10 degree increments from 20 all the way up to 90 degrees."    (Continued via Ergoblog)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Kinesis Freestyle V3

Monitor Position & Ergonomic Tips

The position of the monitor can impact on your comfort while working on a computer. If you are experiencing neck, shoulder or back pain, or if you have eye strain or tension headaches, the following tips may help relieve computer-related discomfort.

TO REDUCE NECK, SHOULDER AND BACK STRAIN:

* Center the monitor in front of the keyboard so that you are facing it directly.
* The area of the screen at which most work is accomplished should be about 15 to 20 degrees below eye level. A screen that is too high or too low will cause awkward positioning of the head, neck, shoulders and back.
o Try this exercise – Hold a newspaper in front of you. Read the print at eye level. Now slightly lower the paper. You will find that the eyes feel more relaxed if you are reading at a slightly downward angle.
* Tilt your monitor upward so that the base is slightly closer to you. This improves legibility of print and reduces eye strain.
o Try this exercise – Hold a business card in front of you. Slightly rotate the top of the card away from you. You will find that the eyes feel more comfortable reading the text positioned at a slight angle.
* Install the monitor on a swivel arm so you can easily make small adjustments in height and distance throughout the day.


TO REDUCE EYE STRAIN AND FATIGUE:

* Adjust the brightness of the screen so that it is equal to the area directly behind it.
* Sit about an arm’s length away for a standard size monitor. Larger monitors should be placed farther away.
o Sitting too close causes eye strain as the eyes try to converge on the text and causes awkward positioning from leaning back to get away from the screen.
o Sitting too far can cause awkward positioning from leaning forward and eye fatigue from straining to see small print.
* Adjust the font size and color to improve ease of reading and prevent eye strain. Black text on a white background is usually the easiest to read.
* Purchase glasses that are prescribed specifically for computer use. Using bifocals causes awkward neck positioning when bifocal users try to view the monitor through the bottom portion of the lens. If you do need to wear bifocals at the computer, lower the screen below the recommended height for non bi-focal users.
* Clean the screen of dust to improve image quality.
* Be aware of other factors that may distort image quality causing eye strain such as electromagnetic fields caused by electrical equipment located close to the computer.
* Follow the 20/20/20 rule. Take a twenty second break every 20 minutes and look 20 feet away."    (Continued via Bella Online, Marji Hajic)    [Ergonomics Resources]

3 Fitness Resources for the Deskbound

A little exercise at your desk will help a bit ...

"The bedouin-style web worker may get plenty of exercise thanks to a lifestyle of hopping from coffeeshop to co-working site. But the sad reality is that most web workers are also desk workers: we spend the day in front of our computers, sitting on our backsides. As a result, fitness does not run particularly high for web workers. What if you want to change that?

At a minimum, you need to invest time (and perhaps money) in basic ergonomics: choose your desk wisely, be nice to your eyes, and find a good chair. But then what? Assuming that you don’t want to spend the money on a Walkstation or Geek-a-Cycle, you can still improve your fitness in the office with some simple plans.1. Reduce tension and pain with stretching. That link leads to a page from the Michigan State University ergonomics folks. If you find yourself achy after a day at the computer, you may just be sitting too long in one position. Stretching exercises won’t make you stronger, but they will get you to a baseline point where you’re ready to move on from pain to health.

2. Isometrics instead of the gym. About.com hosts this page of excerpts from The Entrepreneur Diet with a set of exercises you can do right at your desk. With isometric exercises, you don’t bounce all over the place, but work your muscles against each other, your desk, and your chair. Sounds ineffective, but folks like The Great Samson swore by isometrics.

3. Get yourself active for more benefits. Ready to move on from isometrics but not sure what to do next? This page at wikiHow has a miscellaneous set of suggestions ranging from proper posture to hopping up to do pushups while you’re waiting for long downloads to finish. The key is to not assume that desk work has to make you 100% sedentary. Especially if you’re working at home, there’s no reason not to do a few jumping jacks the next time you’re rebooting.

Will this sort of desk-based exercise make you as buff as spending 5 nights a week at the gym? Probably not. But if your current status is “lump,” getting started with simple fitness steps will do you a world of good."    (Continued via WebWorkerDaily, Mike Gunderloy)    [Usability Resources]

Last Appeal Against Construction Ergonomics Standard Denied

Voluntary standard for MSD upheld ...

"A final effort to have the ANSI/ASSE A10.40-2007 American National Standard, Reduction of Musculoskeletal Problems in Construction withdrawn has been dismissed by the American National Standards Institute Appeals Board Panel. The appeal had been brought by the Construction Industry Employer Coalition, a group of five construction trade associations, which has been trying to block the standard since it was approved by the ANSI/ASSE A10 Accredited Standards Committee on Construction and Demolition Operations in 2006.

The board upheld its approval of the standard after an appeal hearing on March 14, 2008, and the coalition then appealed again, on May 5 -- the last appeal available under ANSI procedures.

The voluntary standard aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through risk assessment and the hierarchy of controls, training, PPE, and assessment of workers' physical capabilities. For help in preventing MSDs in construction, ASSE recommends a NIOSH booklet that is available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-122/. ASSE's position statement on ergonomics is online ..."    (Continued via Occupational Health & Safety)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Thongs no better than heels

Your feet suffer from high heals as well as thongs ...

"Slipping on a pair of thongs after a day in heels may not be such a good idea, writes Howard Schneider.

It was near the end of the Sex And The City film, after the starlets had worn high heels in the snow, at the pool, to the beach and, of course, to bed. It was after the one who got pregnant went jogging and we were not allowed to see what she was wearing on her feet, and after the only visible shoes I remember spotting other than high heels had made an appearance (flats worn by an office intern).

That's when I started wondering: what are their feet going to look like in another 10 years, after being crammed down a drainpipe? Because those women look as if they've been stuck in heels since before they could walk.

Sex And The City coincided with what became the Year of Evil Shoes at the American College of Sports Medicine's annual meeting, where delegates discussed how different types of footwear - thongs and high heels - might adversely influence fitness.

There is a long trail of evidence on the problems caused by high heels, including bunions, hammertoe, shortening of the Achilles tendon and stress fractures.

To that list, the conference added a new worry when Louisiana Tech University researchers noted that as people in high heels walk down stairs, the dynamics of their gait shift markedly from how they would descend barefoot or in low-heeled shoes. Force is transferred away from the heel (which normally carries the weight of the stride but in this case has little to balance on) and towards the toe. How does that affect the rest of the foot and lower body? Would you want to be in a plane that was landing nose first?

Thongs also came under scrutiny, with new research showing that they, too, alter the way people walk. People shorten and slow their stride and scrunch their toes in a way that increases the angle of the ankle as the foot goes through its gait.

Auburn University researcher Justin Shroyer says the departure point for his study was that people wearing thongs for extended periods experience lower-leg pain. His research does not show what might cause that but it does suggest that walking on a centimetre of moulded plastic might not be the best idea.

"Anything that deviates from normal and you do it for a prolonged period of time, it may cause problems," Shroyer says. After all, fitness is not just about the gym. We worry about office ergonomics for good reason: small stresses can compound into major problems. Why not pay the same attention to what's on our feet?"    (Continued via theage.com.au)    [Ergonomics Resources]

High Healed Thongs

Brain Strain: Effectively Addressing Headaches at the Workplace

Tips for avoiding headaches in the workplace ...

"Wellness has become part of big-business protocol, because numerous studies have shown that fitness, health, and mental well-being improve their employees work production and reduce sick days, ultimately saving the company a lot of money.

There are a number of physical issues that were prevalently known in the workforce and are addressed. Offices commonly set up the workstation ergonomically to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain. However, the National Headache Foundation (NHF) recently released a survey on headaches at the workplace and 93 percent of the respondents reported that their employers did not make information on treatment or prevention of work-related headaches available. Ninety-nine percent of these respondents did experience headaches while on the job, yet 66 percent of the respondents stated that they did not report their headaches to there supervisors, because they did not feel that their supervisors would be sympathetic. They also not want to come across as “needy or whiny.”


It is important for workplaces to become aware of this problem, because headaches have lead to missed workdays (half of the respondents reported missing anywhere from one to three days per month), reduced productivity, and the ability to concentrate, as well as interfering with their mood and behavior.

The National Headache Foundation (NHF) has sent out a number of tips to address prevention of work-related headaches that respondents attributed to on the job stress, fluorescent lighting, computer glare, and eyestrain:

One. Get help. Discuss the connection between your headaches and work with your healthcare provider. He or she can help you determine your treatment options.

Two. Track your headaches. Using a headache diary, track your headaches for three months. Download a free headache diary at www.headaches.org and bring your results to your healthcare professional to review and determine whether your headaches are associated with workplace triggers.

Three. Eliminate florescent lighting."    (Continued via Epoch Times, Tysan Lerner)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Workplace Stress

Now web browser s/w for visually impaired

Free software for website reading by visually impaired ...

"Lighthouse International, a leader in advocating accessibility for people with low vision, is announcing an innovative new add-on software tool that will enable millions of people worldwide with low vision to access previously inaccessible web pages.

While existing programs enable blind people to access the web effectively, LowBrowse is the first program to enable people with moderate or severe low vision to both view web pages as the original web author intended and read the text on those pages tailored to their own visual needs.

The highly anticipated program, which runs in conjunction with theMozilla Firefox browser, will be offered at no charge and is expected to be available to the public for download via the Firefox add-on site in late summer or early fall of 2008.

LowBrowse is part of a larger research project on low vision user interface design headed by Aries Arditi PhD, Senior Fellow in Vision Science at Lighthouse International, under a grant from the National Eye Institute. "This technology enables all the text on a website to be presented in the same readable format - size, color, font and spacing - regardless of which page is being viewed and without having to navigate to the next line," said Arditi, a vision scientist and an expert in web accessibility."    (Continued via CIOL News Reports)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Best temperatures for these tasks

Everyday common temperatures to remember ...

"Job at hand: Serving wine

Ideal temperature: White wine, 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit; red wine, 60 to 65 degrees.

Why should you care? The image of your mother-in-law making a face as she drinks your warm Merlot will haunt you for years to come.

No thermometer? Try this... "Take whites out of the refrigerator up to 20 minutes before serving; put reds in about 20 minutes before serving," says Kevin Toomajian, a wine expert at Copia, a wine-education center in Napa, California.

Job at hand: Filling a vase for cut flowers

Ideal temperature: Water temperature of 90 to 100 degrees.

Why should you care? "Warm water travels better up the stems, allowing the blooms to hydrate and develop properly," says Cecelia Heffernan, author of Flowers A to Z.

No thermometer? Try this... The water should feel like bathwater. Exceptions: spring-bulb flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. These prefer a cooler soak (think pool water). Real Simple: How to make flowers last longer.

... Job at hand: Being productive at work

Ideal temperature: 72 to 78 degrees.

Why should you care? Studies show productivity drops when temperatures dip below 72 degrees. (More than 78 degrees might make you sleepy, but experts say most offices with A/C don't get that hot.)

No thermometer? Try this... Can't turn up the thermostat? Put a wrap on your chair seat to act as an insulator and raise your body temperature, says Alan Hedge, a professor of ergonomics at Cornell University."    (Continued via CNN.com)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Heavy Backpacks Injure Thousands Annually

Tips for avoiding backpack injuries ...

"According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 7,000 children were injured last year due to overloaded backpacks, some weighing as much as 45 pounds. Experts recommend that backpacks weigh no more than 10-to-15 percent of a child's weight. The average backpack weighs in at 20 percent.

"In fact, 10 percent to 19 percent of children miss school or sports activities every year because of pain caused by heavy backpacks," said Matthew Dobbs, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children's Hospital. "And 30 to 50 percent of adolescents complain of pain related to backpack use."

Dobbs says pediatricians can help their patients avoid injuries from using backpacks by stressing to them the following:

* Limit personal items.
* Don't carry the pack by hand or sling it over one shoulder. Use both straps over the shoulders to distribute the weight evenly.
* Wear backpacks over the strongest muscles, located in the midback.

"Adolescent girls ages 11 to 16 are most at risk, which may be attributed to the rapid growth spurt they experience during this age range and the susceptibility of rapidly growing spines to back pain. In addition, girls often weigh less than boys, but still carry the same amount of backpack weight," Dobbs said. "Kids who walk to and from school are also more likely to suffer back pain from heavy packs because duration of use increases the risk of injury."    (Continued via Occupational Health & Safety)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The right way to sit

More on posture and seating ergonomics ...

"Are you among those who spend most of their time sitting at their office desk and end up having a back pain? Studies show that eight out of every 10 adults who spend more time sitting suffer from some form or backache.

Working for more than 8-10 hrs before a computer has depleted both the mental and physical condition of people. Backache has emerged as one of the lifestyle problems especially for those working in a 24x7 work environment like call centres and BPOs.
Exact reason

According to a survey by the NGO Health India, 51 per cent of people in Delhi suffer from back pain; in Mumbai, it is 56 per cent. Surprisingly many don’t know the exact reason and often blame sagging mattress or potholed roads.

A faulty sitting posture is one of the leading causes of back pain among white collared workers. One should take precautionary measures as soon as the initial problem begins. Identify the offending postures and correct it immediately. Apply a hot water bottle or gently massage the affected area with a pain reliever. But if the pain persists for more than two weeks or if associated with fever, leg pain or weakness consult a doctor immediately.

Usually, people are ignorant about their sitting style, as most of them are unaware of the correct sitting posture and behaviour.

“It’s been more than four months when the awful spasms first started and now it has become a normal routine. I sit for almost 10 hours on chair at the computer in a day but am not very sure as to what is the right sitting posture,” rues Neelima Choudhary, 24 years, an employee of Heal India.

Research shows that apart from obesity, Office Ergonomics is a leading factor that contributes to backache. Normally, bright lighting or sources that cause a glare on your monitor may force you to work in awkward postures to have a better view of the screen. Follow the ergonomic seating tips and ensure that you remain free from back pain.

The writer is a Delhi-based orthopaedician.
Tips to avoid backache

Always maintain good sitting posture

If pain occurs, apply some pain balm like Iodex instead of relying on drug management initailly.

Do not sit continuously for a long duration at a stretch. Stand up, stretch your back muscles, and stroll around for a few minutes.

Do small jobs like fetching a glass of water or files

Avoid extensive, continuous traveling. Take short breaks

Avoid high heeled shoes

Choose your chair according to

your height and comfort.

See your doctor if pain persists for more than two weeks.
Ergonomic seating

Ensure that your hands, wrists, and forearms are in a row, almost parallel to the floor.

Ensure that your head and torso are in-line with head slightly bent forward, facing the front and balanced.

Ensure that your shoulders are at ease with upper arms hanging normally at the sides.

Ensure that your elbows are close to your body and bent between 90 and 110 degrees.

The feet should be either supported by a footrest or relaxing on the floor.

Ensure that your knees and hips are in almost the same height with your feet slightly forward."    (Continued via The Hindu, Yash Gulati)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Sit Upright

The First Facility Management Blog: Scholarship For Ergonomics Students

Scholarships available in ergonomics ...

"Humantech, Inc. is assisting students in the pursuit of ergonomics-related education with its 2008-2009 ergonomics college scholarship program. Through the program, a $1,500 scholarship in each of three degree programs —undergraduate (junior and senior only), masters, and doctorate—will be awarded this coming fall.

“We at Humantech are very excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the education of emerging thought leaders pursuing studies in ergonomics related fields” said Josh Kerst, vice president. “This year we’ve defined the program even further to recognize students at the undergraduate, masters, and doctorate levels.”

Scholarship applicants must be pursuing degrees in ergonomics, human factors, kinesiology, human kinetics, industrial engineering, or a related field; demonstrate a passion for advancing the field of ergonomics; have a strong academic background; and supply an example of an original project or unique practical application in ergonomics."    (Continued via Today's Facility Manager)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Futuristic german car factories (videos)

Ergonomically efficient future factories ...

"Henry Ford’s car assembly line is a symbol modern manufacture, yet the town where it originated has become a ruin and Toyota is now worth ten times the value of both Ford and General Motors combined.

Car manufacture moved to the next level with the widespread introduction of robotics, by the Japanese, however German car factories have recently created a truly futuristic vision of manufacture, where both architecture of the factory and the machinery within it, have become an integrated work of art.

The Autostadt visitor center at the VW factory in Wolfsburg, which involved commissioning over 400 architects, features 200 foot tall robotic silos at the end of the production line (reminiscent of the people farms in the Movie, the Matrix), where customers can pick up their newly manufactured cars. In Dresden the VW assembly plant, designed by Hann is an eco-friendly, transparent building right in the center of the city, with glass walls and maple floors, where tourists are encouraged to view the cars being put together in pristine surroundings. Leipzig features possibly the world’s most architecturally significant plant, a stunning building designed by the folks working at Zaha Hadid."    (Continued via oobject)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Future Assembly Line

Of mice and men at work

The rationale for workplace ergonomics ...

"As evolved as we think we are, our bodies haven't changed much from our caveman hunting-and-gathering days. Our physiology is designed for movement, not today's sedentary lifestyle, says Sharon Taylor, an Edmonton-based ergonomics expert ( www.ergosum.ca). "We're not designed to be sitting in a cubicle."

Yet, many Canadians earn a living glued to a monitor, hardly moving for most of the day. In fact, we spend more of our waking hours in our offices than in our homes.

"It's very important that they have their work stations, their environments, set up to meet their physical needs so they're not causing strain to their bodies," says Ms. Taylor, who is certified to practice across Canada.

Repetitive stress injuries -- which include carpel tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow -- can result from a workspace that doesn't work with the body.

These injuries are hard to shake, but easy to prevent, she says.

A computer mouse is one of the worst culprits, causing strain to the wrist, elbow and shoulder. Ms. Taylor says as many as 90% of complaints originate from improper use of the device. And small wonder: keyboards were invented to be used alone -- not with another tool.

However, as software has become increasingly mouse-centric, people are forced to shift awkwardly between keyboard and mouse, placing too much pressure on their mouse-using arm.

There are a couple of easy solutions to this problem. First of all, make sure your mouse pad has a palm rest, which, contrary to what most people think, is positioned underneath the palm not the wrist.

Also, use your mouse with your non-dominant hand for periods of the day.

Other elements of a workstation are also important. Desks should have keyboard trays positioned in a way that allows you to type with your shoulders relaxed, forearms parallel to the floor, and wrist straight and flat.

Because people reference written material at their computers, many hunch over to read. To avoid this, prop up material toward your face at about a 30-degree angle."    (Continued via Financial Post, Caitlin Crawshaw)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Ergonomics Era

Ergonomics at meeting sites ...

"Meeting planning means stress, whether you're on the road, on a fam trip, or back at the office trying to catch up. But taking an ergonomic approach can help protect your health—and the health of your delegates—at the office and at meetings.

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics, also called human factors analysis or human factors engineering, comes from the Greek for "the study of work." Designers consider ergonomics when deciding how to arrange and design devices, machines, or workspaces so that people and things interact safely and efficiently.

Adopting an ergonomic approach means working comfortably and avoiding health issues like back problems and repetitive stress injuries. Meeting sites, from the Hotel Palomar Dallas to the Pullman Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport and the Hilton Antwerp, emphasize their ergonomic approach, such as offering meeting rooms with ergonomic seating.

But a healthy work or meeting environment isn't just about equipment. An easy way to prevent back pain, for example, is to simply get up and stretch every hour or so. While you may hit some resistance, encouraging delegates to stand up and stretch for a minute or two can make a big difference in relieving stress and pressure on the back.

When Traveling, Experts Suggest:

* Limit lifting: E-mail those handouts and print them on site, rather than lug them.

* Just say no to hauling: Rent equipment like data projectors on site, instead of carrying them.

* Move around the plane if flight attendants let you; if not, at least move your feet and legs.

* Noise-canceling headsets cut the noise and tune out talkative seatmates.

* Never carry your luggage: Use curbside check-in at the airport and, when you arrive at your destination after hours of stiffening travel on a plane, use the hotel bellman to save strain. Consider prepaying for bellman services and let delegates know, so they don't strain reaching into their pocketbooks.

At the meeting site:

* Cords that are not taped down are tripping hazards; check your prospective AV group in action to be sure they don't cut corners this way.

* Standing behind the lectern is fatiguing, and a moving speaker keeps the audience alert.

* Check with the site to see if it has ergonomic seating, and don't ask delegates to sit still for four hours.

* Don't over-schedule; late dinners, drinking, and dancing are fun, but often not the delegate's usual routine, so allow time for rest and recreation."    (Continued via Successful Meetings, Michael Goldstein)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Meeting Ergonomics

Emergency Preparedness for Health & Safety

Preparing for an emergency ...

"Last night at sunset we stood in the local park and watched the flames of the Santa Barbara Gap Wildland Fire make their way down the slope of a nearby canyon. It was a truly awesome sight to see these tremendous bursts of flames as the sundowner winds fueled them on. And as we spent the night until the wee hours of the morning listening to the continuous news coverage announcing evacuations, I realized how ill-equipped the majority of us are for emergency situations. This theme of unpreparedness repeated itself as the news announcer took calls from listeners who were reporting their locations and situations. Many were frantically collecting their important papers and valuables or video-taping their home interiors to document for insurance purposes. Several had been given 30 minutes to collect items of importance and leave their homes. One woman reported “running around in circles” trying to get organized and get out in such a short amount of time. To complicate matters, many of us were experiencing wide-spread power outages caused by the ash and smoke short-circuiting the transformers. Although this is not an ergonomic issue, it can be a health and safety issue, which is related. And in lieu of all of the recent events attributed to global warming, I am going to deviate from our normal ergonomic channel and provide tips and information for preparing for a local emergency.

Have a plan. Know what to do and how to care for yourself and your family in the event that fire, police and emergency medical services may be delayed in responding.

* Choose a location to reunite the family if you are separated
* Choose a person outside of the immediate area who will act as the contact for all family members
* Locate shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity and know how to shut them off before an emergency.
* Make copies of vital records and keep them in a safe deposit box. Store the originals safely and have them gathered together in an accessible location in case of the need for a quick exit.
* Keep exits accessible and clear.
* Know the locations of the nearest police and fire departments.
* Take photos or videos of your valuables and keep a copy with a friend or relative in another city or state.

Keep a disaster kit ready at all times. Place the following items in easy to carry containers. This is a partial summary of the most important items.

* Food and water for at least three days
* Water and a water purification kit
* Non-perishable food – make sure you have a can opener as well
* First aid kit and manual
* Blankets or sleeping bags
* A portable radio, flashlights and spare batteries
* Essential medications
* Extra pair of eyeglasses"    (Continued via BellaOnline, Marji Hajic)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Caution today keeps the doctor away

Avoiding aches and pains in the workplace ...

"Just as home repair, restoration and renovation summer projects are taking shape around the county, so too is it important to realize the phrase "putting your back into it" shouldn't be taken literally. When tackling the toughest work around your home, remember taking a little caution now when lifting and twisting can spare you ample pain later.

"Back pain comes in different flavors. The back pain many of us might experience in the summer with more yard work, home projects and sports activities usually results from the stretching and sometimes tearing of ligaments and muscles known as strains and sprains," said Dr. Richard Donze, senior vice president for medical affairs and occupational health center medical director at Chester County Hospital in West Chester. "Typically this will come on within 24 hours of the activity and resolve on its own in anywhere from a few days to a week or two, assuming the person doesn't keep aggravating it."

This kind of pain is what Donze said is generally referred to as "acute" or "episodic" back pain. A person who experiences some degree of backache or pain most days is experiencing "chronic" back pain, he said, noting this may be accompanied by a chronic cause that could include poor posture, arthritis, repetitive strain or a combination of any of these symptoms.
The most common causes of back pain can include lumbar strain, or a stretching injury to the lower back's tendons, ligaments or muscles; irritation of the lumbar spine nerves; bony encroachment, a condition resulting in movement or growth of the lumbar spine, limiting spinal cord and nerve space; and lumbar radiculopathy, or nerve irritation caused by wear-and-tear damage to the discs between the vertebrae, according to Dr. Anish Patel, medical director of Phoenixville Hospital's Pain Management Institute at Limerick.

"From the evolutionary perspective, some experts feel we're all at risk because we haven't yet fully adapted to the erect posture, and if you've ever seen anyone with an acute back strain crawling out of bed and navigating to the bathroom on hands and knees, it'll seem like nature forcing us to return to walking on all fours," said Donze.

In addition to people who work in fields that require lifting, bending or twisting, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at risk for developing back problems, said Patel, as are those who mismanage stress.

"Warehouse workers, long-distance drivers, cyclists, golfers (both occupational and recreational), computer operators, nurses and gardeners (and) grounds people all have more incidence of lower back disorders than the general population," he said.

People with pre-existing arthritis are also at an increased risk of developing back problems, according to Donze.

"We've also recently learned that the risk factors for heart and circulation problems may influence the risk for low back pain as well," he said. "Obesity has been a well-known risk factor for years, but we thought it was only for the mechanical reason of accentuating the curve in the low back, as what occurs with pregnancy; however, newer research suggests that it's a circulation problem with narrow spinal arteries unable to deliver enough blood, so things like smoking and high cholesterol can now be considered risk factors as well."

Taking steps to protect your back when performing heavy lifting is the best method of injury prevention.
"Acute lumbar muscle strain/sprain is the most common cause of backache after lifting," said Dr. Ken Aksu, an orthopedic surgeon affiliated with Paoli Hospital. "Certainly, disc pain such as a herniated disc is in the differential diagnosis, especially if the backache is accompanied by leg pain."

If at all possible, people experiencing chronic back pain should avoid all heavy lifting, explained Patel."    (Continued via Daily Local News, Tara Munkatchy)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Aging Workforce Presents New Safety Challenges

Age-related workplace precautions ...

"As the number of employees over the age of 55 continues to rise, businesses are faced with the challenge of retaining these workers while reducing health- and injury-related losses. Loss control specialists Tina Minter and Russell Dronne with the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies examined this challenge and offered businesses advice in a session titled, "The Aging Workforce--It's Not Just Ergonomics" earlier this month at the American Society of Safety Engineers' Professional Development Conference and Exposition, Safety 2008, in Las Vegas.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that aging workers have fewer workplace injuries, but diabetes, hypertension, and other age-related ailments are helping to increase employers' costs associated with medical insurance and lost work production; nevertheless, businesses can help mitigate their losses by improving policies and workplace design to allow employees to continue to work in a safe and healthy environment, Minter said. "Older workers are highly valued by employers for their judgment, flexibility, experience, and creativity," she noted. "Fortunately, many of them will work beyond the traditional retirement age of 65, due partly to advances in health care. This presents both opportunities and challenges to businesses, which will need to adapt to maintain a safe work environment for these workers."

Although injury rates among older workers are lower than those of their younger counterparts, other factors can contribute to increased health and safety exposures: age-related chronic disorders and diseases, loss of hearing, impaired vision, and physical and cognitive limitations. Minter advised businesses to take action to address each of these risk factors. Some examples of what businesses can do include:

* Allow for flexible work hours so that those with poor night vision can adjust their start and finish time to coincide with daylight hours;
* Encourage employees to use the health care system for preventative well visits;
* Eliminate heavy lifts, elevated work from ladders, and long reaches;
* Encourage employees working at a computer to take small breaks every 30 minutes;
* Don't rely on sound as the sole means of emergency communications, as employees with hearing loss may not hear announcements."    (Continued via Occupational Health & Safety)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Help for those tingling fingers!

New devices cause tingling fingers ...

"Increasing reliance on computers and mobile devices would mean most of us are inadvertently straining our muscles and injuring soft tissues and nerves. But new research, to understand how design changes to computer peripherals can make usage sustainable and safe, is holding out hope

In recent times, use of computers, laptops and mobile phones by more Indians has been shown as a sign that our lifestyles have been changing. Though many have the luxury of "staying connected" with their business teams and loved ones irrespective of the time and place — thanks to technologies like Wi-Fi, WiMAX and Broadband — there is a price to pay for this luxury.

Increasing reliance on computers and mobile devices would mean most of us are inadvertently straining our muscles and would end up permanently or temporarily injuring soft tissues and nerves over the years. Trivial as it may sound now, Repetitive Strain Injury or Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) can cause severe damage to arms, back and neck. If experts are to be believed, the condition could even force people out of work.

OOS often results from repeated or uninterrupted motion of the muscles during the normal course of work. Any unnatural movement such as twisting the arm or wrist, over-exertion, incorrect seating position or muscle fatigue can result in OOS.

Doctors believe even those who don't feel any obvious symptoms of the condition — such as tingling in fingers and numbness — will have difficulties in performing ordinary tasks.

"People who often sit on an incorrect seating position, use mouse and keyboards for hours together are likely victims of OOS," says Subrotah Biswas, country manager (India and SAARC) of the digital peripherals manufacturer Logitech, which has introduced various products that are said to help efficiency and health of computer users.

"Anyone who uses the Notebook extensively and doesn't pay much attention to the way they perform repetitive movements, the frequency with which they perform them and the amount of time they rest between movements can also fall prey to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — the tingling in fingers caused by the median nerve being pressed or squeezed in the wrist."    (Continued via Deccan Herald, L Subramani)    [Ergonomics Resources]