The Downside of Mobility: Injury

Ergonomics of preventing injury with mobile devices ...

"As Wi-Fi--and laptops and mobile devices--become more ubiquitous, users from kids to adults find themselves suffering from injuries ranging from carpel tunnel syndrome to "BlackBerry thumb." The first in a series of features and reviews on the ergonomics of Wi-Fi-induced mobility, this article offers tips on how to prevent injuries.

As publicly accessible Wi-Fi access points come to more and more coffee shops, libraries, and other venues, people are using laptops in environments that compromise comfort and often precipitate pain. That's because on a notebook computer, the monitor and keyboard can't be independently positioned.

"That insists that you crane your neck to see the screen," says Lenore Bryck, a pain-relief and massage therapist in Amherst, Massachusetts who works with clients suffering from chronic pain and repetitive strain injuries. But if you elevate your laptop so the screen is at an appropriate height for your neck, you've moved it out of the comfort zone for typing.

"And then you've got the whole gamut of injuries to your wrists and hands," Bryck says, which aren't so different from the problems a person can have with an improperly arranged desktop computer, but they tend to be worse. Carpal tunnel syndrome, in which several fingers can feel numb because the nerve leading to them gets inhibited, is a well-known problem, but pain can range from the fingertips through the arms, shoulders, neck, and back due to the combination of poor keyboard and monitor placement.

In 2006, the most recent year for which the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has data, there were 13,010 reported workplace incidences of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although the data don't track how workers got carpal tunnel syndrome, computer use is likely a significant cause. Carpal tunnel syndrome accounted for 3.6 percent of all workplace musculoskeletal injuries in 2006. That figure was 4.4 percent in 2005 and 4.6 percent in 2004. While the slight decrease might suggest improved ergonomics for some workers, Bryck and others say overall incidence of discomfort—if not, perhaps, diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome—is on the rise. One reason the labor statistics don't reflect that is the shift in demographics. Increasingly, younger computer users are complaining of pain—college, high school, and even middle school students."    (Continued via Datamation, Amy Mayer)    [Ergonomics Resources]

New state regulations on repetitive-stress injuries may cause extra work for employers

More contention on ergonomics rules ...

"New state regulations targeting repetitive-stress injuries on the job would require more employers to offer ergonomic training and work to correct reported injuries.

The proposed rules, outlined for two regulatory panels Monday, would impose new costs on already hard-pressed Michigan, critics say, while supporters call them a reasonable response to growing concern about workplace injuries.

The standards would exceed those of California, the only other state to institute such regulations, while making it easier for state regulators to punish employers for repeated worker injuries.

"It's a significant issue, even though the standard is fairly minimal," said Doug Kalinowski, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration director.

"It's been very contentious," he said, noting that a two-page draft regulation reviewed by two MIOSHA advisory committees Monday took another panel four years to develop.

Federal OSHA estimates in 2001 put the cost of repetitive-stress injuries on the job at $20 billion annually, or about a third of employers' total workers' compensation costs. Standards proposed by federal regulators at that time were estimated to cost employers $5 billion, but those were blocked by congressional action.

The last thing businesses need is more paperwork, said Todd Anderson, a lobbyist for the Small Business Association of Michigan.

"Especially when we've actually shown in our statistics that injuries due to ergonomics are going down without any regulations," Anderson said.

Small employers, in particular, would be hit by new training and reporting regulations, he said, as larger companies often already have their own ergonomics programs and would be exempted under the draft rules.

Manufacturers, too, are girding to oppose the long-planned rules."    (Continued via mlive.com, Business Review, Mark Fellows)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Crocs Banned for St Cloud Hospital Workers

The ergonomics of crocs ...

"In a recent policy change the St Cloud Hospital banned Crocs for all employees. Flip flops, sandals and Open toed Shoes have been banned for some time. The concern raised was open skin exposure to blood-borne pathogens. It seems to make sense that the patients and customers should also take heed of the warning.

I personally have never worn the things. But have seen the rise in their sales across the nation. I'll leave the fashion issues to those far more qualified. For Health issues, Crocs are certified by the U.S. Ergonomics Council and the American Podiatric Medical Association and there has been indications that they are helpful for people with circulation problems due to diabetes. At the same time it does seem that there are safety concerns with them.

Young children have been exposed to dangers when wearing Crocs and taking escalators. The US had 77 escalator trapping incidents in 2006 and the Trade Ministry of Japan received 65 complaints in the last 6 months. The concern was heightened enough that the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry issued a warning about the use of Crocs by children and had meeting with representatives of Crocs.

In issuing the warning the helpful suggestions were made:

•Before riding an escalator, find out where emergency shutoff buttons are in case there is a need to stop the escalator. The buttons are usually at the top and bottom of an escalator and can be used to stop it in case of an emergency.

• To avoid the sides of steps where entrapments usually occur, stand in the middle of the step. Always face forward and hold on to a handrail.

• Step over the comb plate. Always pick up your feet and step carefully on or off the escalator. Never drag or slide your feet off the edge.

• Stay clear of moving parts. Keep your hands, feet and clothing clear of the side panels of the escalator. Remember: Loose shoelaces, rubber boots and baggy clothes can get caught in the moving parts of the escalator. Make sure you have no dangling clothing or loose shoelaces that could get caught.

• Always hold children’s hands on escalators and do not let children sit or play on the steps.

• Do not bring children onto escalators in strollers, walkers or carts.

• Stand upright. Never lean on the side of the escalator, sit on the stairs or ride on handrails.

• Exit promptly from the escalator. Never stop, stand or play at the landing, as doing so can cause a dangerous pile-up of riders."    (Continued via InjuryBoard St. Cloud)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Ergonomics can ease pain in the neck

Tips for avoiding neck pain ...

"Doctors estimate 70 percent of workers will have shoulder, neck aches because of improper posture at computers

Q: I don't have a physically strenuous job. I work in an office. But by the end of the day, my neck and shoulders ache. What's causing it?

A: Without knowing it, you may be bringing on neck and shoulder pain by the way you perform everyday activities. If so, you have plenty of company. Doctors estimate that 70 percent of us will be troubled by neck pain at some point in our lives. Improper posture while using a computer deserves much of the blame. Workers often sit for hours with their shoulders slumped and their heads thrust forward toward the monitor, which puts stress on neck muscles.

You should get relief by following simple ergonomic principles. (Ergonomics is the field that offers advice for arranging your home and workplace so that you can do tasks safely and efficiently.) Broadly speaking, that means keeping your neck in a neutral position, with your head balanced directly over your shoulders, not thrust forward or tilted to one side.

Sounds obvious, but how does that affect the way you work and move? Here are some tips for achieving a healthy neck posture during common activities at work and home:

-- Sitting at a computer. Keep your head balanced directly over your spine as much as possible. Adjust your chair's height so your feet rest comfortably on the floor. Sit with your buttocks far back in your chair, and use a small pillow to support your lower back if needed. Desktop computers can be tilted or raised so that the monitor is directly in front of you. If you work on a laptop, however, properly adjusting the keyboard and monitor may be difficult or impossible. Try plugging a separate, full-size keyboard into a laptop to achieve better positioning.

Even if you have perfect posture, get up, stretch and move around every half-hour. If you tend to get lost in your work, set a timer or program your computer to flash a reminder.

-- Talking on the phone. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, don't lean your head to one side to hold the phone on your shoulder. Instead, use a headset or speakerphone, which will help keep your head in a neutral position, and your hands free for other tasks. Headsets are available for both your desk phone and cell phone.

-- Reading or writing at your desk. When you're reading, sit up straight and hold the document, book or report up so that you don't need to bend over. Or use a document holder to prop up the material. You can put papers on a slanted board raised slightly off the desk to keep them at a comfortable reading angle. For writing, adjust your chair so you don't need to bend over.

-- Reading at home. Try to maintain an upright posture when you sit in a chair. Hold your book so that you don't have to lean down or forward to see it. Putting the book on a pillow in your lap may help. If you read in bed, sit up straight or use a wedge-shaped pillow to support your back."    (Continued via Charleston.net)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Work More Ergonomically on the Road

Tips for working on the road ...

"Setting up an ergonomic workspace at home or at your office where you have the most control over your environment is a lot easier than when you're traveling with your laptop and don't know where you'll wind up hunkering down for a work marathon. You already know how to set up a healthy work station with an ergonomic calculator, arrange your workspace for computing that's easy on your body, and even replace your office chair with an exercise ball to help with good posture. But what about when you're away from your home or office workstation? Mobile computing site Wi-Fi Planet offers a few tips.

First and foremost, whenever possible plug an external mouse or trackball and keyboard into your laptop.

While it isn't always practical to have an external keyboard with you, tossing a wireless mouse in your laptop bag is no sweat. For a small wireless mouse, check out the Nano cordless laser mouse.

You've heard it before but it's important: take frequent breaks. Set a timer or download some software, Hegeman says. Every 20-30 minutes you should get up and gently stretch.

It's simple advice but it's easy to forget when you're in the zone tearing through your work. Fortunately there are lots of great applications to help nudge you out the zone and remind you to be kind to your body. For Windows and Linux check out previously reviewed WorkRave which not only reminds you to take a break but has a great set of basic stretches to go with each break reminder. To help combat eye strain and repetitive stress injuries there is another handy Windows application, EyeDefender. For Mac users there are some great freeware options with AntiRSI and the more insistent Time Out."    (Continued via lifehacker)    [Ergonomics Resources]

ACOEM Chronic Pain Guidelines Available Online

List of chronic pain recommendations ...

"The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) recently published new medical treatment guidelines for providing care to workers with chronic pain.

More than 200 recommendations for chronic pain are outlined in the new evidence-based guidelines, which were developed by a multi-disciplinary panel of national experts and were reviewed by representatives of leading medical and health organizations. The recommendations focus on diagnostic and other testing and treatments for several chronic pain conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, trigger points/myofascial pain, chronic persistent pain, fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain.

An extensive volume of literature was utilized to develop the recommendations, which feature more than 1,500 references, including 546 randomized controlled trials.

"These guidelines were developed using ACOEM's published methodology, which incorporates the highest scientific standards for reviewing evidence-based literature, ensuring the most rigorous, reproducible, and transparent occupational health guidelines available," said Editor-in-Chief Kurt T. Hegmann, MD, MPH. "Literally thousands of hours of review of the available scientific literature went into this process, yielding what we consider state-of-the-art medical guidelines."

Other highlights of the new chronic pain guidelines include:

* An in-depth review of over 20 medications (prescription, over-the-counter, complementary and alternative) used to treat patients with chronic pain, including an extensive appendix on guidance for the use of opioids.
* Detailed recommendations regarding the use of appliances (e.g., magnets), skilled allied-health provided medical therapies (e.g., acupuncture, manipulation/mobilization, myofascial release), electrical therapies.
* Uses and limitations of injection therapies (e.g., diagnostic and therapeutic facet joint injections, trigger/tender point injections, botulinum injections, intrathecal drugs).
* A discussion of spinal cord stimulation for CRPS and other painful conditions.
* A detailed review of psychological services (e.g., evaluation and behavior therapy) and rehabilitation for delayed recovery, including biofeedback, work conditioning/work hardening/early intervention programs, and interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation programs.
* A focus on functional restoration, including an active exercise program and behavioral program."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Office of the Future

Activity while you work ...

"A study that re-engineered an office to increase daily physical activity resulted in workers losing weight – without losing productivity.

Mayo Clinic endocrinologist James Levine, M.D., Ph.D., completed the 6-month study at SALO LLC, a Minneapolis-based financial staffing firm. Of the 45 employee volunteers who participated in the study, 18 were evaluated for weight loss and other changes.

The re-engineering changes included:

* Removing chairs and traditional desk seating;
* Introducing walking tracks;
* Educating and encouraging staff to conduct walking meetings;
* Replacing traditional phones with mobile sets;
* Adding desks attached to treadmills;
* Introducing games in the workplace;
* Providing high-tech activity monitors; and
* Advising staff about nutrition.

As a result, the 18 individuals lost a total of 156 pounds, 143 of that in body fat. Each person lost an average of 8.8 pounds, 90 percent of which was fat. The nine participants who had expressed a desire to lose weight lost an average of 15.4 pounds.

In addition, the new environment did not lead to any loss in productivity. In fact, company officials say revenue rose nearly 10 percent during the first 3 months of the study. The company also recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue in January 2008 – the study’s midpoint.

According to the study results, this “office of the future” may be a functional environment that can enhance weight loss and maintain workers’ health."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards, Laura Walter)    [Ergonomics Resources]

CPSC Offers Back-to-School Safety Tips

Tips for avoiding injury to kids ...

"More than 50 million children are headed back to school any day now, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging parents to pay special attention to safety this school year. Whether it's having children wear a helmet while they ride their bikes, watching out for dangerous drawstrings in children's jackets, or checking the safety of school soccer goals, CPSC offers safety tips that can keep children from being sidelined with injuries.

Wearing a bicycle helmet when biking or riding a scooter to and from school can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent. Make sure your child's bicycle helmet has a label stating it meets CPSC's mandatory safety standard. About half of the 500,000 bicycle-related emergency room-treated injuries in 2007 involved children under the age of 16, the commission says. When taking part in other recreational activities, wear the right helmet for that activity. Read CPSC's "Which Helmet for Which Activity" publication, which helps parents choose the most appropriate helmet, at www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/349.pdf.

The agency says that more than 80 percent of the nearly 50,000 emergency room-treated injuries involving unpowered scooters in 2007 were to children younger than 15. In addition to wearing a helmet, scooter riders should wear elbow and knee pads, CPSC says. Among other tips, the commission advises:

* Avoid children's clothing that uses drawstrings at the hood or neck area. These can catch on playground equipment and other items and are a strangulation hazard. Remove hood and neck drawstrings from upper outerwear clothing already in your child's closet, and do not buy children's clothing that uses them. Since 1985, CPSC says it has received reports of 27 deaths and 70 non-fatal incidents involving the entanglement of children's clothing drawstrings.

* Avoid movable soccer goals. Unsecured, movable soccer goals can fall over and kill or injure children who climb on them or hang from the crossbar. Make sure soccer goals are securely anchored when in use. Never allow children to climb on the soccer net or goal framework. When not in use, anchor goals or chain them to a nearby fence post or sturdy framework. Since 1998, CPSC has reports of at least 7 deaths and an estimated 1,800 emergency department visits by children younger than 16 years of age that are related to soccer goal tip-overs and structural failures."    (Continued via Occupational Health & Safety)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Downside of Mobility: Injury

Injuries from using mobile devices ...

"As publicly accessible Wi-Fi access points come to more and more coffee shops, libraries, and other venues, people are using laptops in environments that compromise comfort and often precipitate pain. That's because on a notebook computer, the monitor and keyboard can't be independently positioned.

"That insists that you crane your neck to see the screen," says Lenore Bryck, a pain-relief and massage therapist in Amherst, Massachusetts who works with clients suffering from chronic pain and repetitive strain injuries. But if you elevate your laptop so the screen is at an appropriate height for your neck, you've moved it out of the comfort zone for typing.

"And then you've got the whole gamut of injuries to your wrists and hands," Bryck says, which aren't so different from the problems a person can have with an improperly arranged desktop computer, but they tend to be worse. Carpal tunnel syndrome, in which several fingers can feel numb because the nerve leading to them gets inhibited, is a well-known problem, but pain can range from the fingertips through the arms, shoulders, neck, and back due to the combination of poor keyboard and monitor placement.

In 2006, the most recent year for which the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has data, there were 13,010 reported workplace incidences of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although the data don't track how workers got carpal tunnel syndrome, computer use is likely a significant cause. Carpal tunnel syndrome accounted for 3.6 percent of all workplace musculoskeletal injuries in 2006. That figure was 4.4 percent in 2005 and 4.6 percent in 2004. While the slight decrease might suggest improved ergonomics for some workers, Bryck and others say overall incidence of discomfort—if not, perhaps, diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome—is on the rise. One reason the labor statistics don't reflect that is the shift in demographics. Increasingly, younger computer users are complaining of pain—college, high school, and even middle school students.

The ubiquity of laptops that extends down to some of the youngest users reflects an overall industry trend.

"Portable PCs represented 40.1 percent of all PCs sold worldwide in 2007," says Michael Shirer of the research firm IDC. That makes them hardly peripheral to the overall PC market, which is where they entered the playing field—intended for occasional use that complemented a desktop machine.

You don't have to work in pain

Importantly, pain and conditions such as carpal tunnel are not inevitable results of notebook computer use—at any age. Occupational therapist Gail Hegeman of Pioneer Ergonomics in western Massachusetts says as more people in their 20s find their way to her—often because of acute non-computer-use injuries, she's astonished at their attitude toward pain.

"They almost act as if it's normal" to experience pain from using their computers, she says. "They say to me, `oh, well, I just work in pain.'" It doesn't have to be that way."    (Continued via Datamation, Amy Mayer)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Carpal Tunnel Culprits for Commuters

CTS seen in commute drivers ...

"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.

“A lot of times patients will come back and say ‘I’m having fewer symptoms,’ and that the activity modifications are working,” adds Valle."    (Continued via Occupational Hazards, Laura Walter)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Working and Playing in the Outdoor Heat

Avoiding heat stress ...

"Well, more than half of the summer is gone and we have performed a lot of outdoor work. But that doesn't mean that the danger of heat-related illness has passed.

Whether it is part of our job requirement or working on home projects or playing sports or just plain playing, outdoor activities can play havoc on our bodies. This also includes are children who play outside during school vacations and may have organized team play.

The term “heat illness” is a serious medical condition resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a particular heat load. It includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope and heat stroke.

Heat build-up inside the body from physical work activities or play, is the major source of heat illness or heat stress. Work intensity and duration may add to the heat build-up within the employee as well.

The most common jobs related to heat illnesses are found in agriculture, lumber harvesting, law enforcement, construction, road maintenance, public utilities, docks and baggage handling, as well as those jobs that require the use of personal protective equipment.

Adults, because of on-the-job education, often are more aware of heat illness than children. There are children on ball fields playing organized games and standing for hours in the blazing heat and sun. These children also must be considered as part of the at-risk population for heat illnesses.

Excessive heat exposure can come from many different forms and have different symptoms. The most important element to remember is to hydrate, which can be in the form of water or electrolyte drinks, but does not include alcohol or caffeine-filled drinks such as iced tea, coffee or soda.

In an outdoor working environments, there are some particular risk factors that must be identified and addressed. These are:

* Air temperature
* Relative humidity
* Radiant heat from the sun and other sources
* Conductive heat sources such as the ground
* Air movement
* Workload severity and duration
* Protective clothing and personal protective equipment worn by employees

There are personal risk factors also such as caffeine consumption, and use of prescription or over-the-counter medications that might affect a person’s water retention, age and general health.
Adapting to Hot Conditions

Humans have to acclimate to heat-related working conditions. This means a “temporary” adaptation of the body to work in the heat that occurs gradually when a person is exposed to it. According to information from OSHA, acclimatization peaks in most people within 4 to 14 days of regular work for at least 2 hours per day in the heat.

In warm or hot conditions, drinking enough water (one quart per hour during the entire work shift) to stay healthy is vital for maintaining a normal body temperature. When working in these conditions, the body looses a lot of water through sweating. Sweating helps lower the internal body heat but as the body continues to loose water it needs to be replaced it to prevent dehydration and heat illness. Dehydration results in less perspiration so the body cannot get rid of heat fast enough causing increased heat load. Without sufficient water the body overheats. (Remember, kids perspire too!)

Remind employees (and their families) not to wait until they are thirsty to drink water. Being thirsty is not a good signal of the body’s need for water. By the time a person is thirsty he or she already may have lost too much water and work performance already has declined. Employees should be encouraged to drink water frequently before and after work. Common symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration to make employees aware of and to have them check for include:

* Reduced output of sweat
* Rapid heart rate, muscle fatigue
* Loss of strength and dexterity
* Lightheadedness, dizziness
* Headache, blurred vision
* Dark urine

It is very important for employees to consult with their health care provider and inform them that they will be working in warm or hot conditions, before taking any prescription, "over-the-counter" medications or other drugs."    (Continued via Occupational Hazardsl, Cynthia Roth)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Rounded Shoulders and Forward Head Posture

Many of us working on computers or at a desk are developing poor posture habits. We tend to round our shoulders forward and crane our head forward. These poor posture habits will gradually tighten the chest muscles and weaken the back muscles. This chronic change in posture can have a big impact on our general health, not only setting us up for tendinitis and compression of the nerves (the power cords of the body) but also effecting even the internal organs such as the lungs. And then we begin to have chronic pain, tight and tense shoulders, or even numbness and tingling down the arm.

Although it can take some initial effort, these poor posture habits can be changed. Have patience and be persistent. These postures did not develop overnight and will not be reversed overnight. However, developing good posture over time is not only necessary, but important for the safe and proper functioning of the body.

Here are three steps that can help you improve your posture and the alignment of your head, neck and shoulders.

First, become aware of proper postural positioning while at the keyboard. Check out this article for some suggestions.
Basic Ergonomic Principles

Second, sit up straight and remember to breathe. Most of us carry tension in our shoulders. This tightens the shoulder muscles. When we are feeling stressed, we also tend to take shallow breaths rather than using the larger diaphragm muscles. This tendency overdevelops the shallower breathing muscles closer to the neck and shoulders.

Throughout the day, help your body by taking some deep, diaphragmatic breaths followed by a long, slow exhalation can begin to relieve the chronic muscular tension in the shoulders and neck.

Another method of helping to relax rounded shoulders is to lie on a foam roll or a rolled towel that is placed lengthwise along the spine with the head supported. Relax your hands at your side and practice the deep breathing described above, letting the shoulders open around the towel or roll. (Stop this exercise if you have any pain and seek professional assistance in developing an exercise program that will help you improve your posture)."    (Continued via BellaOnline, Marji Hajic)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Kids & Backpacks - Ergonomics & Proper Use

Tips for avoiding backpack strain ...

"Over the next month or so, our kids will be heading back to school. As we prepare them for the year ahead, one thing that is often overlooked is the need for a good backpack. Many schools no longer provide locker space; so a full day’s worth of books are being carried from class to class as well as to and from school. These are heavy loads for a developing body. A good, general rule of thumb is that children should not carry more than 10 to 15% of their body weight. Yet, a study by the American Physical Therapy Association found that over 50% of children are carrying more than the recommended weight. The use of improperly used backpacks may be contributing to pain and fatigue in school aged children and increasing their risk for spinal injury and back pain (Is Your Child's Backpack Making the Grade? Physical Therapists Offer Tips to Lighten the Load on Children's Backs; August 3, 2006).The U.S. National Safety Council issued a list of warning signs that your child's backpack may be too heavy:

1. A difference in posture when wearing the backpack.
2. Significant difficulty in putting the backpack on or taking it off.
3. Complaints of pain or discomfort when the backpack is on.
4. Red marks on the skin from the backpack straps.
5. Feelings of numbness or a tingling sensation, especially in the back or shoulders.

Here is a summary of 5 tips for reducing the injury risk of backpack use (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center News - Backpack Safety Tips, August 15, 2006).

1. Keep backpack use limited to necessities only. Only keep needed books and supplies in the backpack to limit the weight being carried. Help your child clean out the backpack frequently to remove items that do not need to be brought to school.

2. Distribute weight evenly. The weight of the backpack should be evenly distributed with both straps used. Holding the backpack slung over one shoulder can pull the child to one side causing the shoulder muscles to develop unevenly, promoting poor posture, and causing strain on the shoulder, neck and back. A backpack that is too heavy or has the weight is distributed unevenly pulls the child backward causing the child to bend forward at the hips or arch his or her back promoting compression of the spine.
3. Recognize signs that the backpack is too heavy. Look at your child’s posture when he or she is wearing the backpack. Are the shoulders uneven? Is the head pushed forward? Is the child bending at the hip? These are all signs that the pack is too heavy or unevenly distributed."    (Continued via BellaOnline, Marji Hajic)    [Ergonomics Resources]

The Revolutionary Arc Mouse from Microsoft

A new ergonomic mouse ...

"Microsoft has just come up with a new revolutionary mouse called the Arc Mouse, which is not only a great performer but is also foldable. It has a unique design and ergonomics, making it one of the most comfortable mice to use, at least according to Microsoft.

Of course, with its stylish contours and unique design, it is undoubtedly one of the most captivating mice currently available on the market. It’s even more unusual looking than the Samsung SM30 Slim Wireless Mouse. The Arc Mouse has two different parts joined together that can be folded when not in use. This manages to eliminate half the storage space needed to carry your mouse with you.

This mouse can be easily used with any laptop or desktop. It supports wireless Bluetooth connectivity and comes with a mini USB Bluetooth dongle. All you have to do is connect the dongle to the USB port of your PC, and the mouse is ready to transmit its signals. The dongle is so small and lightweight that you will never even notice removing it from your laptop.

Microsoft claims that the Arc will be the finest mouse available in the market up until now. It has got a highly sensitive optical sensor, which receives, as well as transmits, the signals with the utmost speed and precision. This will surely make the Arc the most preferred mouse for gaming in near future. However, this state of the art computer peripheral has not yet been released, so will have to wait a little while longer before finding out if Microsoft’s claims are actually true."    (Continued via Mobile Computing News, Engadget)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Microsoft Arc Mouse

Ergonomics tips for IT pros

Setting up your workplace ...

"Your IT job can compromise your comfort and even lead to injury or chronic physical problems. Deb Shinder offers this rundown of conditions to watch out for, along with some recommended ergonomic workarounds.

It’s relatively easy to find information about how to make the workplace more ergonomic for the typical computer user. But IT pros aren’t typical, and creating an ergonomically friendly environment in the server room is a bit more challenging.

Ergonomics refers to the science of designing a workplace or other environment to minimize discomfort and fatigue and, by so doing, maximize productivity. The most high-profile ergonomics issue is probably that of repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). The most famous (or infamous) variety of RSI is carpal tunnel syndrome, although according to some medical experts, other types of RSI are actually more common in computer users.

However, there is much more to ergonomics than the avoidance of hand and arm pain. In this article, we’ll look at some ways you can incorporate good ergonomic principles into the equipment you use and the way you perform the tasks of an IT pro, and thus avoid the associated health risks.

Note: This information is also available as a PDF download.
Are ergonomic keyboards necessary for the servers?

Unlike data entry workers, secretarial personnel, and some other users, an IT pro’s job doesn’t usually consist of continuously typing large amounts of text for hours on end. Thus, ergonomic keyboards may not be as essential in the server room as at the desks of those types of users. However, some people are more sensitive than others to arm/wrist/hand (or even neck) injuries from holding your hands in an unnatural position.

If you’re one of those people and/or if you find yourself at the keyboard for long periods without a break, an ergo keyboard can save you a lot of grief. There are many types, ranging from the commonplace slightly contoured models, like the Microsoft Natural Elite, to specialized (and expensive) models that split completely into two or three adjustable parts. See examples at the Adaptive Technology for Information and Computing at MIT Web site.

The good news is that you probably don’t need to buy multiple ergo keyboards for the server room. Multiple servers can share via a KVM switch. For a more modern solution, you can run multiple servers in VMs on one physical machine or use terminal services/remote desktop or other remote control software to access the desktops of multiple servers from your primary workstation."    (Continued via TechRepublic.com, Deb Shinder)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Airline Travelers Willing to Pay More for a Spine-friendly Seat

Surviving airline seats ...

"In a survey conducted by SpineUniverse.com during the summer of 2008, 88% of people who had flown in North America in the last year reported that they had back or neck pain—or both—after a typical flight on United, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, or any of the other major carriers.

With a margin of error at ±5%, the study reveals that a typical traveler is willing to go out of pocket for a more spine-friendly seat. 74% said they’d pay an extra fee for a special seat that doesn’t give them back or neck pain.

And how much more are almost three-fourths of all airlines travelers willing to pay for the extra comfort? SpineUniverse says these travelers who suffer the most are willing to pay up to $50 more; 20% would pay up to $100 more.

Regarding the survey, SpineUniverse Director of Marketing Annelise Catanzaro said, “We asked very specific questions regarding the comfort level of passengers on flights within North America. We found that the lumbar support—or lack of it—and the headrests on airplane seats make it very difficult for back and neck pain sufferers to enjoy flying.”

Fares are going up and so are traveler frustration levels. If airlines were to offer seats with better lumbar support, back pain sufferers would gladly pay extra for that comfort. They may have sticker shock at the price of in-flight peanuts or be appalled at the charge for checking a bag, but when it comes to taking care of their spines, travelers want the airlines to know: this is one extra fee you can charge.

Will the airlines listen? It is a new idea, of course, and there are a lot of details to consider: Would these seats take up more room? Would the airlines re-style an existing aircraft or blueprint a design for a new aircraft? Economics and the bottom line would certainly be the driving force in that huge decision.

Until airlines get more spine-friendly seats, SpineUniverse offers flight tips to help those with back and neck pain—or those who’ve developed a bout of back or neck pain thanks to an airplane seat.

Alan Hedge, PhD, CPE, professor of ergonomics at Cornell University, and member of the SpineUniverse Editorial Board, says, “Even if airlines don’t start using seats designed specifically for back and neck pain sufferers, there are some easy ways you can take care of your back and neck on a flight.

“If you are a neck pain sufferer, you can bring an inflatable air pillow with you. It won’t take up much room in your carry-on and it will provide good support for your head and neck while flying.

“For back pain sufferers, try rolling a pillow, blanket, or sweater into a lower back support. It’s best if you can have one support on each side of your back."    (Continued via Yahoo! Finance, SpineUniverse)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Bothell firm still easing pain using ergonomics

History of ergonomic keyboards ...

"Before text messaging and the click-happy cyberculture conspired to compromise fine-motor skills everywhere, Kinesis Corp. in Bothell saw the need to ease our technological pain. It released the first commercial ergonomic computer keyboard in the U.S. in 1992.

Having beaten Microsoft Corp. and Apple to the punch, privately held Kinesis remains a pioneer in ergonomic office technology, with a new keyboard, the Freestyle, released in April 2007.

The Freestyle is the first keyboard in the market to separate completely at the middle, allowing maximum latitude for both hands. The two pieces detach with the push of a button, permitting custom separation and tilt to fit the body size and posture of the user. Like all Kinesis keyboards, it comes in personal computer and Mac versions.

As Kinesis' most customizable keyboard to date, the Freestyle can be arranged in several configurations, which better addresses the needs of corporations and families.

At $99, the base-model Freestyle is also Kinesis' most affordable keyboard. Its price allows companies to take an active approach in supplying employees with safer keyboards, while allowing Kinesis to appeal to a more mainstream audience.

"For us that's a huge opportunity," said Jon Biggs, director of sales and marketing. "That's a major breakthrough."

So far, the premise seems to be working. In 2008, the Freestyle's average monthly growth rate in sales has been 21 percent, Biggs said.

Kinesis got its start in 1991 with Will Hargreaves, who has a doctorate in cell biology and a background in medical research. He developed carpal tunnel syndrome after demolishing his deck and thereafter found using a standard keyboard difficult.

"Once you get that kind of injury," Hargreaves said, "you're really sensitive for life."

Inspired by a low-profile ergonomic keyboard he found in England and troubled by the significant upswing in repetitive-strain injuries at the time, Hargreaves developed the Contoured keyboard, a space-age-looking device with the keys arranged in separated sunken wells that reduce lateral hand movement. At the time it sold for $700, but Hargreaves said consumers shelled out the money because many were facing the prospect of surgery and badly needed a solution. The Contoured keyboard was featured in the 1997 Will Smith movie "Men in Black" and now sells for $299.

Kinesis' keyboard was quickly followed by less radical counterparts from Comfort Keyboard Systems and Apple Computer. Microsoft released its ergonomic Microsoft Natural in late 1994.

Because the Microsoft version looks less strange, costs less and features a trusted brand name, it sells in the millions. Kinesis sells in the tens of thousands, Hargreaves said. So Kinesis diversified in 1996, gradually adding additional office products to its line, including ergonomic pointing devices, chairs and keyboard trays.

The explosion in repetitive-strain injuries began to taper off after 1994, Biggs said. Ergonomic equipment helped many people retain jobs or return to work."    (Continued via Seattlepi.com, Lynst Burton)    [Usability Resources]

Deafness and the User Experience

UX and deafness and blindness ...

"How many times have you been asked this question: if you had to choose, which would you prefer to be: deaf or blind? The question illustrates the misconception that deafness is in some way the opposite of blindness—as though there’s some sort of binary representation of disability. When we look at accessible design for the deaf, it’s not surprising to see it addressed in a similar fashion: audio captioning is pretty much the equivalent of alt text on images for most designers.

Captioning by itself oversimplifies the matter and fails many Deaf people. To provide better user experiences for the Deaf, we need to stop thinking of deafness as simply the inverse of hearing—we need to understand deafness from both a cultural and linguistic perspective. Moreover, to enhance the online user experience for the deaf, we must understand how deafness influences web accessibility.
Little “d” deaf and big “D” Deaf: the distinction

You might have noticed that I’ve been interchanging little “d” deaf and big “D” Deaf in this article. It’s an important distinction—one that the Deaf community makes regularly.

Little “d” deaf describes anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing (HOH) but does not identify with the Deaf community. The Deaf community uses big “D” Deaf to distinguish themselves as being culturally Deaf.

The Deaf community is considered to be a linguistic and cultural minority group, similar to an ethnic community. Just as we capitalise the names of ethnic communities and cultures (e.g., Italian, Jewish) we capitalise the name of the Deaf community and culture. Since not all people who are physically deaf use Auslan and identify with the Deaf community, the d in deaf is not capitalized when we are referring to all deaf people or the physical condition of not hearing.

The Australian Deaf Community is a network of people who share a language and culture and a history of common experiences.

—Australian Association of the Deaf

Collective deafness

An interesting thing has happened on the web in the last 18 months—the web community has become more aware of deafness and how it influences accessible design practices.

First, Joe Clark launched The Open & Closed Project (OCP) in November, 2006. Second, in early April, The OCP launched the Captioning Sucks! site.

The Open & Closed Project suggests two methods of presenting accessible media for the deaf and hard of hearing:

* Captioning is the transcription of speech and important sound effects.

* Subtitling is a written translation of dialogue."    (Continued via A List Apart, putting people first)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Just a touchpad and a screen: A grand unified theory of Apple’s next big move

Apple's new multi-touch touchpad ...

"Ever since Apple’s chief financial officer, Peter Oppenheimer, referred to a “future product transition” during the company’s most recent earnings call, the tech news world has been abuzz. The most frenzied speculation has centered around a revision to the MacBook line. For some, the future holds a touchscreen MacBook or an ultra-portable tablet. Others envision a MacBook with a souped-up multi-touch touchpad made of glass positioned below or next to the keyboard. Since marginally informed speculation is the name of the game, I’m going to throw in some chips and say that most of this is likely off the mark.

Apple is out to send earthquakes through the market, make our jaws slacken and cash leap from our bank accounts and into its own. But I’m not sure any of the suggested possibilities would do this: A tablet, while still possible (even probable at some point) is too niche to be a huge deal, a larger multi-touch touchpad won’t knock many socks off and, for now, at least, 12-17″ touchscreens cost too much to make sense for all parties involved.

So what could Apple do that would compel Oppenheimer to speak of dramatic transitions and warn shareholders of an impending decrease in profit margins? Simple: It could take multi-touch to its logical next step, do away with the mouse and physical keyboard, replace it with one or two touchpads and change the way we interface with our machines.

Some people speculated about a multi-touch combination keyboard/touchpad when Apple released a patent for a dynamic touch surface last Fall (more on this later), so it surprises me that amidst all the speculation, this concept has not come back. VentureBeat’s MG Siegler has suggested that Apple would come up with some sort of next-generation interface and wondered about the relevance of a mouse when “you have the whole world at your fingertips?” A look at the string of Apple’s multi-touch patents strongly suggests that giving us a laptop that answers this question is the company’s goal.

We’ll start with the most obvious one: A patent for a wide touchpad on a portable computer. This diagram from the filing tells the story:"    (Continued via VentureBeat, Dan Kaplan)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Apple mult-touch interface patent.

How You Can Prevent Back and Neck Pain

Good sitting posture ...

"You have a choice!

As the owner of your body, you have as great an influence over your spinal health as your doctor does. Your doctor will help you get out of pain, but it’s up to you to keep the pain from coming back. By making some simple lifestyle choices, you can remove one of the leading causes of recurrent back and neck pain, poor posture.

In general, the bad influences of age, heredity, or accidents are uncontrollable. Yet, these become small obstacles to long-term back and neck pain solutions when you take control of your posture. Furthermore, not just standing posture, for we sit, sleep, and recline up to 90 percent of each day, 365 days a year.

Posture and spinal health
Research shows the positions we place our spines in during activity or when at rest, will be either beneficial or create harmful stresses on muscles, ligaments, discs, nerve tissue, and bone.

Prolonged slouching which reverses the natural curves of the lumbar and cervical spine, can cause damage to spinal tissues. Over the years, repetitive poor posture can cause discomfort, pain, and conditions that may lead to the need for surgery.

Sitting and spinal health
Over time, we can damage our backs by hunching over our work at the office and/or sitting slouched in an unsupportive sofa, chair, or recliner at home. Correct sitting posture will help you prevent pain from recurring.

To protect your back while sitting:

* Maintain your spine’s natural posture by resting your back against a firm backrest with lumbar support.

* While at your desk, use inward adjusting armrests to support your body upright to reduce harmful slouching and to take the upper body weight off your wrists to help prevent repetitive stress injuries.

* Adjust your chair height and position so you’re close to your work reducing the need to lean forward.

* Keep your feet on the floor, or support your feet with a footrest to reduce seated pressur"    (Continued via SpineUniverse)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Bad Posture

Bush Admin. Rushes to Issue Secret Rule on Worker Health Risks

OSHA Ergonomic Standards scratched ...

"In a last minute action, political operatives at the US Department of Labor are rushing to lock in new requirements that would make it harder for the next administration to develop and issue protective workplace health rules. This new rule would change the procedures and criteria OSHA and MSHA use to assess worker health risks when developing new standards. It would add years of delay to the standard setting process and weaken protections for workers.

This cynical move by the Bush administration comes after eight years of failing to protect workers from job hazards, starting with the repeal of OSHA’s ergonomics standard in 2001. Since then, the Bush administration has withdrawn dozens of pending rules, and refused to set needed standards on crane safety, silica, tuberculosis and noise. The administration has issued only one OSHA health rule – on hexavalent chromium – and that was a result of a court order.

This risk assessment rule was never listed on the public regulatory agenda. It was developed in secret by political operatives without the involvement of OSHA and MSHA scientists, and sent in July to the Office and Management and Budget (OMB) for review. If this measure goes into effect, it will cripple future efforts to set workplace standards for chemical hazards. The proposal would:

* Require a new unnecessary extra step to seek comments on risk assessments before issuing any proposed health rules, adding years of delay to setting new standards.
* Change the criteria that OSHA and MSHA standards protect workers if exposed over a working lifetime of 45 years, and instead base exposures on the average of years working in an industry. This would increase permissible exposures for all workers and put long-term workers, including coal miners, construction workers and chemical workers at much greater risk of developing disease.
* Go into effect without the public hearings, which have been conducted for all other OSHA health standards."    (Continued via People's Weekly World)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Feeling Through Your Computer

Video of haptics on computer ...

When you use a computer you’re obviously able to see and hear the information on the screen. Now, you can touch it. A newly designed device lets computer users feel the texture and movement of what they are seeing in front of them.

Someday soon, a surgeon may perform computer-aided operations away from the operating room. A new device may give him the feedback he needs at his fingertips.

“What we use is a new form of magnetic levitation,” Ralph Hollis, haptics specialist at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa., told Ivanhoe.

Dr. Hollis' specialization, haptics, is the science and technology of touch.

Dr. Hollis has developed a way to interact with 3D objects on a computer. A user grasps a handle inside a sphere attached to a desktop computer. The handle is connected to something that looks like an upside-down umbrella, called a flotor.

“That umbrella carries electrical coils, electrical current. These are immersed in high magnetic fields, created by a series of permanent magnets,” Dr. Hollis explained.

The magnets allow the handle to float freely inside the sphere. It moves and rotates to control the position of the 3D object on the screen. When that object touches something in the virtual world, a user can feel it immediately.

Other haptic devices exist, but users must grab motorized arms to interact with the computer. With magnetic levitation, there’s an almost direct connection between the user’s hand and the software, giving immediate feedback. Just one more thing bringing the computer world into our world.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society contributed to the information contained in the TV portion of this report."    (Continued via Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Easing the backpack burden

Tips for reducing backpack strain ...

"Pencils, textbooks, calculators, binders ... it’s about time for school to start again.

One thing that might be overlooked by parents when sending their children off to school is how their child is carrying his or her supplies and textbooks. Nationally, more than 7,000 emergency room visits in 2001 were related to backpacks. Approximately half of those injuries occurred in children ages 5 to 14.

As occupational therapists, one of our roles includes helping children in areas such as ergonomics, handwriting skills, and with developmental and behavioral problems so they can participate more fully in the “occupation” of living. We help children improve skills to better perform daily tasks at home, at school and at play. One of the daily tasks of a child is to attend school and carry supplies with them in a backpack.

Our association, the American Occupational Therapy Association, has formulated the following tips to avoid backpack-related health problems:

10 tips for wearing a backpack

1. Never let a child carry more than 15% of his or her body weight.

For instance, if a child weighs 100 pounds, they should not wear a backpack heavier than 15 pounds. If their backpack is too heavy, have them hand carry one or two textbooks. Also encourage them to take make more trips to their lockers to exchange their textbooks, notebooks and binders.

2. Have heavier items closest to their back.

3. Wear both shoulder straps to avoid leaning to one side and curving the spine causing pain and discomfort.

4. Have well-padded shoulder straps. Too much pressure on the shoulders can cause pain, numbness and tingling.

5. Position the bottom of the backpack no more than 4 inches below the child’s waistline."    (Continued via The Black Hills Pioneer, Kim Anderson)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Shaking Hands with an Ergonomic Mouse

Introducing a mouse pen ...

"Wow-Pen's new Joy mouse tilts your hand 90 degrees into a handshake gesture, supposedly creating a more comfortable mousing position.

Computer hardware designers have built a lot of strange devices in the name of ergonomics. Witness: kneeling chairs, wave keyboards, and wrist rests that feel like they’re made of Jell-O. You can now add to that list the vertical mouse, a 90 degree spin on the conventional mouse that puts your hand in a handshake position as you push it around on a desk.

The creatively named Korean company Wow-Pen announced the Joy ergonomic mouse back in February, but the device just began shipping in the U.S. recently. Its makers claim that it reduces stress on the wrist by allowing your hand to sit the same way it does when it hangs limp by your side – vertically. As you might expect, they also claim it alleviates carpal tunnel strain and reduce fatigue.

It looks like a combination of a mouse tipped on end and a joystick, with a wide base, two buttons where the middle and forefinger lay, and a pronounced upward jut between thumb and forefinger. Extra buttons scattered elsewhere give it a total of five."    (Continued via Digital Trends)    [Ergonomics Resources]

Wow-Pen's new Joy mouse.

Institute releases ergonomic guidebook for tree planters

Ergonomic guidelines when planting trees ...

"A British Columbia forest research institute has released an ergonomic guidebook aimed at preventing musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) among tree planters.

Released by the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) division of FPInnovations in late July, the document provides guidance related to planting, equipment such as shovels, blades and planting bags, as well as 'postures of interest' and warm-up exercises.

Several risk factors are most likely to cause or contribute to an MSI, the guide notes, including force, repetition, awkward or static postures, contact stress, vibration and cold temperatures. Information from WorkSafeBC adds that injuries to the wrist and back make up nearly half of reported injuries (26 per cent and 21 per cent respectively).

FERIC program leader Ernst Stjernberg reports that the field book was specifically designed for tree planters and supervisors in Western Canada. Stjernberg says that the institute is working on a French edition of the document and a version geared towards Eastern Canada, which uses tools exclusive to that part of Canada, such as dibbles, extractors and planting tubes. Those documents are in their preliminary stages, he adds.

The release of the document, entitled 'A Tree Planter's Guide to Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries,' was prompted by a request from Weyerhaeuser Company to conduct an ergonomic study of tree planting, Stjernberg says. "The guide has been very well received," he says, noting that "we did a printing of 5,000 copies initially and that's sold out." Weyerhaeuser has bought 1,200 copies, he adds.

The document is made to be used in the field and offers sturdy quality and water resistant capabilities, Stjernberg says. "It gets a little bit abused out in the bush," he says with a laugh.

Lisa Houle, occupational health and safety coordinator with Brinkman & Associates Reforestation Ltd in New Westminster, BC, reports that the company has purchased approximately 300 books and "distributed them to all of our crews as part of our orientation packages."

Tips are provided for dealing with various stages of the 'planting cycle' including: selecting the spot, screefing (removing rotting vegetation covering the ground to expose dirt below), retrieving the seedling, penetrating the soil, opening the hole and inserting the seedling, closing the hole, and, moving to the next spot. Some suggestions include:

# avoid directing the shovel before the spot is determined as it tenses the muscles unnecessarily;
# be aware that caulked footwear is prone to catching on solid or enmeshed objects in the ground, adding to impact forces around the knee;
# position seedlings in the planting bag so the tops are pointed slightly backwards to facilitate retrieval of the seedling at the root collar level;
# keep the shovel hand below head height;
# in hard and rocky ground, use the kicker on the shovel instead of hand force;
# don't stay crouched when moving from planting spot to planting spot; and,
# relax grip on shovel handle while moving between spots.


The guidebook notes that the recommended maximum sustained bag weight is 15 per cent of a worker's body weight. For example, a worker who weighs 77 kilograms (170 pounds) should not carry more than 12 kgs (26 pounds) on the back on a continuous basis. If some of the load is carried on the hips and planting steadily decreases the load, the maximum bag weight should be no more than 23 per cent of body weight."    (Continued via OHS Canada)    [Usability Resources]