You’ve got all the essential components of the ergonomic workstation—the task light, the monitor arm, the keyboard support, and of course the ergonomic task chair. So now what? You may have the finest products on the market, but even the best of the best ergonomic tools need to be used properly to provide their full range of benefits.

Use the following guidelines to maintain healthy work posture and get the most out of your ergonomic investment.

Healthy Work Posture Guidelines

Sit

1. Raise or lower your seat so your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are flat on the floor or a footrest.
2. Adjust the depth of your seat pan so you have at least 2” of clearance between the back of your knees and the front of the seat.
3. Adjust the height of your backrest so it fits comfortably on the small of your back.
4. Adjust your chair’s recline tension—if necessary—to support varying degrees of recline. Avoid using recline locks.
5. Lean back and relax in your chair to allow the backrest to provide full support for your upper body.

Visit http://www.humanscale.com  for more information

Are their Ideal Computer Workstations for the K-12 Market?

Many people spend thousands and thousands of dollars on their computers, software, and games and then completely disregard the workstation where they sit day in and day out.  But that would be like buying a Ferrari and then buying the cheapest tires possible!  It just won’t work in the long run^__and it’s the person who’s going to end up hurting, literally.

 Furniture and Equipment Basics for Kids

1. Stable work surface.  One that is adjustable in height may be good to have when adults and very young children are sharing the same workstation.
2. Comfortable, ergonomic, adjustable chair with at least chair height and back support adjustment mechanisms.  If the back tension of the chair does not adjust, make sure that the lower back is firmly supported.  Armrests that pivot and are height and width adjustable are also a good idea.  Remember that while most adjustable features are not absolutely essential, they do assure that many people of different sizes will feel comfortable in the chair.
3. Height-adjustable, negative slope keyboard tray is best for keeping the elbows at a >90 degrees and for allowing the wrists to remain in a neutral position.
4. Note:  Desktop keyboards and those placed on conventional, articulating keyboard trays (those on a positive slope) do not fully allow the elbows and wrists to remain in neutral posture and actually encourage wrist extension.
5. Height-adjustable, gliding mouse platform that allows the mouse to be positioned close to the side of the body, above the keyboard tray (so that the arm does not have to reach to the side).
6. It does not matter exactly what type of keyboard and pointing device you use as long as whatever you use feels comfortable, fits your hands, and allows you to work in a neutral hand and body posture.

Visit http://ergo.human.cornell.edu for more information on K-12 Ergonomics.

Although laptops are certainly a great invention, there is no way that they will be ergonomic (in their present design) without a little help from you.

1. It usually turns out that when the screen is at a comfortable height and distance, the keyboard isn’t and vice versa.  The best way to avoid discomfort here is to place the keyboard at a comfortable distance and enlarge the font, which you can always reduce later.
2. If you use your laptop for more than one hour at a time, consider obtaining an external keyboard and/or monitor.
3. The fact that a pointing device on a laptop is almost always located in the middle may not allow you to keep your arm at a neutral position while using it.  Consider purchasing a mouse or any other external pointing device.
4. As in the case of a desktop keyboard, you may use a wrist rest to intermittently support your hands in between bursts of typing on the laptop keyboard.
5. Avoid using your laptop on a high surface.  This will cause you to abduct your shoulders and lead to shoulder and back pain.

Visit http://ergo.human.cornell.edu for more info on all types of Ergonomics

The Economics of Ergonomics

Good ergonomics do much more than simply promote comfort and reduce injury risks. Good ergonomics increase productivity and employee morale. They reduce costs and contribute to company goals. Good ergonomics impact the bottom line. The largest and most important asset of any organization is its employees. In addition to protecting that asset, a good ergonomics program is the best way to maximize its potential. The results are not only significant—they are substantial.

 Ways to Improve Ergonomics

Companies that invest in ergonomics see drastic reductions in lost work days and costs associated with workers’ compensation claims. They reduce energy costs and earn tax credits through compliance with building standards. They employ happier, healthier people. And that’s just the beginning.  By incorporating ergonomics into company strategy, an organization can create a streamlined business model that operates more efficiently and generates greater profits. It all starts by creating a better place to work. 

Visit http://www.humanscale.com  for more information or speak with your Munson Account Executive.