Ergonomic Products 101
Amy Brown M.S., CPESenior ErgonomistVSI Risk Management and Ergonomics, Inc.
Outline
¨ What is Ergonomics
¨ Why are the correct products important
¨ Learn about Products
¨ Your Ergonomic Evaluation Process and Resources
What’s your “Ergo-IQ”?
What is Ergonomics?¨ The term ergonomics is derived from the Greek words:
¤ ergon – work¤ nomos – natural laws
¨ Definition:¤ Ergonomics is applied science of the physical and cognitive relationship
between the employee and their work environment – the human tool interaction.
Ergonomics looks at the design of tasks, tools, equipment & overall workplace layout in order to fit the task and
workstation to the person
Why are products important
¨ Proper products are designed to¤ Encourage neutral posture¤ Reduce strain/ forces associated with repetitive motions¤ Make you more comfortable and productive
LETS TALK PRODUCTS!
How to you choose your products?
¨ Products are not “one size fits all”!
¨ Some products are more appropriate for specific work tasks
Chairs
¨ More Expensive does NOT mean a better chair!
¨ Petite, Medium and Large options available
¨ Chairs should be fully adjustable¤ Seatpan height¤ Seatpan depth¤ Seatpan tilt¤ Armrest height (and removal)¤ Backrest height¤ Backrest recline
Chair Adjustments
¨ Chair:¤ Seat pan height - natural
sitting height¤ Seat pan depth – 3.0” space
between chair and legs¤ Backrest height – lumbar
support just above tailbone for men. Females need more thoracic support.
¤ Armrest height – relaxed shoulders
Footrest
¨ Foot support can encourage reclined sitting
¨ Reduces contact stress
¨ Also helpful for high worksurface
Sit/ Stand Desks
¨ Employee should alternating between sitting and standing to receive benefits
¨ Consider Footwear
Office Master Stool (CLS61) McMaster Carr Footrest
Keyboard Trays
¨ Single surface is best¨ Allows more desk space¨ Makes room for an inline document stand¨ Understand adjustability (height, depth, angle)
Mouse
Have you ever Googled “Ergonomic Mouse”?
Mouse
¨ Categories of Mice¤ Standard¤ Vertical¤ Trackball¤ Touchpad/ Trackpad¤ Rollermouse
¨ When choosing a mouse, consider:¤ Employee Stature (Hand size)¤ Computer applications – mouse intensive¤ Handedness (Right, Left, Ambidextrous)¤ Travel/ Laptop use¤ Price
Standard Mouse
¨ Available in a variety of sizes¨ Upgraded scroll wheels and Lasers¨ Customizable buttons¨ Familiar Feel
Logitech M500 Logitech MX Anywhere Kensington ProFit
Logitech Performance MX Goldtouch Semi-Vertical “Newtral”
Vertical Mouse
¨ Can be handed or ambidextrous¨ Encourage neutral ”handshake” postures¨ VSI performed a Usability Study on DXT vs. Evoluent vs.
Standard mouse. Inquire for results.
DXT EvoluentPenguin
Trackballs
¨ All Trackballs are not created Equal
Kensington OrbitLogitech Optical MarbleKensington Expert Mouse Trackball
Logitech TrackMan Wheel
¨ May still need palm support¨ Operation with thumb is not ideal¨ Wrist posture is incredibly important
¨ No planting
Touchpad/ Trackpad
¨ Wrist posture is incredibly important with use¤ No planting¤ Move from shoulder
¨ Easy transition from one hand to another
Apple Magic Trackpad 2
Roller Mouse
¨ May not be suitable for intensive mousing tasks e.g., finance, ¨ Allows user to utilize both hands during mousing¨ Reduces shoulder abduction
Contour Rollermouse Red Contour Rollermouse Pro2
Palm Support
¨ NOT Wrist Support!¨ Design matters - Depth, Height, Material
19
Belkin Mouse Slipper/ Sled
Keyboards
¨ When choosing a keyboard, consider:¤ Employee Stature (width of shoulders)¤ Computer applications – mouse intensive¤ Numeric Tasks¤ Travel/ Laptop use¤ Price
Adjustable Ergonomic - Split Ergonomic - Shortened
Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboards
¨ Split ergonomic keyboards are designed to allow the users wrists to remain in a neutral postures while typing.
¨ Adjustable ergonomic keyboards can be moved to a variety of splay angles and tenting heights to accommodate persons of various statures.
¨ Goldtouch ¨ Goldtouch “Go” ¨ Kinesis Freestyle
Kinesis Freestyle
¨ Usability Study conducted by VSI Consulting. Inquire about the results.
¨ Be aware of “Necessary” Accessories¤ Kinesis keyboard does have additional
accessory packages for varied adjustability options.
Kinesis Freestyle
Kinesis Freestyle with Incline Accessory Package
Kinesis Freestyle with VIP Accessory Package
Fixed Ergonomic Keyboards
¨ Watch out for Ill-fitted products!¨ Usability Study conducted by VSI
Consulting determined that users who did not “plant their wrists” while using a standard keyboard design without a wrist rest began to “plant their wrists” when using a keyboard with an inclusive wrist rest design.
Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000Microsoft Sculpt Logitech K350 Wave
Shortened Keyboards
¨ Purpose:¤ To reduce the reach (shoulder abduction) required for the mouse¤ Take up less space when area is limited (e.g., laboratories,
traveling, etc.)
¨ Logitech K360¤ Cordless¤ 20% smaller
than standard keyboard
¨ Adesso 88¤ Corded¤ 13.3” long¤ No number pad
¨ Logitech K810 Bluetooth¤ Cordless¤ Bluetooth¤ No number pad
Monitors
¨ When purchasing monitors, make sure they are height and tilt/angle adjustable¤ If not, make sure that monitor stands or monitor arms are
available
Monitor Arms
¨ If adjustable monitor arms are used, ensure that they are mounted close enough to the user to allow a correct viewing distance¤Ensure that employees understand how to adjust
this tool!
Monitor Stand
¨ If monitor arms aren’t available, use monitor risers
Dual Monitors
¨ When using Dual Monitors ensure that employees are viewing both screens equally.
¨ Align monitor heights**This also includes when using laptop as secondary screen
If employee views monitors equally
If employee views left monitor over 75% of
the time
Laptop Accessories
¨ The design of all laptops are a common cause of MSDs
¨ Tools are available to “break apart” the laptop screen and keyboard.
¨ Always use an external mouse with laptops.
Mobile Accessories
¨ Tablets and Cell phones cause many awkward postures
¨ Take frequent breaks with use
Mobile Accessories
Document Stands
¨ Documents stands are recommended to be aligned to the clients’ midline, directly in front of the monitor to reduce neck rotation.
3M Inline Document HolderDH640
Humanscale Document DrawerCH3000More appropriate for binders
Headsets
¨ Very important to reduce phone “cradling”
¨ Available wired and wireless
Warnings
¨ Products are not “One Size Fits All”.¨ When incorrectly used, products can cause more
HARM than GOOD!¨ Whoever is recommending products should have an
in depth knowledge of current tools and when they are appropriate.
¨ The Human-Tool interaction is key!!!
Computer Software
¨ Methods for tracking progress (metrics) to ensure that your program continues to evolve and lend continued productivity and safety advances
¨ Using technology to automate and simplify ergonomics program processes¤ Specialty Software Programs (e.g., Workstation Safety Plus,
Remedy)
Computer Software
Workstation Safety Plus’ training modules are designed to engage employees and increase participation rates.
Features include:q Expert-reviewed contentq Customizable pages – add your logo, change images, etc.q Content that changes depending upon the need
of your employeesq Content for new and expectant mothersq Specific content for home-workersq Video-based stretching exercisesq Multiple languagesq Meets all accessibility standards
Information collected from: http://cardinus.com/products/products.aspx?pc=wsp
Computer Software
Created Specifically for Enterprisesq Identify Workplace
Risks and Likely Injuries
q Mitigate Riskq Discover new Insightsq Strategic Support to
Maximize your successq Customized for your
Organization
Information collected from: http://remedyinteractive.com/solutions_office.html
Automates your entire ergonomic program so it can be managed by one individualq Pinpoint at-risk
employeesq Automate your effortsq Achieve your goalsq Prove your successq Rely on expertsq Engage your
employees
Desktop software to allow individual employees to manage and mitigate their risksq Proactively identify
risks or RSIs earlyq Reduce the risk of
injuriesq Increase injury
prevention program efficiency
q Now available in 8 languages
Your Ergonomic Program
¨ OSEC has a process for you to request evaluations. ¨ Contact your department representative to schedule
an evaluation¨ County of Santa Clara
has an approved products list and approved vendors
Who’s doing your evaluations?
¨ Understand credentials and education¤ CPE
n Certified Professional Ergonomist
¤ CIEn Certified Industrial Ergonomist
¤ CAEn Certified Associate Ergonomist
¤ HFEn Academic degrees (BS, MS, PhD) are available in Human Factors and
Ergonomics Engineering
Q&A
Amy Brown, MS HFE, CPESenior ErgonomistVSI Risk Management and Ergonomics, Inc.