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Ergotect is pleased to provide you with a variety of resource materials to aid in the understanding of both product solutions and ergonomic issues in office environments.
Links  Publications

 

Office Ergonomics Primer - Concise and readable;  an "A to Z" tour that touches on most every ergonomic issue pertaining to intensive data-entry environments.  Understand how ergonomic equipment interfaces with humans to promote neutral postures.  Includes a chapter describing ten things you can do to improve the ergonomics of the office before spending a single penny.

Ergonomics = Economics - Will convince even the most tight-fisted CFO that sensible ergonomic programs can create long-term profits.

Published media offered on this page are for Ergotect client organizations and prospective clients in the Dallas area.

Excellent websites exist for those who wish to learn more about cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) and ergonomists' perspectives on ergonomic issues and ergonomic equipment.  

Video

The Anatomy and Biochemistry of the Human Body in the Seated Posture  - This video presentation provides insight for those who wish to learn about the applied ergonomics of seating products.

Study

The Effect of Ergonomic Worktools on Productivity in Today's Workstation Design - This study examines the dynamics and benefits of neutral postures and body movement specifically related to sit to stand environments.

While OSHA's sweeping ergonomic rules were disapproved, documents and information associated with the rules can prove useful.  Below is the VDT workstation checklist.  Similar guidelines are in daily use at numerous North American and Western European corporations and businesses.  Study after study prove that sensible ergonomic programs increase productivity and save money by controlling medical costs associated with repetitive stress injuries.  Most well managed ergonomic interventions provide Return On Investment within 18 months.  

WORKING CONDITIONS
The workstation is designed or arranged for doing VDT tasks so it allows the employee's . . .		 Y N
A. Head and neck to be about upright (not bent down/back).    
B. Head, neck and trunk to face forward (not twisted).    
C. Trunk to be about perpendicular to floor (not leaning forward/backward).    
D. Shoulders and upper arms to be about perpendicular to floor (not stretched forward) and relaxed (not elevated).    
E. Upper arms and elbows to be close to body (not extended outward).    
F. Forearms, wrists, and hands to be straight and parallel to floor (not pointing up/down).    
G. Wrists and hands to be straight (not bent up/down or sideways toward little finger).    
H. Thighs to be about parallel to floor and lower legs to be about perpendicular to floor.    
I. Feet to rest flat on floor or be supported by a stable footrest.    
J. VDT tasks to be organized in a way that allows employee to vary VDT tasks with other work activities, or to take micro-breaks or recovery pauses while at the VDT workstation.    
SEATING
The chair . . .		 Y N
1. Backrest provides support for employee's lower back (lumbar area).    
2. Seat width and depth accommodate specific employee (seatpan not too big/small).    
3. Seat front does not press against the back of employee's knees and lower legs (seatpan not too long).    
4. Seat has cushioning and is rounded/ has "waterfall" front (no sharp edge).    
5. Armrests support both forearms while employee performs VDT tasks and do not interfere with movement.    
KEYBOARD/INPUT DEVICE
The keyboard/input device is designed or arranged for doing VDT tasks so that . . .		 Y N
6. Keyboard/input device platform(s) is stable and large enough to hold keyboard and input device.    
7. Input device (mouse or trackball) is located right next to keyboard so it can be operated without reaching.    
8. Input device is easy to activate and shape/size fits hand of specific employee (not too big/small).    
9. Wrists and hands do not rest on sharp or hard edge.    
MONITOR
The monitor is designed or arranged for VDT tasks so that . . .		 Y N
10. Top line of screen is at or below eye level so employee is able to read it without bending head or neck down/back. (For employees with bifocals/trifocals, see next item.)    
11. Employee with bifocals/trifocals is able to read screen without bending head or neck backward.    
12. Monitor distance allows employee to read screen without leaning head, neck or trunk forward/backward.    
13. Monitor position is directly in front of employee so employee does not have to twist head or neck.    
14. No glare (e.g., from windows, lights) is present on the screen which might cause employee to assume an awkward posture to read screen.    
WORK AREA
The work area is designed or arranged for doing VDT tasks so that . . .		 Y N
15. Thighs have clearance space between chair and VDT table/keyboard platform (thighs not trapped).    
16. Legs and feet have clearance space under VDT table so employee is able to get close enough to keyboard/input device.    
ACCESSORIES Y N
17. Document holder, if provided, is stable and large enough to hold documents that are used.    
18. Document holder, if provided, is placed at about the same height and distance as monitor screen so there is little head movement when employee looks from document to screen.    
19. Wrist rest, if provided, is padded and free of sharp and square edges.    
20. Wrist rest, if provided, allows employee to keep forearms, wrists and hands straight and parallel to ground when using keyboard/input device.    
21. Telephone can be used with head upright (not bent) and shoulders relaxed (not elevated) if employee does VDT tasks at the same time.    
GENERAL Y N
22. Workstation and equipment have sufficient adjustability so that the employee is able to be in a safe working posture and to make occasional changes in posture while performing VDT tasks.    
23. VDT Workstation, equipment and accessories are maintained in serviceable condition and function properly.    
PASSING SCORE = "YES" answer on all "working postures" items (A-J) and no more than two "NO" answers on remainder of checklist (1-23).

 
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