Ypsilon Office Chair

The boys at Gadgetizer wrote in about a scoop on a new product that could start turning up in swank offices everywhere. The Ypsilon Office Chair—I assume it’s pronounced “Epsilon,” but I feel compelled to say “Yip-silon”—offers 10 adjustable settings including height, depth and pressure for the seat, backrest and headrest. In addition to its therapeutic functions, it looks from slick.

Appearance-wise the Ypsilon sort of reminds me of a dentist’s chair. It is clearly aimed at the Aeron market, but I dunno if it’s enough chair to dethrone the king. Wouldn’t mind trying one out though.

Workspace Roundup: Ergonomic Chairs

Steelcase Leap

Price: $900 shown—$800 base

Topping out our list is the Leap from Steelcase. Widely touted as the Aeron killer, the Leap features everything one could possibly ask for in an ergo chair. Featuring ten adjustable points, it’s easy to situate this chair precisely to personal demands.

Those controls allow you to manipulate seat depth and height, lumbar height, lower and upper back firmness, tilt and various options for the arm pads. It comes in leather, but I demoed a cloth version, which appeals to me more than leather.

From a build perspective, it feels like something from the ’50s. It’s heavy-duty and quite heavy—in my excitement to remove it from the boxes, I pulled my back and spent the next several days limping around, sweet irony.

The sheer quantity of ergonomic options on the Leap can be a bit daunting to start. It definitely took me a few days to finally get it situated in an agreeable fashion and then a few more days to tweak it to perfection.

But after sitting in it for about two weeks, I’m curious how I lived life before it. My entire body feels a good deal happier.

Let’s face it, everyone is vastly different, and a chair that works for one person might not work for another. Steelcase covered its bases here. By allowing users to fine-tune all of the chair’s functions, it has essentially created a chair personalized to each sitter.

The downside? Cost. It’s not cheap, but it’s oh so worth it. You might have to sell a kidney to afford one, but your neck and back will thank you (at least after you finish healing from that kidney extraction). - BR

HumanScale Liberty
Price: $885 and up

VIA Swopper
Price: $500 and up

The Swopper from Via is the perfect choice for those that want the health benefits of an ergonomic chair without all the maddening back, seat and arm adjustments. And if you’re into training your core muscles, its “sitting in motion” design concept will help you do that, too.

The build of the stool is pretty basic: a cushioned seat on a giant spring. You adjust the tension of the spring by twisting a collar on the stool’s post at the bottom of the coil. This dictates how much movement the chair will have. There’s another pneumatic height adjustment, but that’s it.

So the idea is that once you’ve properly adjusted the Swopper according to your height and weight (the included instruction pamphlet lays it all out) and you sit in the proper position (yeah, it’s detailed in the instructions as well), all of your back and stomach muscles will go into action, helping you balance on the stool while you work.

The Swopper is overall comfortable. However at first, while you’re getting used to sitting on it, it can get uncomfortable if you stay on it for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Simply standing up for a bit cures this though, and after using the Swopper for a while, you won’t need to do it as often.

Its compact size is one of the Swopper’s biggest benefits. Those in cramped cubes or tight working spaces will enjoy not having a big, bulky ergonomic chair. And because you can easily swivel and turn any direction, it’ll work well for anyone that’s constantly reaching for things around their work area or frequently standing and sitting.

If you’re the type that likes to lean back in your chair when you’re on the phone, this is not the chair for you. Also, if you like arm rests, skip the Swopper. But it’s a great stool for training your muscles to do without the multiple stationary comforts of most all ergonomic chairs. - JG

Herman-Miller Mirra Chair
Price: $550 and up

Available in basic and full-featured models, the Mirra Chair is a good blend of modern office looks, ergonomics and price. Yes, there are plenty of similar-looking chairs on the market and at lower prices (the Mirra starts at about $550 for the basic model), but the superior comfort and quality construction are worth the cost, especially if you spend all day sitting.

The basic model is well, basic, with only a pneumatic adjustment for height, standard tilt and fixed armrests. Step up to the full-featured model and you get a tilt-limiter, adjustable arms, a FlexFront seat that lets you add or remove a curve to the front of the seat pan and—probably the best feature—a lumbar support. The lumbar support can be easily moved up and down the back of the chair, so putting it in the perfect position for your back is a snap, and you can adjust the amount of tension on it as well.

The seat is extremely comfortable for extended work sessions considering it has no cushioning. Both the backrest and seat pan are made from taut, breathable mesh allowing for good support and air circulation as well as a more individualized fit as it shapes to each user. All the adjustments are simple to operate and stay locked into place.

One of the nicest parts about the Mirra is you can pick different colors for the backrest, the seat pan and the frame. There are eight colors for the back and seat and two for the frame. Depending on where you buy it, you can also get a number of caster options for different flooring surfaces. True, coughing up nearly $800 for a desk chair is a tough thing to do, but your body will thank you for it.

Is Your Work A Pain In The Neck?

Ergonomics has become a buzzword in occupational health, and many companies have whipped out their chequebooks to invest in state-of-the-art equipment. But this isn't the smartest move, says Guy Clapperton

There are two extreme schools of thought on ergonomics. One says if you're sitting comfortably, you probably don't have a problem. The other says nonsense, you'll be doing all sorts of damage - and what you need is a custom- built ergonomic chair ... here's one for only £600 just in from America. Neither is absolutely right. The good news is that the way in which the £600-a-shot brigade has it right is that it needn't cost a lot of money every time. "Many people do spend a lot of money on chairs that are labelled ergonomic, but the actual guidelines on what makes an ergonomic chair is just that you can adjust it in terms of more than height," says Paul Godfrey, director of ergonomics specialist Health and Fitness Solutions. "You get one or two companies spending a lot thinking the more they spend, the better the chair will be, but it's all about adjustability."

Essentially, what's ergonomic for one person isn't necessarily going to be ergonomic for someone else. "You're not going to be able to find one chair to fit all. When you take all the heights and sizes and body frames you'll find in a company and try to fit it into one chair, you realise that even if various components of the chairs adjust, it still won't fit the individual," says Godfrey.

It's worth taking a step back and considering what is meant by "ergonomic" in terms of chairs. The hollow of the back should be supported and the feet should rest comfortably on the ground or else on a footrest. The elbows should be about level with the keyboard for comfortable typing and the top of the monitor should be at eye level. And that's just about it for beginners. It should be apparent from those comments that the chair is only one element of the deal.

"A lot of people pay attention to the chair and forget that you need a good marriage between the chair and the desk," says Godfrey. "Most desks are made to 700-720mm high. Unless you're 5ft 4in or shorter, 720mm is going to be too low for most people." So you have a new ergonomic chair at the right height but sit too high and lean forward, or compromise your sitting position by dropping the chair height.

The result can be complaining employees, which gets difficult because the people making the decisions about spending feel they've "done" ergonomics and it didn't work. "When directors spend money on furniture and don't get the return on investment that they'd hoped for, their perception of ergonomics becomes negative," says ergonomist Herman Bynke. "They are removed from the subject matter and they really don't believe in ergonomics afterwards." Bynke believes it isn't enough to spend a lot on state-of-the-art chairs. "Ergonomics is all about the fit between the human being and the equipment. It's a big picture, and ergonomics in the office environment is still focused on the chair."

Godfrey agrees that people need to look further than the furniture. "People expect that good ergonomics are going to take their aches and pains away," he says. "They need to understand that even when you're sitting properly at a chair that's been designed for you, with the right desk height and so on, you're still sitting. We're hunter gatherers, and the whole office environment has evolved over the last 20 years, while we haven't evolved for many thousands. We like to be upright, we like to move about and the fact that you're sitting well doesn't take away the fact that you're sitting." People still need to understand that they should get up for 10 minutes an hour, and that staring at a screen for ages isn't going to be a good idea, he says.

There is a lot that can be done without spending a lot of money. People make the mistake, says Bynke, of putting screens to the side of the desk rather than looking straight at them - crick in the neck anyone? Then they put the documents on which they're working on the desk rather than at the same height as the monitor. Notebook users often seem to think the monitor height rule doesn't apply to them: stands for notebook computers are available though, for example the NotebookStation USB from Kensington.

"People forget that these products were designed for working on the move, not for sustained use, and therefore they sit hunched over their laptop for far too long," says Phil O'Neill, director and business manager for Kensington Europe.

Lighting is also important. The Verilux Happy Eyes range is among those that imitates daylight, which is whiter than the yellowish artificial light to which most people will be accustomed. Overall, the way people make mistakes appears mostly to involve overlooking the basics. If you're sitting badly, the chances are you know you're doing so, and if your staff are doing so you'll be able to spot it.

If you're embarking on investigating the ergonomics of your environment for the first time, consider asking your staff whether they're comfortable and educating them about the correct use of their equipment before spending a fortune - a high spend might prove unnecessary.

· Spend a fortune on chairs without finding out whether the existing furniture is causing a problem.

· Buy footrests for everyone in the office when their feet already reach the ground comfortably.

· Spend a lot of money on monitors because the most costly ones must be low-radiation. There may be good reason to invest in an expensive monitor, but all modern monitors are low-rad.

· Focus exclusively on the chair.

· Fail to educate staff on how to use ergonomic equipment. Slouching in a chair for hours on end will hurt your back no matter how brilliantly designed it may be.

http://www.guardian.co.uk

Library Ergonomics

General Workstation Ergonomics

Disclaimer: The information contained in this document should not be taken as medical advice. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort you should consult your physician.

These are intended as general guidelines and are not the last word on what are considered ergonomically correct behaviors or postures. Do what feels right - learn to listen to your body. If something feels uncomfortable don't continue doing it.

Head/Neck Basics

• Head centered over shoulders
• Shoulders relaxed
• Computer monitor centered on user's head
• Monitor at proper distance and height (see "Monitor" section below)
• Do not bend your neck forward or to the side

Eye Basics

To avoid eyestrain associated with computer use:

• Blink frequently (about every 5 seconds)
• Refocus your eyes periodically (about every 20 minutes) on a distant object 20 or more feet away
• Eyeglasses should be clean and have a comfortable focal distance for computer work

Monitor

• Monitor distance should be 18-26 inches from user (approximately an arm's length)
• Monitor centered on user
• Neither monitor nor user should face a window
• Monitor should be placed at a right angle to windows or between rows of fluorescent lighting rather than directly under them
• User's eyes should be in line with the top of the monitor or a point 2-3 inches below the top of the screen

Document Holders

If your work requires frequent reference to a document, you should use a document or copyholder. Place the holder next to the monitor at the same height and distance from your eyes as the monitor.

Hand/Wrist Basics

• Keep hands and wrists straight and relaxed
• Avoid bending your wrists or putting pressure on them
• Work in a "neutral" position (about halfway through the range of motion for the joint)
• Use as light a keystroke as possible
• When moving the mouse, use your whole arm not just the wrist or elbow

Keyboard

• You should be able to work comfortably with your elbows close to your sides
• Forearms should be extended out at approximately a ninety-degree angle to the upper arms
• Using a wrist rest can be problematic - avoid putting pressure on the underside of the wrist while typing
• Do not use armrests while typing as this increases the stress on tendons and ligaments
• Keyboard should remain flat or at a slightly raised angle (0-15 degrees)

Mouse

• Position and use mouse as close to yourself as possible (next to the keyboard is ideal)
• Keep wrists straight and relaxed
• Use your whole arm when moving the mouse

Back Basics

• Try to maintain the natural "S" curve of your spine (use your seat back to support your lower back)
• Sit fully back in your chair with your back firmly against the backrest
• Shift your position from time to time to avoid fatigue

Chair

An adjustable chair is necessary for any shared workstation to accommodate users of differing sizes. Having an ergonomic chair is important if the user is spending the majority of his or her workday using a computer. So what is an ergonomic chair?

• It should have five legs for stability
• Height should be adjustable (in the range of 15-21 inches for most users)
• The seat pan should have a depth of 17-20 inches (deeper for taller people, shallower for shorter people). The user should be able to sit back fully in the chair with the lumbar (lower back) region of the back making contact with the seat back while still allowing the feet to rest flat on the floor. The front edge of the seat should be rounded with a slight downward slope to prevent loss of circulation in the thighs.
• The backrest should support the lumbar region and should be adjustable. Ideally the user should maintain the natural "S" curve of the spine. Conventional wisdom dictates that the ideal posture is an upright posture with the hips at a ninety-degree angle to the legs.
• Armrests are optional. They should be adjustable. If the armrests on your chair will not allow you to get close enough to your desk you should look into having them removed. You should not rest your arms on the armrests while typing.

Work Surface

Try to keep your work surface as free from clutter as possible. Keep items you use often close at hand. The work surface should be stable with adequate room for proper arrangement. It should be at least as big as the standard desk - 30 by 60 inches. Correct table height depends on many factors. 26 to 28 inches is recommended for computer workstations, but if the surface is also going to be used for writing on paper the recommendation is 28 to 30 inches above the floor.

Leg Room

Knee space should allow the user to change the position of his or her legs frequently to minimize fatigue. The knee space should be at least 30 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 27 inches high to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For shared workstations leg clearance should be greater than the height of the thigh and knee of the largest person using the station; for those using a footrest, clearance must be calculated with the legs in place on the footrest.

Footrests

Footrests can be used in two different circumstances: when the user's feet do not rest flat on the floor after a workstation is properly adjusted; or when the seat compresses the back of the legs limiting circulation. In the latter case the footrest can be used to help lift the back of the thighs slightly off the seat to allow for more blood flow.

Exercise/Breaks

• Eye Breaks - looking at a computer screen for long periods of time causes some changes in how the eyes work, causing you to blink less often, and exposes more of the eye surface to the air causing dryness. Every 15-20 minutes you should look away from the screen for awhile preferably at an object 20 or more feet away. This will allow your eyes to relax and refocus on a more natural plane. Blink your eyes rapidly for a few seconds. This refreshes the tear film and clears dust from the eye surface.
• Micro-breaks - most typing is done in bursts rather than continuously. Between these bursts of activity you should rest your hands in a relaxed, flat, straight posture. During a micro-break you can briefly stretch, stand up, move around, or do a different work task (e.g make a telephone call). A micro-break isn't necessarily a break from work, but it's a break from the use of a particular set of muscles that's doing most of the work.
• Rest breaks - every 30-60 minutes you should take a brief rest break. During this break stand up, move around and do something else. Go and get a drink of water, soda, tea, coffee, or whatever. This allows you to rest and exercise different muscles and you'll feel less tired.

Here are a few exercises you might try to relieve stress and promote relaxation.

To relax your wrists and hands try the following:

• Make a tight fist, hold for a second, then stretch your fingers out wide and hold for five seconds. Repeat.
• With your arms outstretched in front of you, raise and lower your hands by bending them at the wrist (as though you are waving "Goodbye", but slower). Then rotate your hands ten times in the air with your open palm facing outward (as though you were erasing something from a chalkboard).

For the back, arms, and shoulders:

• While seated at your desk or workstation, stretch your shoulders, arms, and ribcage by reaching overhead as far as you can and hold for a few seconds. Holding your arms above your head, intertwine the fingers of both hands and bend your torso slightly to the left and right.
• Also while seated you can help relieve tension on your neck and shoulders by rotating your head slowly from side to side. Other neck stretches include tipping your head towards your shoulders and lowering your chin to your chest.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu

What is Ergonomic?

If a product is ergonomic it is specifically designed to be comfortable and easy to use, physically and psychologically. Ergonomic products are often advertised as reducing fatigue and repetitive strain, and boosting productivity.

In recent years ergonomics have been associated more and more with computer products, such as ergonomic mice and keyboards. While a standard keyboard is said to place the wrists in an unnatural position, an ergonomic keyboard is split with each half set at an angle to the other, forming a slight V-shape. A more natural posture can be maintained while resting the hands upon an ergonomic keyboard, thus facilitating a comfortable experience even for extended periods of use.

However, the simple claim that a design is ergonomic doesn't necessarily make it more comfortable. There is no governing guideline for creating an ergonomic product, and research used for designs can, in some cases, be faulty. This can lead to a product that, by popular standards, is even less comfortable than its traditional counterpart.

As an example, in the late 80s a backless ergonomic chair was purportedly less fatiguing. The chair was designed is an inverted S-pattern that allowed one to "kneel-sit." While it might have been technically better for posture on paper, after a short time sitting without back support, many people found it more fatiguing than a traditional chair. Most of these chairs are now made with lumbar support.

According to the U.S. National Institute for Health (NIH), an ergonomic chair should have a variety of adjustable features, including seat height, tilt, adjustable arm rests, and other specific characteristics, (e.g. a "waterfall" seat pan that dips towards the floor). The NIH also emphasizes creating an ergonomic workspace and lays out guidelines for optimal monitor height, lighting, keyboard and mouse position, and so on. Along with creating a physical environment that is conducive to natural movements of the body, the NIH lists some simple exercises one can perform throughout the day, while sitting at a desk, to relieve fatigue.

Aside from workspace, another area where ergonomic design figures prominently is interior automobile design. Car seats with adjustable height, seat pan tilt, and lumbar support; dashboards and consoles laid out with controls placed in intuitive locations - even the control knobs themselves are designed to be easy to use.

Although any product can have some ergonomic value - ATMs, power tools, and racing bikes to name a few-as a general rule, the more continual use a product gets, the more time will go into ergonomic research in designing it. Hence, the emphasis on workspace products and automobiles.

The goal of ergonomic products or environments is to interface with humans in the most natural way possible. In buying products and creating environments with ergonomic design at home and at work, one should be able to enjoy one's work or play with added ease and reduced stress.

http://www.wisegeek.com

What to look for in an ergonomic office chair

The right ergonomic office chairs will make office work safer. Users should look for chairs that can adjust in height and provide good lumbar support.

Ergonomics is a science that studies how to improve worker productivity and prevent injuries by making work safer and more comfortable. With respect to chairs, ergonomic designs promote proper posture, provide support to key areas of the body, such as the lower back, and help prevent chronic injuries that may occur with chairs not designed with these things in mind.

It's very important to find an ergonomic chair that fits the individual user naturally, and allows work in a neutral, stress-free position. To find the best one, the user of the chair should try sitting in them, keeping a number of factors in mind.

Pick a chair with a seat pan that extends at least one inch beyond the hips and thighs on each side. The user should be able to sit back in the chair without the front edge of the seat pan rubbing against the back of the knees. The seat should be comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time.

The seat height should be adjustable. Pneumatic adjustment is best, because it allows the user to adjust the height without getting out of the chair. When seated, the user should be able to adjust the height so that the user's knees are level or slightly below the level of the seat with the user's feet flat on the floor. Adjustment controls should be easily accessible when sitting in the chair. A tilting seat pan is normally not necessary, but may help some people achieve a healthier seat posture.

Lumbar support is one of the most important considerations in choosing an ergonomic office chair. If the chair has an adjustable back, the user should check to make sure it can be adjust up and down, and forward and back, to provide a good fit and support for the lower back. A chair without an adjustable back may be satisfactory if there will be one primary user, and the chair is a good fit. Users may also want to look for chairs that support the middle and upper back as well as the lumbar. Some chairs allow the user to recline. These are also worth searching for, because a reclining position is more natural than an upright position. Being adjust and sit in different positions is good for the back.

If a chair with armrests is chosen, be sure that the armrests are broad, contoured, and comfortable. They also need to be adjustable. Ideally, they should be set so that the arms are parallel to the floor when resting on the armrests. They should also allow for adjustment closer together or farther apart.

The user should think about how mobile the chair needs to be. If the chair will be moved frequently, a 5-pedestal base is recommended. Pick a chair with casters that will move easily over the type of floor in the office.

The type of covering can influence a chair's comfort. The most commonly available types of coverings are leather, vinyl, fabric, and nylon. Each has some advantages and disadvantages. Some factors to consider are comfort, maintenance, ease to clean, stain resistance, durability, and susceptibility to trap allergens like dust mites.

Most people will not need a footrest when using an ergonomic office chair. However, if one is necessary, it should be a free-standing footrest that can be positioned comfortably in front of the chair.

Written by Clinton Lawrence - © 2002

http://www.essortment.com

ERGONOMIC WORKSTATION GUIDELINES

Ergonomic furniture should be designed to facilitate task performance, minimize fatigue and injury by fitting equipment to the body size, strength and range of motion of the user.

Office furnishings, which are generally available, have adjustable components that enable the user to modify the workstation to accommodate different physical dimensions and the requirements of the job. Ergonomically designed furniture can reduce pain and injury, increase productivity, improve morale, and decrease complaints.

The purchase of equipment should be task specific to eliminate:

(a) static or awkward posture,
(b) repetitive motion,
(c) poor access or inadequate clearance and excessive reach,
(d) display that are difficult to read and understand, and
(e) controls that are confusing to operate or require too much force. Therefore, furniture that is selected should be suitable for the types of tasks performed and be adaptable to multi-purpose use. Office workstations must be designed carefully to meet the need of the staff and to accomplish the goals of the facility.

Design objectives should support humans to achieve the operational objectives for which they are responsible. There are three goals to consider in human-centered design.

1. Enhance human abilities
2. Overcome human limitations
3. Foster user acceptance

To achieve these objectives, there are several key elements of ergonomics in the office to consider.

1. Equipment - video display terminals
2. Software design - system design and screen design for greater usability
3. Workstation design - chairs, work surfaces and accessories
   Environment - space planning, use of colors, lighting, acoustics, air quality and thermal factors
4. Training - preparing workers to deal with technology

Recommendations

To give departments guidance in selecting office furniture and setting up workstations, the following guidelines are from the American National Standards Institute and the Environmental Health and Safety Center. Included are diagrams and a checklist to guide you through the process.

Chairs

OFFICE CHAIR ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE FOR A MORE COMFORTABLE, NUETRAL, SEATED POSTURE

Seat Height:	Seat height should be pneumatically adjusted while seated. A range of 16 - 20.5 inches off the floor should accommodate most users. Thighs should be horizontal, lower legs vertical, feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. Seat height should also allow a 90 degree angle at the elbows for typing.
Seat Width and Depth:	A seat width of 17-20 inches suffices for most people and should be deep enough to permit the back to contact the lumbar backrest without cutting into the backs of knees. The front edge should be rounded and padded. The seat slant should be adjustable (0 to 10 degrees). Avoid bucket-type seats. The seat should swivel easily.
Backrest:	The backrest should offer firm support, especially in the lumbar (lower back) region, should be 12-19 inches wide, and should be easily adjustable both in angle and height, while sitting. The optimum angle between seat and back should permit a working posture of at least 90 degrees between the spine and thighs. Seat pan angle and backrest height and angle should be coordinated to allow for the most comfortable weight load on the spinal column.
Seat Material:	A chair seat and back should be padded enough to allow comfortable circulation. If a seat is too soft, the muscles must always adjust to maintain a steady posture, causing strain and fatigue. The seat fabric should "breathe" to allow air circulation through clothes to the skin.
Armrests:	Armrests are optional, depending on user preference and task performed. They should not restrict movement or impede the worker's ability to get close enough to the work surface. The worker should not rest his or her forearms while keying.

Workstation Design

1. Correct work station height depends upon the user of a work station and upon the chair and other factors that interact with the user and table. The ideal is for the user to be able to sit at the work station with the keyboard in place and be able to easily maintain a 90-100 degree elbow angle and straight wrists while keying. The height of an adjustable keyboard support should adjust between 23" and 28" to accommodate most-but not all-users. 26" is a recommended compromise position while leg clearance must still be considered.
2. Leg room: Knee spaces should allow a worker to feel uncrowded and to allow some changes of position even with the keyboard support lowered to the correct level for use. The knee space should be at least 30" wide by 19"deep by 27" high to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For those using a footrest, clearance must be calculated with the legs in place on the footrest. Likewise, depth of the "clearance envelope" for both legs and toes should be evaluated while the workstation user is in a normal working position at the work station (determined by the design of the seating system and the way the user sits). Drawers and support legs (for furniture) should not go where human legs need to fit.
3. The work station top should be big enough to allow space not only for all computer-related necessary equipment, but also for paperwork, books, and other materials needed while working at the computer. Working with materials on chairs and at odd angles has the potential for neck and other body strain. Frequently used items should be kept close to avoid long reaches. A general recommendation is that the work area top should be at least as big as the standard office desk - 30 inches by 60 inches. A depth of at least 30 inches allows flexibility in use/reuse of the work area. Usable space may be maximized by good wire/cable management.
4. Thickness of work surface: one inch

Accessories

Footrest:	Situations will arise in which a user is perfectly adjusted for keyboard use and with the monitor at a correct angle, but his/her feet do not rest flat on the floor. A footrest may be used to correct this problem.
Document Holder:	Use a document holder instead of resting copy on the table top. This helps to eliminate strain and discomfort by keeping the copy close to the monitor and at the same height and distance from the users face as the screen.
Wrist Rests:	Wrists should only be used to support the wrist in pauses between typing if this is comfortable for the individual. Placing the wrists on a wrist rest while typing can create a bend in the wrists and pressure on the carpal tunnel. Wrist rests should have rounded, not sharp, edges and should provide a firm but soft cushion.

Keyboard Tray Adjustment Proceedure

http://www.ncsu.edu

Ergonomics - Administrative Restrictions

Administrative Restrictions on Office Furniture and Chair Purchases: Clarification of Ergonomic Assessment Requirement - January 2005 New furniture other than an Adjustable Task Chairs. The current administrative restrictions require that, prior to the purchase of new furniture (other than an Adjustable Task Chair), agencies must first determine whether suitable furniture is available through DAS-Surplus Property. Purchases of system furniture must be approved by a DAS Facilities Division space planner. State agencies are encouraged to purchase furniture offered by Oregon Correctional Enterprises when purchasing new furniture. Adjustable Task (Ergonomic) Chairs. Adjustable Task Chairs must be purchased through the statewide price agreement or DAS-Surplus Property and supported by an ergonomic (Chair Fitting) assessment. Ergonomic (Chair Fitting) assessments are required in order to purchase a new adjustable (ergonomic) task chair. A chair fitting assessment (pdf) means documenting the key measures to select a correctly sized chair for that worker. These measures include: knee height; popliteal length, lumbar height; seat pan width; and, pneumatic cylinder support (standard cylinder spec’d up to 250 pounds of body weight.) All new employees should have these key measures documented. Check for a suitable chair that may not currently be in use that may fit this employee. If none is available, then proceed with the purchase of a new chair using the statewide price agreement. After the employee has a properly fitting chair, be sure to complete the ergonomic assessment (adjusting the chair to support dynamic work posture, setting work surface heights, selecting peripherals, work station layout etc.) Ergonomic (Chair Fitting) assessments are not necessary for repair of broken chairs. Check the tab on the underside of the chair seat to determine if the chair is still under warrantee. When a chair cannot be repaired and must be replaced, existing ergonomic (chair fitting) assessment information can be used. Check with the employee to assure there has not been a change in physical condition (such as a change in body weight) since the last assessment. An ergonomic assessment is not required to support the purchase of: Furniture other than chairs Side chairs or tables Conference room furnishings Non-systems file cabinets, book shelves, etc. The statewide Office Ergo Project integrates readily with the Governor’s Administrative Restrictions on ergonomic furniture purchases. Under the framework of the Office Ergo Project, agencies are able to fit the work station and task chair to the specific measurements of each employee. Chairs and work surfaces on state price agreement are specified to have adjustability ranges that meet the needs of most employees. Exceptions for purchases off price agreement may be requested through the Department of Administrative Services – State Procurement Office.

http://www.oregon.gov

BEST ERGONOMIC CHAIR

As people have moved from their pastoral and farming pasts into the industrial age, the melding of human bodies and their work environments has come under more and more scrutiny. What is ergonomics? Ergonomics comes from the Greek words "ergon", meaning work, and "nomos", meaning laws. Ergonomics is thus the field of research related to the science of work. In more immediate, modern terms, it means studying how people interact with their environment, whether work or pleasure. Ergonomics involves designing things (cars, chairs, computers) so that they are more natural and easy for people to use, conforming with the requirements and natural tendencies of their bodies - acknowledging their strengths and limitations in the process. Ergonomics are especially relevant in the workplace today, as companies design computers, office equipment and furniture, and even industrial assembly lines and processes with the human body in mind.

So let's take a look at how ergonomics relates to how we all use computers - sitting in a chair. Ergonomic chairs have been around for a number of years, and have made news with their strange (at times) designs and often high prices. Basically, an ergonomic chair is one that is designed to conform to the natural position and alignment of the spine and limbs. Some of the key adjustable components in an ergonomic chair are:

• Lumbar Support: ergonomic chairs offer the lumbar area of the lower back support either through a curved backrest or a pad or cushion, as opposed to conventional chairs with a flat sloping backrest.
• Seat Height: ergonomic chairs have adjustable seat height so the user can position the chair so their feet rest flatly on the ground and the keyboard is properly positioned for their arms.
• Backrest Angle: by tilting the chair back slightly, weight is transferred to the chair seatback and away from the lower back
• Armrests: used properly in an ergonomic chair, armrests can lessen stress on the shoulders
• Armrest Padding: reduces pressure on the elbows and forearms
• Recline: some ergonomic chairs allow the entire chair body to tilt back slightly, again allowing the sitter to find the optimal position to reduce pressure and weight away from their body and into the chair
• Armrest height: armrest can also be raised up and down to match the dimensions of the users body

http://www.galttech.com

Portable Ergonomic Chair

Now you can rest in comfort with support for your back wherever you are in the great outdoors. This unique ergonomic chair from Sweden has been made with ultra smooth birch wood slats, specifically positioned to ensure lower and upper back support. Suitable for both hard and soft surfaces and comfortable on a bench or rock too. Take it to picnics, outdoor concerts, bird-watching, or to the beach, and when you are ready to move on, simply roll it up into its own drawstring canvas bag! Ingenious!

(H39cm, W39cm)

http://www.guardianecostore.co.uk

HOW TO USE AN ERGONOMIC CHAIR CORRECTLY

When used correctly, an ergonomic chair can help increase back support and promote good posture. The following steps will help you to correctly use an ergonomic office chair while maximizing the benefits.

1. Sit close to your desk with your hands resting on the surface.
2. Adjust the height of the seat so your upper arms are parallel to your spine and your elbows are bent at a 90 degree angle.
3. Adjust the height of your feet with an adjustable footrest so that you can easily slide your finger beneath your thigh on the front edge of the seat.
4. Your bottom should be against the back of the chair with a slight arch in your back.
5. Be sure you are not slouching or leaning forward.
6. Raise your computer screen so that it rests at eye level and you do not need to strain your neck to look at it.
7. Position the arm rests so your arms are slightly lifted at the shoulders.

Tips

• While sitting in an ergonomic chair can maximize back support, it is still necessary to get up and move around every once in a while.

http://www.wikihow.com

Is An “Ergonomic Chair” Enough?

By Peter Budnick, Ph.D., CPE

A golden rule in ergonomics is “one size does not fit all,” and adjustability is a key feature that can transform a typical chair into an “ergonomic chair.” But, as many companies have learned the hard way, an adjustable chair is not always enough.

Successful ergonomics requires a systems approach. An office chair is one component in the office system, and the person that sits in it is another. The stapler, telephone, computer, mouse, keyboard, desk, and other work tools are additional components in the system. How the person interacts with those components as he or she performs required work tasks is yet another part of the overall system. Selecting a chair without considering the rest of the system components and work tasks usually leads to a misfit and may introduce new, unforeseen problems into a workstation.

In order to fit the broad working population, a computer workstation must have multiple component adjustments, not just chair adjustments. If the chair is the only easily adjustable feature, most people will not be able to achieve their most efficient, productive, safe and comfortable working postures. This problem is not always obvious to the casual observer, and it therefore persists in many companies.

Anthropometry, the measurement and study of human body dimensions like height, weight, reach lengths, and eye heights, is one of the most important data sets applied by ergonomists working to fit people with their physical environment. It’s easy to see that people vary in height and weight, but it’s less obvious that we also vary in many other dimensions, such as leg and trunk lengths. For instance, some races have proportionally longer legs than other races, and even within the same race, specific body dimensions vary substantially from person to person.

To illustrate, imagine two women of the same height, standing side-by-side. We measure the hip height, which corresponds to leg length, and find that one has legs three inches longer than the other. Next, we measure seated knee height (popliteal height, as the dimension is technically called), and we find yet another difference between them. Finally, we ask each woman to sit in a chair and adjust the chair height so that each may comfortably rest her feet flat on the floor (shoe height introduces yet another variation). Even though they are the same standing height, we’ll find that the seated height may differ substantially, because their leg and their torso lengths are different. Important dimensions like seated eye and elbow heights will also be different, which means each will have different height requirements for their keyboards, mice, and monitors.

Contrary to claims otherwise, there is no perfect way to sit, nor is there a perfect way to arrange all workstations, even if the same job is being performed at each. Natural variability in people dictates that the system must be flexible in order to meet the unique needs and dimensions of all the different people that may interact with the system. An adjustable chair provides some of that flexibility, but not enough to accommodate the full, multifactorial spectrum of anthropometric variations. Simply put, the location of the computer keyboard and mouse need adjusting independent of the chair, as may the monitor.

The extent to which a system should be adjustable depends upon the nature and diversity of tasks to be performed at the workstation, and whether one individual person or a population of workers is being fitted to the system. If only one person will use the workstation, a one-time set-up and custom adjustment may suffice. If the workstation will be used by different people (e.g., shift work), a system that can be easily adjusted by each worker is recommended. Even without shift work, employee promotions, transfers, and turnover will result in different people using the same system, and adjustment will still be needed, just at a lower frequency.

There are several common and relatively inexpensive workstation components designed to accommodate variations in size and preference: footrests, keyboard and mouse platforms, and monitor arms or risers. When work surface or monitor heights are “too high,” a person may benefit from a footrest, allowing her to raise her seat, yet still be able to comfortably rest her feet. When desk height, and therefore the keyboard and mouse that rest on it, is “too high” or “too low,” an adjustable keyboard and mouse platform may help. And when the monitor height is “too high” or “too low,” monitor adjustments may help. Each of these accommodations have strengths and weaknesses.

• Footrests: Relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Drawbacks include the potential for clutter under a desk, or even a tripping hazard, and may restrict freedom to move and achieve desirable dynamic postures throughout a workday. On the other hand, a footrest is a simple way to accommodate smaller people in particular, who often have difficulty keeping comfortable leg postures. If a footrest is selected, adjustable height and angle are recommended.

• Keyboard and mouse trays: These are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with a variety of adjustments. To be effective, the tray must be large enough to accommodate both the keyboard (and palm rest if desired) and the mouse, side-by-side, and on the same level. Easy height adjustment and positive and negative tilt are recommended so that the user can reduce wrist deviations in a comfortable arm posture. There are drawbacks with such platforms. For example, they usually extend out from under the desk surface, pushing the worker further away from the work surface, and they can present an obstruction under the desk, sometimes hindering leg access and movement and interfering with chair arms. Quality is important when selecting these devices; be sure that the person can type and operate the mouse with stability (i.e., avoid “flimsy” models).

• Monitor arms and risers: Monitor heights can be raised cheaply by using such things as old phone books. If a more tasteful solution is deired, there are a variety of monitor raising products on the market, including stackable trays or adjustable arms. Lowering a monitor is limited by the work surface height and monitor design, unless a recessed monitor desk is selected.

Ergonomists often feel that these types of accommodations are at best a retrofit to a system with deeper problems. Ultimately, the best solution is to provide an easily adjustable work surface, not just adjustable add-ons. In fact, work surfaces that adjust through a height range from seated work to standing work are no longer uncommon. Such systems allow workers to adjust to different heights for different tasks, or to make postural adjustments for comfort and fatigue over the course of the workday.

In many cases, cost is the deciding factor when selecting between add-ons or fully adjustable work surfaces. However, more manufacturers are offering fully adjustable systems or work surface adjustment retrofits, and competition is driving prices down. Furthermore, a larger upfront investment can result in significant future savings.

http://www.ergoweb.com

CHAIR-ERGONOMIC

The term 'ergonomic' refers to furniture or equipment especially designed to support optimum posture thereby providing comfort and helping to alleviate or prevent discomfort.

Ergonomic adjustable office chairs aim to cater for the majority of adult users by coming in a range of models with varying seat base widths and depths, back rest heights and widths, and levels of support including lumbar support. However in cases where a user is shorter, taller or larger than average, specialised seating may be required to accommodate individual differences. If requiring a new chair within the office, it is beneficial to trial a range of chairs if available to determine the ‘best fit’ for comfort and suitability to the work undertaken.

Ergonomic chairs generally have the following features and should be easily and safely adjustable by the user whilst seated within the chair:

• 5 star chair base for stability
• chair height adjustment lever to enable to user to position themselves at a height where the shoulders are relaxed and the work surface is approximately elbow height with hands falling naturally onto the work surface-this may require the chair to be adjusted slightly higher for keyboard access than writing at the desk
• back rest angle adjustment to enable positioning of the backrest approximately vertical or angled slightly backwards and fitting firmly against the back whilst working
• back rest height adjustment to enable the lumbar support to be positioned within the ‘small’ of the back around waist level
• seat base angle adjustment (not adjustable in all chairs) to enable thighs to be approximately horizontal with minimal pressure on the back of the thighs, with feet to be resting on the floor or supported by a footrest
• with or without armrests, which are preferably adjustable in height to allow the chair to move close to the desk and minimise overreaching by the occupant
• determined weight carrying capacity which is important to consider for larger users.

Even using an ergonomic chair adjusted to the individual can cause some discomfort to the individual if they do not take regular breaks to stand, stretch or walk and relieve the loading on the thighs and back. Moving out of the chair every 20 – 30 minutes is ideal and can include walking to the printer, photocopier, going to speak to a colleague rather than emailing, getting stationary, standing up whilst talking on the phone or scheduled breaks.

The ergonomic chair should be adjusted as part of the overall workstation adjustment:

• Adjusting office based workstations

Workplace solutions and adjustments

For individuals experiencing back, leg, neck or upper limb pain or discomfort whilst working from a seated position, assessment of the chair used to ensure it is adjusted appropriately is essential, along with review of the workers tasks and break rotation.

If there is no-one suitably qualified or knowledgeable within the workplace to undertake this, ergonomists, occupational therapists or occupational health and safety consultants can assist:

• Occupational health and safety auditors and consultants
• Occupational therapy

If a particular ergonomic chair specific to a person’s disability is required within the workplace and is not something normally supplied by the employer under their Occupational Safety and Health requirements, consideration can be given to applying for funding assistance through the Workplace Modification Scheme. Please refer to the following to determine eligibility:

• Workplace Modifications Scheme Guidelines (PDF 178KB)

(Australian Physiotherapy Association 2003; Comcare 2007; Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007; Lefler 2004)

http://www.jobaccess.gov.au/JOAC/Advice/ProductOrSolutionOneB/Ergonomic_chairs.htm

Ergonomics 101 : Working Painlessly
by Tom Revelle, Vice President of Marketing for Humanscale,
(article from Interiors & Sources, June 2000)

Technology has had a profound effect on the way we live and work. As a result, we are spending more time sitting and using computers, which has greatly increased the occurrence of related musculoskeletal disorders. This article reviews a number of techniques for avoiding work-related, repetitive stress injuries and enhancing both the comfort and productivity levels of the workers who adopt them.

Technology. The ultimate buzzword of the past decade, it touches nearly every corner of our lives, from medicine to entertainment to the way we buy groceries. A quick retrospective reveals it's also had a profound impact on the way most of us work.

Only 10 years ago, if you wanted to send or retrieve a fax, you got up from your desk and walked to the fax machine. Today, with online faxing, a couple of keystrokes is all it takes. In days of yore, if you wanted to ask your coworker a question, you'd probably get up and walk to their desk or office.

Today, however, there are several less taxing ways to communicate. E-mail and on-line messaging, in addition to sophisticated phone paging and voice mail systems, have taken the place of the leisurely stroll down the hall brandishing coffee and (only tWo decades ago) a cigarette.

The result of all these changes is that we're spending more time at our desks, and more time on our computers - a lot more time. While 90 percent of all U.S. office workers now use computers, 40 percent work on their computers at least four hours a day. But Dr. Alan Hedge, Professor of the Human Factors Laboratory at Cornell University, warns that the risk of musculoskeletal discomfort increases by using the computer as little as one hour a day. Even worse, the risk of musculoskeletal injury is nine times greater when you spend four hours a day at the computer than it is for a one hour-per-day user. These statistics shed some light on the growing number of work-related office injuries, and the increasing importance of ergonomics in the workplace.

ERGONOMICS DEFINED

So what exactly is ergonomics? In a broad sense, office ergonomics applies science to workplace design to maximize productivity while reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. While the concept is fairly straightforward, its application is often open to debate. This is why it's important to articulate the real issues facing workers in today's office, and to debunk the misconceptions that typically surround discussions of ergonomics.

EMPLOYERS PAYING THE PRICE

While workers suffer from task-related injuries, employers are footing the staggering costs. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) now account for one-third of all occupational illnesses and injuries. They constitute the largest job-related illness and injury problem in the U.S. today. In 1997, employers reported a total of 626,000 lost workdays due to work-related MSDs. They pay approximately $20 billion annually in direct worker's compensation costs and another $60 billion in indirect costs.

SOME ERGONOMIC MISCONCEPTIONS

Most of us learn early that if something is good for us, it may not be pleasant. Unfortunately, the same logic has trickled into our ideas about healthy workplace posture and behavior.

Despite what your mother said sitting up straight is not good for you. And despite what the old ergonomic theories proposed, sitting with your body at 90-degree angles is not the healthiest way to spend a workday. In terms of workplace ergonomics, the startling truth is that comfort and health are synonymous. If you're not comfortable at your desk, it's because you're probably sitting and working wrong.

More adjustability doesn't necessarily mean more ergonomic. While the ability to adjust is a critical component of most ergonomic products, workers may unwittingly adjust themselves into bad postures and positions. Products should be adjustable within a safe operating range to keep un trained users from putting themselves at risk. Since most people know precious little about ergonomics, when workers set up their own work stations, the position of the keyboard, mouse, monitor and copy holder is typically determined by available desk space, in which case the likelihood of an ergonomic workspace is next to nil. .Not all products labeled 'ergonomic" are actually good for you. There are currently no laws or governing bodies overseeing the use of the "ergonomic" label. This means anyone can call any product "ergonomic"-from toasters to baby pins to steam-proof mirrors. As a result, the term has been overused and watered down. Bottom line, ergonomics in the workplace is serious business, and product claims and functions must be backed up by serious research and testing.

Not all products labeled 'ergonomic" are actually good for you. There are currently no laws or governing bodies overseeing the use of the "ergonomic" label. This means anyone can call any product "ergonomic"-from toasters to baby pins to steam-proof mirrors. As a result, the term has been overused and watered down. Bottom line, ergonomics in the workplace is serious business, and product claims and functions must be backed up by serious research and testing.

THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT ERGONOMICS

So much for the bad news. The good news is that most work-related, repetitive stress injuries are avoid able. By attending to a few basic principles, employers can enhance their employees' comfort and productivity and reduce their risk of MSDs and other costly injuries. Remember the words of the American Industrial Hygiene Association: "Ergonomic principles are most effectively applied on a preventive basis. Good design with ergonomics provides the greatest economic benefit for industry."

Remember also:

Environment affects behavior. Proper placement of the workspace components (i.e., an ergonomically-designed workspace) will naturally encourage users to assume safe, low-risk postures. The top of the Empire State Building is not fenced in to keep sightseers from leaping to their doom, but to avoid the likelihood that accidents will happen. So too, the office work environment must be designed to minimize the risk for workers. In factories, industrial engineers spend hours analyzing the tasks performed by each worker to determine the most efficient and risk-free work station layout for that worker. Why not the same concern for the office worker?

Movement is critical. Despite the old school of thought on the desirability of fixed postures, the overwhelming evidence today shows that fixed postures are inherently dangerous. "Any fixed posture, no matter how closely it approaches the optimal, will generate muscle fatigue," says Marvin Dainoff, Director of the Center for Ergonomic Research at Miami University of Ohio. "Therefore, it is important to build in flexibility to allow operators to shift positions easily." Our bodies were designed to move. In fact movement, more than anything else, provides nourishment for the spine, keeps the joints lubricated and flexible, improves circulation and removes waste products from the muscles. Conversely, when we don't move, the elasticity of our spine and joints is reduced and waste products build up in the muscles, causing fatigue. While constant motion is obviously not the goal, frequent positional changes are vitally important to good health.

Minimize extreme postures. While movement is important, so are the postures you assume while performing your daily tasks. Neutral postures, meaning those that require minimal muscle activity to maintain, are synonymous with health and comfort. Extreme postures like abducted shoulders and extended wrists must always be avoided. Maintaining body symmetry is equally important, particularly with respect to the spine. Don't sit for extended periods in bent or twisted postures.

Avoid contact stress. Focused pressures are extremely dangerous, causing circulation problems and nerve damage in more severe cases. According to OSHA "Contact stress affects the soft tissue on the fingers, palms, forearms, thighs, shins and feet. This contact may inhibit blood flow, tendon and muscle movement and nerve function." Stress like this can be transmitted to arms and wrists by extended contact with the hard, sharp edges of desks and hard armrests on chairs. Likewise, the undersides of thighs are at risk from hard seat edges or simply seats that are too high.

Take breaks. Breaks could include actual work breaks, short exercise or stretch breaks, or simply switching gears and performing a different task for a few minutes. "Appropriate rest breaks, combined with stretching exercises, allow computer workers to sustain work at an appropriate pace, while minimizing postural injury risks," says Dr. Hedge.

Education, education, education. When all is said and done, a worker educated on ergonomics in the workplace is more likely to remain healthy. Such an employee will be aware of critical risk factors, healthy working postures, and more importantly, the warning signs of injuries.

http://www.humanscale.com

A Guide to Choosing the Best Ergonomic Office Chair

For people who spend hours at a desk each day, back pain seems inevitable. Choosing the best ergonomic office chairs is one way to help combat this pain. If you are shopping for the best chair, keep in mind a couple of points.

If you spend long hours in front of your computer, consider a task chair instead of an executive one. A good ergonomic executive office chair is better than a low quality task chair. But if you spend time typing, nothing beats a quality task chair. An executive chair is made for someone who leaves the office throughout the day and is not tied to a desk.

Decide on a price range. If you want the best ergonomic chair, be prepared to spend anywhere to several hundred dollars to more than $1,000. If you don't spend too long in a computer chair or do not suffer from back problems, you may be able to find a suitable chair for around $100. Cheaper chairs will not support your back. If you cannot afford a good chair, consider investing in a chair cushion until you can save up.

Make sure it's adjustable. You want a chair that will allow your body movement will still providing support.

You want to be able to have your feet flat on the floor, with your arms even to the desk. A seat height range of 16 to 21 inches of the floor will be suitable for most people. For seat width, 17-20 inches is standard.

Lower back support is vital. Because the lumbar spine curves inward, the best ergonomic office chair will have a lumbar adjustment for both height and depth. This will ensure that the inward curve of the lower back is supported.

Skip the leather. A breathable cloth fabric will be better than any harder material. Make sure that there is enough padding for it to be comfortable for long periods of time.

Know where to shop. Although we often want to try a chair before we buy, realize that the local office store will probably not have the best ergonomic office chairs available. Purchasing online will give you a wider range, but make sure you are satisfied with the return policy of the store. The investment of a good office chair can save you from back pain. You'll be able to more enjoy both the hours you spend working at your desk and relaxing after work. Even though the best ergonomic office chair may not eliminate back pain, it is one of the most important steps for reducing it.

http://www.associatedcontent.com