With 2009 in the rearview mirror, my thoughts turn to the promise of 2010. A New Year is like newly fallen snow; gorgeous, pristine, undefiled, PERFECT. Full of promise and potential; 2010 awaits each of us…what do you plan on doing this year? My guess is that health, family, love, and work are all high on the list; more this (e.g., exercise), less that (e.g., body fat). Our ERGOLAB team would like to offer up some resolution suggestions specific to your ERGONOMIC well-being in 2010. Embracing our suggestions will improve your health and make you a better partner, parent, friend, or employee.
Ergonomic Resolution #1:
Request an ERGONOMIC EVALUATION from my employer. Musculoskeletal Disorders (or MSD’s) like carpal tunnel or tendonitis, can be the result of the cumulative trauma that comes from long-term use of a badly designed home or office workstation. Secure a baseline assessment from a qualified Ergonomist; those back and head aches that you suffered from in 2009 could be eradicated by some simple workstation adjustments.
Ergonomic Resolution #2:
Know the risks! Increase your own knowledge and understanding of Ergonomic risk factors. In the US, OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Adminstration) invests millions of your tax dollars in building ‘how-to’ guides on Ergonomics research and education. Take advantage of these free tools. Many times, a low or no-cost improvement will drive huge benefit to you and your long-term health. Here is a link to OSHA’s guidance and quick tips on computer workstation design; http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/index.html.
Ergonomic Resolution #3:
EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE. Regular exercise increases the body’s resistance to injury from bad Ergonomic design. A strong body is more resilient; increase your core body strength to improve body posture. This resolution isn’t about fitting into that size 4 black dress; strength training and regular stretching is the best prescription for good Ergonomic health.
Ergonomic Resolution #4:
Ok, we’re going to say it…buy a GREAT truly Ergonomic office chair. Yes, we sell chairs at our Ergonomic Edge web site (www.ergonomicedge.com) Yes, this recommendation might seem self-serving. HOWEVER…research tells us that American spend an average of 8+ hours a day sitting at a desk. You spend as much time in your chair as you do your bed at night. Your office chair matters. If you can’t afford a quality Ergonomic office chair new, scour the after-market for a great brand used.
What to look for in a quality Ergonomic Office Chair:
– ADJUSTABILITY. No chair alone is Ergonomic. The ability to adjust to you, your body and tasks you are asking your body to perform is what makes a chair ERGONOMIC. The chair should provide on-the-fly adjustment in the armrests (up and down, in and out), seat pan (in and out, up and down), seat height (up and down), lumbar region (can be manual or automatic). What is most important; the chair must get you to a neutral posture for the task at hand; computing, gaming, talking on the phone etc.
– Quality Construction. The selected manufacturer should provide a comprehensive warranty on all elements on the chair, particularly the adjustment mechanism. Our favorite chair manufacturer, Humanscale, offers a 15 year warranty on their adjustment mechanisms. We have clients who have used the same chair for years.
Happy New Year to one and all. The ERGOLAB team wishes all of you the best in 2010. We resolve to keep sharing our ideas and Ergonomic guidance in 2010; we look forward to your questions and comments in the coming year.
Good Health!
ERGOLAB team,
Frances, Cyndi, and Rich….
