Issue Archive: August 2006

Ergonomics-It's All About You

Author: Amir Rotlevi

Picture Tim, a six-foot-tall male who wears glasses and speaks with a deep resonant voice. Now imagine his colleague, Tina, a slight, five-foot-tall soft-spoken female, who wears big sweaters to keep warm. Tina and Tim don’t see each other often because they work opposite schedules, but they do share a workstation, which, considering their disparate sizes, could create a problem for them both if that workstation is not ergonomic.

An ergonomic workstation permits all users to adjust elements to their own sizes and preferences. If Tina and Tim had to share a static workstation, one or both would likely suffer some negative physical effects from headaches and backaches to carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes.

How long it would take to exhibit symptoms is difficult to determine. According to Cynthia Roth, chairperson of the board and CEO of the Ergonomic Technologies Corporation (ETC) in Syosset, NY, risk is dependent on age, previous experience with and degree of exposure to the negative factors as well as how frequently and repetitively someone uses a particular workstation. “We can, however, predict with certainty a moderate or low risk for injury,” says Roth.

The physical symptoms will eventually be manifested in reduced productivity and job satisfaction. A greater number of sick days, disability and workers’ compensation also can result, which have an impact on budget. Yet minor investments in a dispatch room can not only prevent these losses, but also help to improve bottom lines through more satisfied and effective personnel.

Assessment

Before spending any money, a facility will want to evaluate the current dispatch room for ergonomics. “From a financial perspective, if a redesign will save injuries and increase the ability to work, then it can be justified economically,” says Roth.

Most often, redesigns are not considered until complaints are made. “Sometimes it’s just the workstation—maybe the screen is too high, a problem that can be fixed inexpensively,” adds Roth. However, other times, a few elements may need adjusting.

Lighting

One of the most important areas to consider is lighting. Fluorescent lights are not recommended because they create conditions, such as flickering or glare, that cause headaches for workers. Incandescent overhead lighting with dimmer controls is a better choice.

Workstations

Research by Eliot Siegel, MD, professor and vice chair of information systems for the department of diagnostic radiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD), indicates that when the monitor light and room light are similar, complaints of fatigue drop. Task lighting, either fluorescent or incandescent, can provide additional lighting for specific uses when needed.

Sound

An increased number of computer workstations, colleague conversations to manage and radio noise can also make sound an issue. Partitions, carpeting and other similar sound-absorbing materials help dampen sound. Music or white noise can be used to drown out background sound, which can break concentration. Siegel’s research notes that the ideal noise level is below 65 decibels.

Space

In addition to muffling sound, partitions can also be used to divide space into the most useful configurations. Floor-to-ceiling, moveable partitions will permit greater customization of the workspace while maintaining maximum flexibility for the room as a whole. Partitions mean that Tina can sit cozily at her desk and not be at the mercy of the cooling breezes delivered by mounted fans at the desks of those who run hot. A flexible room design will also keep the space adaptable as the environment changes.

Furniture

Individual workstations should support maximum flexibility with adjustable elements. “The workstation must be functional, flexible and adjustable to meet standards from the fifth percentile seated female to the 95th percentile standing male,” says Roth. A fifth percentile female represents the shortest height and a 95th percentile male the tallest height that equipment should accommodate.

The ability to move from seated to standing positions reduces back pain and discomfort. Standing puts less strain on the back, according to Siegel’s research. While seated, the knee space should be free of obstruction, and the chair should be adjusted to prevent poor back posture.

Ideally, flexibility in workstation design comes at the push of a button. Future workstations may adjust to an individual’s anthropometrical measurements with a barcode or biometric scan. Today’s furniture can be adjusted manually, pneumatic ally or electronically, and movement involves more than just the chair or desk height.

When it comes to other tools such as phone and input devices, all should be within easy reach to avoid straining, twisting and stretching, which can result in body aches and repetitive motion disorders. Therefore, mounts for these items should also be adjustable.

Today, electronic adjustment is the best method for movement of major workstation components such as desk top height because this involves no strain on the user. Such items as monitor arms and phone support are best constructed of lightweight, easy to-move extruded aluminum, rather than heavier steel. Small details count. Look for casters made of hard rubber, not metal or plastic. Rubber will be more maneuverable because it absorbs shocks. Also select furniture with rounded corners and edges for safety.1

Computers

Monitors require flexibility in placement so that they may be adjusted to an individual’s size. The monitor should be placed at least 25 inches from the reader with a downward viewing angle slanted between 15 and 50 degrees. Newer generation LCD displays bring advantages that include less heat and fewer lighting issues.

Input devices also should be given careful consideration. A host of options, from foot pedals to joysticks to ergonomic mice and keyboards, exist to prevent users from suffering repetitive motion injuries as a result of these tools. Siegel suggests that if a mouse is used, it should be held directly in front with alternate hands and a wrist rest.

Usage

The proper use of this equipment is likely to result in a safer and more productive dispatch agency. Small investments can produce improvements in comfort and satisfaction, but they must be smart investments to make the most of the budget.

“Also, remember that the best equipment and supporting environments are not beneficial if not put to good use. Staff must be trained briefly on how to position new ergonomic additions to meet their particular needs. The hardest part about ergonomics is dealing with the human being and its many variations,” says Roth. In other words, it’s all about you.

Amir Rotlevihas been vice president of AFC Industries, Inc. (College Point, NY) since the company was founded. He is the guiding force behind the AFC product design and engineering group and oversees the product line, from concept and design to fabrication. Rotlevi is an avid swimmer, and lives in the New York City area. He can be reached at arotlevi@afcindustries.com or visit the Web site at www.afcindustries.com.

Sources

1. George Mathews, AFC Industries production engineer
2. Tony Arnold, systems administrator, 918.287.3131, tarnold@ocso.net
3. Cynthia L Roth, Chairperson of the Board/CEO, Ergonomic Technology Corporation, Syosset, NY, 516.682.8558 x21, croth@ergoworld

 

Osage County Sheriff’s Office Gets Ergonomic Redesign

Oftentimes, one change makes way for another, particularly in the workplace. When Tony Arnold, systems administrator for the Osage County Sheriff in Pawhuska, OK, learned that the downtown 9-1-1 dispatch office was to merge with the sheriff’s, he took the opportunity to redesign the dispatch room to create a more ergonomic environment.

He started researching suppliers online with the idea of gutting the room. Protocol required three bids. Arnold found three willing companies, settling on AFC Industries for much of the project, particularly the desks. “They were the most responsive and offered the cost, quality and helpfulness we were looking for,” says Arnold.

Before the redesign, the room had been divided in two sections: one was tiled; the other had been carpeted, but this was removed after a water leak. “The result of the carpet removal was a lot of noise and echo,” says Arnold. In addition, the configuration would not comfortably fit the three 24-hour dispatchers and supervisor, who is present the majority of the time.

Partitions solved the sound and space issues. “Each dispatcher now has a private space with a desk and task lighting. The walls muffle sounds and provide privacy. The dispatchers can meet with deputies in their own space, and when they need to speak to a colleague, they can back into the common space,” says Arnold.

New furniture solved complaints related to desks and chairs. “The previous desks were the wrong height and did not provide enough room for the keyboard and physical writing. And there were complaints about monitor and telephone use,” says Arnold. The new equipment is all manually adjustable and was selected after careful consideration.

“We put more thought into the chairs than previously with better results,” says Arnold, who notes he made several trips to Oklahoma City and Tulsa, exploring options with different vendors to assure the chairs were comfortable, flexible and durable.

The office also switched to LCD monitors and telephone headsets, reducing complaints about eye fatigue, shoulder strain and neck pain. “I think the dispatchers are happier. They are certainly more comfortable,” says Arnold, who adds that workload is always an issue and provides a certain amount of stress. Now at least, the physical stress has been relieved.