Canadian Ergonomic Standards Association

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has issued a preview of new guidelines, CSA Z1004, to be issued in March of 2012.  It has tables listing the industry, the activities in the industry and the areas of the body likely to be affected. 

There is already a Canadian standard for office ergonomics CSA-Z412-00 (R2011).  A preview and ordering information is availble at this website. 

Free online health and safety e-learning courses are available through IAPA Canada.

A new ergonomic standard for the construction of hospitals CSA Z8000 has also been published.  An article from Canadian Occupational Safety magazine offers further details.   The standard focuses on  OASIS (Operations, Accessibility, Safety and security, Infection control and Sustainability).

Sit stand height adjustment

We have had more requests for sit stand workstations.  Two of our most popular models are an electric sit stand station and the Ergotron unit.  This is a video showing proper adjustments at seated and standing height.  The monitor is posistioned for someone without bifocals.

Hand exercise video

I put together a simple hand exercise video.  These exercises are appropriate after doing extensive keyboard typing or hand intensive activities such as knitting or piano playing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYFrTzOud64

OSHA ergonomics standard enforcement likely in 2012

EpsteinBeckerGreen has a post on OSHA developments to look out for in 2012 by Eric J. Conn and Amanda R. Strainis-Walker.  OSHA is expected to use the general duty clause to enforce recommendations on ergonomic hazards using OSHA guideline documents as a reference.  The focus is expected to be on nursing homes.

http://www.amazon.com/Guidelines-Nursing-Homes-Musculoskeletal-ebook/dp/B0058PRAD2

Yoga book for anybody

I've just started reading Anywhere, Anytime, Any Body Yoga by Emily Solnina.  It is a well written introductory book for people of all physical conditions who what to obtain the benefits of yoga exercise.  The people pictured in this book vary from the physically fit to a woman in a wheel chair.  It's a helpful book giving photos of various exercises that could be incorporated in to ergonomic exercises at the office and the home.

http://www.aaayogabook.com/

Ergonomics of Tablets and E-readers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUGEBDocKgk

Richard Kung - Founder of ErgoBeTV

The ergonomics of iPads and E readers will be an ongoing issue going forward.  Because an Ipad or tablet is usually used in the lap or flat on a table there are several ergonomic issues that come up.

Problems: 

1. The neck and shoulders are usually bent forward.
2. The hand position for typing is often awkward.
3. If holding on to the tablet with one hand there is a chance for pinch grip fatigue.

Solutions:

1. Use an angled stand for viewing the tablet.
2. Use a separate keyboard for typing
3. Place the tablet on a lap tray or on a stand instead of holding it with a pinch grip
4. Consider lighter weight tablet or e-reader

Mini breaks from sitting are good for the heart

The European Heart Journal reports in the January, 2011 issue that individuals who take frequent short breaks from sitting have slimmer waistlines and less C-reactive protein (inflamation marker).  Individuals who sit for long periods of time without a break have larger waistlines, lower levels of (HDL) good cholesterol and higher levels of C-reactive protein. 

Dr. Genevieve Healy, a research fellow at the School of Population Health, The University of Queensland Australia offered some tips on reducing health problems associated with sitting.  I have copied and paraphrased them below.

•  Standing up to take phone calls
•  Walking to someone rather than phone or email
•  Have standing meetings or regular breaks for standing during meetings
•  Use restrooms on a different level in a building
•  Have a central trash bin or printer to encourage walking
•  Take the stairs rather than the elevator

I will offer a couple more:

•  Stand while using the computer
•  Have two different work surface heights in the office and stand while reading

Below is a short standing 3:17minute office workout by Tiffany Esser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMhayN23hp0