by Ronda Crenshaw, Director of Humanscale’s National Ergonomic Group
(article from Interiors & Sources, November 2004)

Another misconception is that greater adjustability equals better ergonomics. While adjustability is a critical component of most ergonomic products, given the opportunity, users may unknowingly adjust themselves into unhealthy postures and working positions. What’s important is that products be adjustable within a safe operating range, and that they don’t allow untrained users to put themselves at risk. Given that the vast majority of users know very little about ergonomics or proper workstation set-up, it’s not surprising that when they are free to set up their own workstations, they place their keyboard, mouse, monitor, copy holder, etc. based on factors such as available desk space and personal habits. In this all-too-common scenario, the likelihood of their workspace being set up appropriately is next to nil.

Furthermore, adjustability does not alone guarantee usability. If the adjustments on a piece of equipment are too cumbersome or complicated to use, then people will likely not use them. At that point, there is no ergonomic benefit despite the adjustable features. So, highly adjustable products must also be easy to use.

Lastly, while this may come as a surprise, not all products labeled “ergonomic” are actually good for you. There are currently no laws in place and no governing bodies overseeing the use of the “ergonomic” label, which means that anyone can call any product “ergonomic” – from tortilla chips to dog food bowls and toasters.. As a result, the label has been overused and watered down, creating confusion about what is and is not “ergonomic.” Bottom line, ergonomics in the workplace is serious business, and product functionality and claims ought to be backed up by research and testing.

A poorly set-up workstation (pictured, left) will force the user to twist in her seat and risk repetitive stress injury to the neck, back and shoulders. Here the monitor is misaligned with the keyboard and document surface, and the desktop is cluttered with the CPU, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Use of a flat panel display supported by a monitor arm and a properly aligned, negative tilt keyboard tray will maximize the likelihood that the user maintains neutral postures throughout the day (pictured, right). The neck, back and shoulders align, and the workspace is clear of clutter with the CPU mounted under the desk and the monitor, keyboard and mouse off the work surface.
 

As a result of the many misconceptions and/or lack of ergonomic awareness, workers continue to succumb to task-related injuries, and the associated costs to employers are staggering. Based on the most recent information from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) now account for more than one-third of all occupational illnesses and injuries, and constitute the largest job-related illness and injury problem in the U.S. today. In 2002, employers reported a total of 487,900 lost workdays due to work-related MSDs, representing nearly 50% of all lost work days. On top of these productivity costs, employers have paid approximately $20 billion annually in direct worker’s compensation costs. Indirect costs associated with these injuries increase that total by another $60 billion annually.

In addition to lost days having a negative impact on the bottom line, it is becoming increasing clear that people who are working in pain are not as productive as those who are pain free. As reported in the November 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association, common pain conditions are having an adverse impact on productivity. Researchers found that lost productive time due to back pain, headache, neck pain and other musculoskeletal discomfort is costing U.S. companies an estimated $61.2 billion per year.

Obviously, these costs are very real. So too are the injuries, which can be extremely painful and debilitating. The good news, however, is that most work-related, repetitive stress injuries are avoidable.