Worksite International
1213 Miles Avenue Pacific Grove, CA 93950
phone: 831-648-8724
fax: 831-648-8330

Worksite International News

Worksite International News: 

Archive Articles From Previous Issues

Table of Contents (By Topic)

 

Feature Articles

OSHA Updates

Product Features

Spotlight On...

FYI Web Site

Feature Articles

• Looking Into the Eye of the Reform (SB899)

• Mousing around the Keyboard: Part II

• Mousing around the Keyboard: Part 1

• Developing a Quality Driven Ergonomics Purchasing Process

• Quality in Workers' Compensation Management

• Fourteen Points to Quality Workers' Compensation Management

• Quality and Ergonomics

• New Fed-OSHA Recordkeeping Rule

• The 21st Century Tailor

• The 5th Percentile Employee

• The ADA and Ergonomics - Making Work-Life Easier (Winter 1999)

• Developing An Ergonomics Process (Fall 1998)

• Safety Training Is Serious Business (Spring 1999)

• Worksite International Sixth Anniversary (Spring 1999)

• Safe Computing With Laptops (Summer 1999)

• The Next Disability: Work Related Stress (Fall/ Winter 99)

• RERS: Repetitive E-mail Response Syndrome  (Fall/ Winter 99)

• WWW.INSITEPT.COM 2000 (Summer 2000)

• The Cumulative Timebomb of RSI (Summer 2000)

• Middle Management: Are they your weakest link? (Fall/Winter, 2000)

• The 5th Percentile Employee (Summer, 2001)

OSHA Updates

• Fed-OSHA Summer 2003 Update

• Cal-OSHA Update 

• Fed OSHA Ergonomics: Mandatory or Voluntary?

• Fed OSHA Ergonomics Update Fall 2002

• OSHA Update Winter 2002

• OSHA Update Summer 2001

• OSHA Ergonomics Update Spring 2001

• To Federalize Ergonomics or not (Fall/Winter, 2000)

• Cal OSHA Ergonomics Update (Winter 1999)

• Federal OSHA Ergonomics Update (Summer 1999)

• Posting Your CAL-OSHA 200 Logs (Winter 1999)

• FED-OSHA Recordkeeping (Summer 1999)

• OSHA Ergonomics Update (Spring 1999)

• Federal OSHA Ergonomics Update  (Fall/ Winter 99)

• AFL-CIO SUPPORTS FED OSHA PROPOSED ERGO-REG (Summer 2000)

Product Features

• Ergonomic showroom feature: Kensington and ErgoSolutions Magazine

• Ergonomic Product Showroom Keystone of New Worksite International Corporate Office

• Workrite Ergonomics Workstations

• "Roller Mouse" by Contour

• RSI Guard Software

• The Swopper

• Organizational Tools for the Worksurface

• Workrite Ergonomics (Winter 1999)

• Interactive Ergonomic Software Programs (Fall 1998)

• Industrial and Occupational Ergonomics 

• Ergonomic Review Of Chair Armrests (Summer 1999)

• "Your Guide to Office Ergonomic Furniture and Accessories" by Alison Heller-Ono M.S.P.T., CIE (Summer 1999)

• Laptop products For Improved Ergonomics  (Fall/ Winter 99)

FYI Web Sites

• Table of links from some previous issues

Feature Articles

Looking into the Eye of the Reform (SB899)

In a historical move this past April 19, 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved bipartisan agreement on workers’ compensation reform measures to help the state’s ailing system. The comprehensive reform package was developed behind closed door sessions primarily between labor and management teams, leaving out the special interests of insurers and attorneys. The result was a reform package that is likely to respond to the concerns of the California employer and offer a number of concessions to injured workers in the coming months and years. The framework has been developed but in many of the reforms, details still need to be worked out over the next year.

MOUSING AROUND THE KEYBOARD: Part II

There are an endless variety of pointing devices on the market today for computer users to select from making the choice a difficult one. However, when pain develops in the upper extremity and hands from use of these hand tools, the choice becomes even more difficult. An ergonomic analysis of the situation is strongly advised to determine whether the problem is a result of placement of the tool, the work surface, the tool itself or the user’s body mechanics with the tool. If the situation warrants a change in the tool, the end user should be aware of the variety of options in the marketplace today. Below is a list of just a few options to assist in making the change to healthier pointing and clicking.

In some cases it is necessary to completely eliminate the need to grasp and click the mouse. One such product is RSIGuard (www.rsiguard.com) which is an integrated approach that is designed to reduce repetitive computer activity. A unique feature is the AutoClick which eliminates the need to do two of the most demanding activities of grasping and clicking the mouse. Autoclick’s automatic clicking option simulates a mouse click whenever you stop moving the mouse. The feature allows the user to also assign hotkeys on the keyboard that allow the user to perform single clicks, double clicks, triple clicks, right/left click and right drag lock with simple key presses further reducing the repetitive nature of mousing.

Another option is voice activation or recognition software which has become increasingly advanced over the years to assist hand injured users.

This option works to eliminate mouse use to the extent feasible. Products available today include Dragon Naturally Speaking Voice Dictation Software and the Qpointer. These programs require time to establish voice recognition and often after use begins, the work product requires editing via the keyboard and mouse. None-the-less with a little patience time and a private area, this option can be a livelihood saver.

If the tool is identified as the problem, then seeking out an alternative mouse might be the right solution. There are now dozens of alternative shapes to support the hand more effectively. These options include the following:

The Perfit Mouse by Contour Designs offers a variety of sizes from x-small to x-large and right/left hand. use.

The 3M Renaissance mouse is an upright “handshake” design.

The Goldtouch mouse fits in the palm of the right hand with a curved design, easy grip ridges and scroll button.

The Whale mouse by Humanscale fits any size hand, left or right and offers a low profile.

Optical and cordless mice may help to ease the function of pushing and moving the mouse and allow more convenient placement of the tool.

Trackballs are entirely different in that the user no longer pushes or grasps the tool. However moving the ball with the fingers and hands, while offering different mechanics can sometimes lead to aggravation of the hand if safe practices are not observed.

An entirely different line of products is now available which avoids the traditional  hand use associated with mousing. This includes the Rollermouse by Contour Designs which centers the pointing device under the space bar and eliminates the need to reach left or right. Other options include touch pads, optical pens and pads for CAD use, foot pedal pointing devices and the HeadMouse

. The Contour Rollermouse

Whichever product you choose, keep in mind the need for proper placement, a “warming up” period to get used to the alternative design and safe work practices. In many cases, users may need to try more than one device. Also, keyboard shortcuts are a great way to reduce mousing effort.

To request a free copy of the complete 4 page newsletter, email alisonh@worksiteinternational.com and we will put you on our mailing list and send you our most recent copy.

MOUSING AROUND THE KEYBOARD: Part 1

Part I: This article explores the hazards of pointing device use while keyboarding and identifies a number of habits, postures and positional causes that contribute to the onset of right upper extremity RMIs.

OSHA statistics indicate most work injuries are related to high risk activities such as those that require forceful or heavy exertions. These overexertions are the leading cause of back injury today, especially in manufacturing and heavy industry. However, running closely behind is the trauma associated with manual tasks that require repetitive motion. OSHA statistics

indicate a significant level of RMIs associated with sedentary to light tasks such as keyboarding and mouse use. One might ask how can such a simple task lead to injury and cost so much?

First, it is important to understand physically what occurs with an overuse injury, especially one related to mouse use. The most common injuries are

Trigger Finger

Wrist Extensor Tendinitis

Elbow Extensor Tendinitis

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Tension Neck Syndrome

There are others that may result, including various nerve compressions. All of these are significant injuries that can result from repeated biomechanical stress over an extended period of time resulting from pointing device use.

Quantifying the amount of exposure such as how long and how often the tool is used is important. Users exceeding 2-4 hours cumulative daily use are likely more vulnerable to these injuries. The software format is also important.

Many soft wares rely highly on pointing device use such as database programs, customer service software, graphic design programs and internet searching.

Using the pointing device has significant biomechanical forces requiring sustained grip along with repeated finger motion when using the traditional mouse. Trackball mechanics vary based on the position of the roller ball, either top mounted or thumb driven. None-the-less, both tools drive repeated finger and thumb motions. The primary difference is the traditional mouse requires a firm grip to stabilize the mouse or to move and drag it effectively.

Perhaps the most significant stressors come from the postures assumed while mousing around the keyboard. Below is a series of metaphors for typical mousing postures:

The Mouse Chaser: Typically the mouse is used on the work surface along with the keyboard. The user drives the mouse forward on the desk until it is at a maximum full arm reach, often resulting in forward trunk inclination and poor back support.

The Rotating Mouse: Typically the mouse is placed on a keyboard tray that is >26” long and often set too low. The mouse is placed to the far right beyond the 10 key of the keyboard. The resulting posture is an open elbow angle with significant right shoulder external rotation creating fatigue to the entire upper extremity including the neck.

The High Mouse: This posture results when the mouse is placed on the desk about 4-6” higher than the keyboard on the keyboard tray resulting in an extended arm reach.

The Anchored Mouse: This often occurs simultaneously with the other mousing postures identified. This occurs when the arm is fully extended or the elbow is at an open angle and the user loads on the wrist, anchoring it on the mouse pad, palmrest or work surface. This results in contact stress to the wrist and creates a fulcrum of motion from the wrist forward allowing only the hand to move. The wrist is essentially locked in extension, limiting any upper extremity motion at the elbow or shoulder. This results in static muscle fatigue which ultimately can invoke the numerous injuries described earlier, including carpal tunnel syndrome.

DEVELOPING A QUALITY-DRIVEN ERGONOMICS PURCHASING PROCESS

Ergonomically designed products are regularly seen on T.V. and in the news these days. The term “ergonomic” is used in advertising daily to promote products that consumers use. From cars to refrigerators to pens to hair dryers to chairs, advertisers are defining products as “ergonomic” whether they are or not. When it comes to office furniture, accessories and supplies, just open any catalogue or walk down the aisle at Office Depot and any buyer is overwhelmed with “ergonomically-designed” products.

Quality in Workers' Compensation Management

When it comes to managing a work injury at your workplace, how do supervisors know what to do? Does your organization offer a detailed quality oriented procedure of how supervisors should respond to employees concerns? Have supervisors undergone specific training identifying their role and responsibilities in the work injury process?

Ergonomics is the science of work or the relationship between humans and the workplace including the tools and materials handled, tasks performed and the environment in which it is performed. When humans are creating a place to perform work, it would make sense to consider the physical and mental characteristics of the human users. In essence, the design should match the capacities of the user to allow for:

Middle Management: Are They Your Weakest Link

In the course of providing ergonomic services and other strategies to business and industry, time and again I have seen clients struggle with gaining the support of its most critical link, supervisors and middle managers. This management entity is often the make or break component of your safety and ergonomics program success or failure and the driving force behind some of your workers’ compensation claims.

• Share with supervisors/managers the overall corporate mission of the program frequently.

• Align operating beliefs with corporate beliefs.

• Create a participative management style.

• Focus on results and rewarding results.

• Encourage supervisor/employee teams to set standards and goals.

• Appeal to self-interest to enhance motivation.

• Maintain program values in concise, simple terms.
• Assess how people are investing their time, energy and reputations.
• Engage managers and supervisors in trainings that pertain to safety/ergonomics and gear the instruction specifically to desired outcomes the organization needs from them. (See article “Management Training Strategies for a Stronger Link”.)

By focusing specifically on the supervisor/middle management culture and its impact on the overall organizational culture as it pertains to safety and workplace health, you can expect to see dramatic changes in the perceived value of your safety and health program. These changes will positively impact improved employee/management relationships affecting your workers’ compensation claims and costs as well as productivity and morale.

Reference: Weiss, Alan “Managing for Peak Performance” Las Brisas Research Press, 1994. “Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders”, Taylor & Frances, 1995

Management Strategies Training For A Stronger Link

In order to enhance middle management participation in your safety/ergonomics program, consider customizing training that addresses pertinent issues for these groups.

Executive training should include:

Supervisors:

• Ergonomics training.
• Basic structure and function of the human body at work.
• Work methods to control/prevent occupational WMSDs.
• Early recognition signs of WMSDs.
• Information on medical referral and obtaining ergonomic worksite analysis.
• Roles and responsibilities in return to work procedures, restricted duty and accommodating injured workers.
• Understanding and managing the change process, including their role.

Managers:

• Need for management commitment to reduce or prevent WMSDs and supporting injured workers.
• Support training of supervisors and workers, set-up of WMSD prevention programs, recognition of work relatedness of WMSD and reinforcement of health and safety rules and principles.
• Overview of ergonomics and WMSDs within the context of the company’s organization’s goals, polices and procedures.
• Understand work related injury compensation, experience and cost.
• Understand accepted standards, guidelines and regulations.
• Macro ergonomics and system issues.
• Management of change.
• Cost expectations of process.
• If you are interested in strengthening your management link, contact

Worksite International to learn more about our Executive Training Seminars specifically geared towards supervisors and managers. (888) 288-4463 or visit our Services section.

THE CUMULATIVE TIME BOMB OF RSI

Just as back pain often goes unreported as a work injury and instead is reported as a regular absence, so are repetitive strain injuries. Recent studies by the U. of Connecticut found that a random sampling of workers with self-reported discomfort to the neck and upper extremities far exceeded the number of reported claims. Of 292 workers, only 10% actually reported claims. More than half sought treatment, but only 20% were covered by workers’ compensation. 70% used their own insurance and a small percentage paid for care on their own.

PRODUCT FEATURE: ERGONOMICS STRETCHING SOFTWARE

RERS: REPETITIVE E-MAIL RESPONSE SYNDROME

Your familiar with CTS and RMIs, well know there is “RERS”, Repetitive 

E-mail Response Syndrome, a term coined here at Worksite International. Silicon 

Valley workers and many others around the world are experiencing a 

substantial increase in mousing and word processing demands in response to

co-workers’ emails. Some receive as many as 600/day. The visual and 

manual effort to view, scroll, sort, point, click, double click and click-delete 

alone increase pointing device use time by up to or exceeding 30% above 

daily task demands for many users. Instead of email, go back to nature. 

Use the telephone, fax, write a note and mail it, or take a walk. It’s likely 

the employee you are trying to reach is just a few cubicles away!

The Next Disability: Work Related Stress

Fall/Winter 1999

This past decade has been characterized by an increase in such musculo-

skeletal injuries as Repetitive Motion , Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and 

back injuries. Employers have had to become more in tune with the physical 

demands of work as it relates to an employee’s functional abilities in 

performing the essential work tasks. With the ADA further supporting end 

stage workers’ compensation injuries that impact the worker’s ability to 

perform major life activities, employers have been faced with increasing 

demands to provide reasonable accommodations to these injuries.

In the 90’s we saw “bad backs” and CTS fill the #1 and #2 spot on the 

ADA’s most popular reasons for Title 1 discrimination complaints. But 

now, these physical impairments are being replaced by something even 

more elusive. If employers felt difficulty in accommodating employees 

with physical limitations, the challenge to accommodate for mental stress 

and other more severe psychiatric and emotional disabilities is about to 

begin. Move over bad backs, cause here comes work-related stress in the 

21st century. What are some of the drivers behind work-related stress? 

There are many that exist in the work and home. Here are just a few 

to consider:

DRIVERS OF WORK-RELATED STRESS

     Pressure and demands of restructuring and consolidation of 

        resources in business takeovers.

     Fear of termination

     Burn-out as the result of over-working in a “right-sized” company.

     The “Cellular Syndrome” of being available to your employer round 

        the clock or for extended hours beyond the usual 40.

     Increasing episodes of workplace violence, assault, rape and 

        murder in the workplace creating additional anxiety.

     Managing the home and family in the 2 working parent or one 

        parent household.

     Financial demands to earn more money to save for future 

        healthcare, retirement and your child’s education.

     If your organization is rapidly becoming a “stress bucket” of 

        over-worked employees, you can expect your workers’ compensation 

        claims for physical impairments to go up as well as mental.

Here are some tips to help minimize work place stress:

     Network with mental health professionals to better understand 

        the needs of individuals with stress related illnesses.

     Develop reasonable accommodation guidelines and strategies to accommodate.

     Use Employee Assistance Programs

     Develop flexible work schedules

     Train supervisors to be sensitive to stress

The ADA and Ergonomics Making Work-Life 

Easier 

(Winter 99)

Often workers’ compensation cases move into the realm of the ADA 

because an individual’s work injury impairment is significant enough 

to qualify as a disability. In order for an employee to prove that he/she 

is substantially limited in his/her ability to work, the employee must 

be restricted in his/her ability to perform a class of jobs or a broad 

range of jobs in various classes. If the individual qualifies under the 

ADA, the employer is required to look for reasonable accommodations 

to assist the individual in performing the essential functions of the job.

• Making all facilities accessible

• Providing or modifying equipment

• Job Restructuring

• Auxiliary aids: voice activation, TDD

• Support services

• Modified work schedules

• Reassignment to vacant position (if qualified)

to accomplish the essential functions and the purpose

Determining R.A. is perhaps one of the most important tasks an employer 

can do to minimize liability and the threat of an EEOC lawsuit. 

Ergonomics can help in the R.A. process. Ergonomics is about 

matching the abilities and limitations of the worker to what is required 

on the job. By performing an Ergonomic analysis of the work area, 

the employer obtains critical information regarding the physical and 

mental demands of the job. Both the employer and employee can 

then see where the discrepancies are within the job by comparing the 

critical postures and work demands with the workers’ abilities and 

limitations. From this point, the appropriate R.A. can be determined 

and implemented in a timely manner creating a win-win situation for 

all involved parties.

Accommodation Assessment at 1-888-288-4463.

Developing An Ergonomics Process  

(Fall 98)

It’s over a year now since the Cal-OSHA regulation on RMI prevention was 

passed. If you are like most employers that meet the scope of the regulation, 

you are in the throws of developing your compliance strategy. Your 

obligation requires you to perform ergonomic worksite analysis on high 

risk tasks, develop hazard prevention and control measures and train those 

employees exposed to the ergonomic risk factors. There are many options

for employers today to achieve compliance. Anywhere from outside 

consulting assistance to in-house program development. There is a 

variety of interactive software programs, video programs and written 

manuals to assist you in your pursuit of compliance. Worksite International is 

proud to announce the release of a comprehensive, written process 

guide entitled, "Your Guide to Developing an Ergonomics

Process" that can be implemented by your in-house staff or with 

consulting assistance. Since 1993, we have followed Cal-OSHA’s 

pursuit of an ergonomics regulation and have created a start-up kit to 

meet the needs of today’s (California) employer seeking not only 

(Cal-OSHA) compliance, but workers’ compensation cost and claim 

reduction as well as productivity improvements. that can be implemented 

by your in-house staff or with consulting assistance. Since 1993, we have 

followed Cal-OSHA’s pursuit of an ergonomics regulation and have 

created a start-up kit to meet the needs of today’s (California) 

employer seeking not only (Cal-OSHA) compliance, but workers’ 

compensation cost and claim reduction as well as productivity 

improvements.

     The ergonomics process kit includes a 370 page primary manual, 7 

        team  workbooks to form an Ergonomics Task Force  and 

        a CD ROM of an impressive array of analysis forms and other  

        documents to assist in  implementation of your ergonomics process.

     Office ergonomics, assembly/material handling or laboratory 

        ergonomics, this process kit includes continuous improvement 

        measuring systems for analysis of your ergonomic concerns.

    The guide includes 3 overhead training kits on Participatory 

        Ergonomics, How to Develop an Ergonomics Task Force and 

        a comprehensive basic training course on CTD/RMI prevention 

        for employees and supervisors.

    A comprehensive list of strategies to address engineering issues, 

        administrative ideas, purchases and employee work practices is 

        included.

     A CTD medical management program that has form letters, symptom 

        screens and medical personnel procedures already designed for you 

        to use  with your healthcare providers.

     Critical ideas on how to gain administrative management buy-in to 

        your process.

    Monitor cost-benefit of the process with key indicators.

    Develop an in-house Ergonomics Task Force including roles 

       and responsibilities.

Alison Heller-Ono, M.S.P.T., CIE has spent 4 years of research and consultation

developing this guide for today’s employer. Outcomes show $4.50 Return 

on Investment for each $1.00 invested in implementing an Ergonomics 

process. The Guide is available for review at your worksite or at 

Worksite International. To arrange for an appointment, call (888) 288-4463. 

The Kit is published by Lewis Publishers and can be ordered on-line at

 www.crcpress.com (orders@crcpress.com) or through Worksite International.

Safety Training Is Serious Business

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that safety instruction is the single 

highest percentage of training activity per employee in the nation. 84% of 

employers with >50 employees provided OSHA training last year.

Developing an effective safety and health program requires essential 

training and education for employees to understand the requirements. 

Virtually all of OSHA’s safety regulations require some sort of employee 

training. The Fed-OSHA guidelines support 4 primary elements that 

include (1) management commitment and employee involvement, 

(2) worksite analysis (3) hazard prevention and control measures & (4) 

safety and health training. The primary reason for employers to provide 

training is so that employees understand the hazards they are exposed to 

and how to prevent harm to themselves and others due to exposure as 

well as assure accountability. Supervisors must be trained to carry out 

their safety and health responsibilities too. Supervisors should be able 

to analyze the work under their supervision to identify certain minimum 

standards have been set that require the employer to cover hazard 

communication and accident prevention. These include the following 

elements:

employees understand the training. Worksite International has consistently 

provided OSHA compliant training in ergonomics since 1993. 

Worksite International Celebrates it’s Sixth Anniversary

1999 began our 6th year in business already! Since we opened our doors in

1993, we’ve been able to positively impact over 100 companies and 

at least 1000 employees injury prevention and management. 

Not to shabby for a small start-up!

SAFE COMPUTING WITH LAPTOPS

Remember when you used a computer for the very first time? I was writing 

my master’s thesis and it was 1986. The program was Word Perfect. How 

strange that all felt then. Now computers are ubiquitous today compared 

to those days 13 years ago. Almost every electronic product we use has a 

computer in it. If your like me, you have at least 1-3 computers available to 

use at any time with at least one of them being a laptop computer. I find 

it confusing sometimes to decide where to put my information. I ponder 

when, if at all to carry the laptop with me. After all, I am already carrying 

a briefcase full of files throughout the day. Isn’t the pen still mightier 

than the sword if not the computer?

OSHA Updates

OSHA UPDATE Summer 2001

With the recent tragic events of September 11th and the onset of the new war, Fed OSHA has been busy addressing issues at the WTC in New York City. Previously, OSHA was to review the comments received from the summer hearings and provide an action plan. This action has been delayed now. There is talk of a senate bill that has been written that would require the DOL to form a new ergonomic standard within two years. Information regarding this bill is sketchy for now. It is clear however that ergonomics is on the back burner. The staggering costs in workers’ compensation injury claims from physical and mental injuries including stress claims and death benefits will take center stage for now. Worksite International is deeply moved by the tragedy and has included a special section, “A Tribute to Heroes”.

OSHA ERGONOMICS Spring 2001 UPDATE

To Federalize Ergonomics Or Not: That is The Question?

Federal OSHA Ergonomics Update

Fall/Winter 1999

The proposed Federal Ergonomics regulation was released late November, 

1999 with much hoopla by the media. There is a buzz about town as a result. 

In essence, it will cover 27 million workers, prevent 300,000 RMIs/year, 

impact 2 million work places. Required compliance by manufacturing and 

material handling facilities is included while other employers with 1 injury 

related to poor ergonomics must comply. As written, the standard exceeds 

CA.’s Ergo Reg. Indicating our need to meet more stringent demands if 

passed. Anticipated investment projections indicate an employer will invest 

about $2000/year on ergonomic changes to meet compliance.

Cal-OSHA Ergonomics Update

As we begin the New Year, the Cal-OSHA RMI regulation remains under 

appeal but still regarded as the most substantial state ergonomics 

regulation to date. As predicted, other states are following on CA.’s 

coattails. North Carolina and Washington have proposed their own 

ergonomics regulations. On the Federal Ergonomics debate, the latest 

draft would require compliance from more than 2.5 million US businesses 

when a single CTD is logged. The proposed program-based standard is 

estimated to cost US businesses more than $4 billion to implement. 

The latest proposal will not contain a typing/keying component. The focus 

Posting Your Cal-OSHA Logs 

During the month of February each year, many employers are required 

to post Cal/OSHA Form 200 in a conspicuous place. This log and 

summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses documents details 

about on-the-job injuries and illnesses that occurred between 

January 1 and December 31 of the preceding year. Unless you are in 

a designated low-hazard industry, you’re required to complete and post 

the log if you have 11 or more employees at any time during 

1997. Remember to fold the form to keep the names confidential.

OSHA ERGONOMICS UPDATE

This past February, Fed-OSHA released it’s much debated draft National 

Ergonomics Standard. The primary focus is on manufacturing and manual 

material handling industries. It is unclear as to whether data entry jobs 

will be covered or not. It is agreed that there is substantial scientific research 

that demonstrates a causal relationship between workplace hazards and 

WMSDs (work-related musculoskeletal disorders). It is also known that the 

control of the exposures results in reduced work injury incidence and severity. 

The standard sets 2 levels of response. The first level requires surveillance 

and applies to manufacturing and material handling. The second level 

applies to all employers (continued back page) and is triggered by the 

identification of an OSHA recordable incidence of WMSD. Once the 

incident occurs, the employer must implement management leadership 

and employee involvement, hazard identification/information as well 

as job hazard analysis and control, training and medical management. 

Program evaluation is also required. It is unclear just how the Federal 

guideline will relate to California’s almost 2 year old regulation. Debate 

will continue for sometime through the end of this year. Employers 

should expect the Federal regulation by early 2000 with public hearings 

this summer. More to come for sure!!!!!!!!

Federal OSHA Ergonomics Update

The debate over the federal ergonomics regulation continues with 

representatives feuding over whether to support the Nat’l Academy 

of Sciences study on ergonomics. The study would further delay the 

standard another 2 years. The regulation is already supported by 

over 2000 studies regarding the relationship between ergonomic 

risk factors and CTDs. The standard has substantial support by 

the American Nurses Assoc., the Am. College of Occup. Medicine 

and other credentialed organizations. These organizations see the 

standard as a benefit to our national workforce as many businesses 

have already  implemented successful programs to reduce ergonomic 

injuries.

A new Fed-OSHA record keeping regulation is expected out October 1, 

1999 and is likely to have a major impact on the business community. 

Cal-OSHA is preparing to adopt a standard at least as effective as the 

federal rule within 3-6 months of its release or shortly after the new 

year. The rule will spell out revised procedures for recording workplace 

injuries and illnesses. It is anticipated that it will significantly impact 

employers as it is an entirely new system and will likely take substantial 

time to prepare the employer community, especially with concern over 

the Y2K bug arriving around the same time. Employers should anticipate 

other changes as well to a consultation draft rule and a revised tuberculosis standard this fall, all expected to impact CA. businesses.

Product Features

Leave it to an injured software engineer to design a software that addresses the onset of repetitive motion injuries. RSIGuard software allows the user to customize his/her computer to meet individual data entry needs. The software can be set to provide breaks at regular intervals or monitor mouse/keying speed, intensity and duration and to reduce the onset of symptoms in the hands related to keying and mouse use. The software offers many programmable features including an “auto-mouse click” which eliminates the need to click the mouse. It also includes stretching instructions and tracks usage statistics. Goldtouch offers a 45-day evaluation and discounts for non-profit and educational organizations. The product also works well with Goldtouch’s alternative keyboard and mouse accessories. 949-798-0300. Available from Goldtouch Technologies htpp://www.rsiguard.com.

The Swopper

“Sitting in Motion”

By Aeris

Leave it to the Europeans to design an innovative stool that allows you to move feely while seated. The Swopper offers a spiral spring pedestal that gives with your body height and weight when seated. The adjustable gas lift can be set to a comfortable height and weight that allows the feet to remain on the floor. The spring pedestal allows for lateral mobility necessary when reaching. Use of the Swopper is recommended to begin at 2 hours and increase slowly. This design is ideal for assembly and manufacture work at a counter that involves reach.

Come visit the Swopper and more at our Showroom in Monterey.

Organizational Tools for the Work Surface

Document support and storage is an important aspect of office ergonomics. The tidiness of one’s desk helps to recall paper placement. Use of vertical and horizontal organizing tools aid in remembering the location of key documents.

Abbot Office Systems offers innovative products for organizing the business and home office. Call (800) 631-2233 to receive a catalogue of their products

Laptop Products for Improved Ergonomics

In an effort to improve laptop ergonomics, here are some recent 

products to minimize poor ergonomics.

     The Lapadaptor: portable document holder for portable 

        laptops. www.tifaq.org.

     The LapDog: a padded carrying case that doubles as a 

        workstation with fold out pockets for mousing room and 

        storage. www.sjdesigns.com

     The LaptopCoPilot: for working in the car. A bracket is 

        offered that clips the laptop to the steering wheel. 

        www.laptopcopilot.com.

WorkRITE Ergonomics

When your specifications call for aesthetically pleasing and 

functional ergonomic accessories that install easily on new or 

existing office workstation, consider the advantages WorkRite 

Ergonomics offers. Keyboard trays of all styles and types are offered 

through WorkRite as well as adjustable work surfaces and monitor 

supports. Workrite will also custom design an ergonomic solution 

specific to your furniture needs.. Check out their web site at  

www.wrea.com or call 415-884-2311 for a catalogue of their 

latest accessories.

Interactive Ergonomic Software Programs

(Fall 98)

An innovative solution to implementing ergonomics in the workplace 

is offered through interactive ergonomic software programs. These 

programs allow employees to often analyze and be trained at their 

worksite on their own schedule using their own computer. They offer 

work practice monitoring and educational development while 

minimizing employee time commitment to training. Management 

reports are often included with these programs. Check out the 

following websites or contact us for more details.

Ergonomics Software Web Sites

     Washington Ergonomics: William Brough 253-839-4624. 

        www. wshingtonergonomics.com/sware.htm

     Corpmed: Kevin Byrne, M.D., M.P.H. 303-469-8997. 

        http://www.corpmed.com

     Ergotrack: www.ergotrack.com

     Proformix Systems 800-973-2739

Industrial and Occupational Ergonomics 

Encyclopedia CD-ROM

(Fall 98)

The University of Cincinnati and the Editors of the International 

Journal of  Industrial Engineering have compiled a new CD-ROM for

practitioners of ergonomics, young and old. The editors recruited over 

100 authors from around the world (including Alison) to write chapters 

for the encyclopedia. As a reference tool, the encyclopedia is organized 

into alphabetical headings A-Z. Topics range from tendinitis to control 

panels to shiftwork and a multitude of others. The CD sells for $44.00 

and is slightly more for corporations. Call 513-556-2652 or 

Worksite International to order.

Ergonomic Review Of Armrests

(Summer 1999)

www. humanics-es.com/armrest.htm

Rani Leuder of Humanics Ergosystems, Inc. provides an excellent 

review of the ins and outs of armrests. For years, employers have 

debated whether to purchase chairs with the support. Here are a few 

reasons why we should use armrests:

"Your Guide to Office Ergonomic Furniture and 

Accessories" by Alison Heller-Ono M.S.P.T., CIE

(Summer 199

Purchasing and using office ergonomic furniture and accessories is very 

confusing in today’s market. Ms. Heller has re-edited this guide and updated 

all the features with new photos , additional topics and a list of national vendors. 

The guide is written for end-user consumers, purchasing managers and 

facilities managers who frequently must select these products. The guide 

details some of the most commonly purchased items such as ergonomic chairs, 

posture boards, headsets, alternative keyboards and pointing devices. The 

book details the intent of the product, limitations, options, usage and other 

information. The new guide is available for $35.00. 70 pages. Contact 

Worksite International to order. 888-288-4463.

Back to Table Of Contents

FYI Web Sites