Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The answer is no. Improving the user work en-
vironment, reducing health risks, improving end
user productivity, and reducing the loss of work
days are just a few of the reasons for addressing
ergonomic issues.
Ergonomic problems continue to abound. A
survey showed that 17% of office workers reported
they had been diagnosed with CTS (Timm, 2005).
In 2000, data entry workers missed an average
of 10 days a year due to injuries at work, ac-
cording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This
group of workers missed more work days than
the manufacturing, precision production, and
service industry laborers (Timm, 2005). The
importance of ergonomics is heightened by the
aging U.S. workforce and the increased demand
for productivity and output that leads to longer
work hours (Timm, 2005). Additionally, ergonom-
ics has the potential to impact long term health
issues such as disability and early retirement.
So whether the goal is to provide a safe, healthy
end user computer working environment or to
improve the company's bottom line, or both, an
organization can reap benefits from effective
ergonomic practice.
problem. A laptop docking station is suggested
by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for
use on a daily basis (Beharie, 2003).
Some laptop keyboards are less comfortable
to use. A separate keyboard and mouse can be
provided to allow for more flexibility in adjusting
the workstation setup (Hanson, 2004).
The weight of a laptop is usually reasonable.
However, end users must consider the additional
weight of peripherals, such as a laptop pad, an
extra battery, and so forth, and the corresponding
strain on the shoulder.
Heat generated from laptops has received
attention, resulting in products available to end
users. These products include laptop desks that
help to reduce leg heat (Tucker, 2005). These
products may help air to circulate, provide a fan
to cool the laptop, or provide a barrier between
the computer and the end user.
pdas
Managers and end users should be aware of
potential ergonomic issues when using PDAs.
PDAs with small screens and simulated on-screen
keyboards may pose health problems that need to
be monitored. End users have complained of eye
strain connected to the use of a small PDA screen
and complaints of muscle fatigue have also been
reported when using the on-screen keyboard and
stylus (Briggs, 2003).
An additional keyboard may be used with
the PDA. Voice activated capabilities may be
used to reduce problems related to the use of the
small onscreen keyboard (Hanson, 2004). Using
a stylus with an ergonomic grip may be helpful
to address the issue of related finger pain (Auty,
2004; Healthy Computing, 2002).
Other suggestions include being intentional
about the type of screen on the PDA. Consider the
type of lighting that will be used, that is, outdoor
versus indoor lighting. A jog wheel, which allows
the user to scroll through long documents rather
than tapping the stylus many times, can also be
mobile Computing and
alternative workspaCes
Mobility describes the contemporary workforce.
Mobile tools, shared workspaces, and multiple
locations increasingly characterize today's work
environment. These factors elevate the need for
ergonomic consideration.
laptops
Laptops enable end users to work on the go. The
benefits are apparent for both the end user and the
organization. However, their special ergonomic
issues should be addressed. For example, laptops
do not adjust (Beharie, 2003). The fact that the
monitor height cannot be changed is a potential
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