Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
information that is accessible to end users: www.
healthycomputing.com, http://ergo.human.cor-
nell.edu/, and http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/
computerworkstations/.
An end user should consider his or her in-
dividual work tasks and environment when
addressing work place ergonomics. While there
are some suggestions that may apply across the
board for all end users, others will be specific to
each end user.
whelming. The information provided in previous
sections is useful to managers in contemplating
this issue. The web sites mentioned earlier for
end users can be equally helpful for managers
trying to be proactive or for those trying to resolve
problematic ergonomic situations.
ConClusion
According to Marvin J. Dainoff, Director of the
Center for Ergonomic Research at Miami Uni-
versity in Oxford, Ohio, “ergonomics is not about
gadgets. It's about problem solving and getting
into good work postures that are efficient, healthy,
and pleasant” (Tahmincioglu, 2004).
End users are more “computer savvy” today,
but they are not necessarily more “ergonomic
savvy.” End users need to be actively involved
in creating and maintaining an ergonomically
correct computer work environment. Resources
are available. End users should take advantage
of these resources.
Managers need to be proactive to create a
healthier, more productive end user work environ-
ment. Therefore, communicating the importance
of ergonomic issues is essential. Training is
critical. Do not assume that the end user knows
the correct sitting posture for computer work.
Do not assume that the end user knows the cor-
rect viewing height for the monitor on his or her
desk. Do not assume that the telecommuter has
ergonomically correct furniture at home. Even if
end users are aware of potential ergonomic risks
associated with computer use, do not assume
that they are implementing that knowledge on a
regular basis.
Simply identifying work tasks to be completed,
schedules to be followed, and technology to be
used is not enough to ensure a productive and
healthy work environment for telecommuters.
Information and awareness regarding the impor-
tance of ergonomics are vital.
suggestions and resourCes
For managers
Managers should consider the areas of ergonomic
concern as they relate to end users both generally
and specifically. Creating a healthy work envi-
ronment can payoff in multiple ways. How can
managers get feedback regarding the ergonomic
issues in the work place?
Johnson & Johnson has begun to use a filter-
ing tool that can evaluate end user computer
workstations. If the evaluation indicates a high
risk situation, then ergonomic specialists will
evaluate the computer workstation (Tahmincioglu,
2004). This would provide information needed
to ensure a more ergonomically sound computer
workstation for the end user.
A software package by Niche Software in
conjunction with The Netherlands Organisation
for Applied Scientific Research is being tested
in The Netherlands. It evaluates an employee's
computer use and work habits over a period of
one month. It assesses fitness and posture and re-
lates this information with data from well-known
research studies. It then provides a risk profile
for the employee. If an employee is deemed at
high risk, an individualized ergonomic program
is developed that addresses things like posture,
fitness, and number of breaks needed (Coming
to Grips with OOS, 2005).
The reality of creating an ergonomically cor-
rect work environment for end users can be over-
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