Comments on: Interview with Kevin Butler & Giveaway

By: Catherine

Catherine — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:37:18 +0000

I would also like a solution for someone that is bedridden but I am not finding anything specific for “us”

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:55:49 +0000

Hi, my doctor told me my rhomboid muscles are inflamed. So much so that when I go to work & sit at my computer desk all day, I can barely take it! My back is sweating because it hurts so much & my stomach gets upset from the discomfort. It really effects my mental outlook dealing with this month after month. Do you think your product is designed to maybe help me??? It’s the mid-back area. Thank you.

By: Ergonomic Giveaway : Productivity501

Ergonomic Giveaway : Productivity501 — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:32:14 +0000

[...] are doing another giveaway of the fine products donated by Fellowes. To enter, just signup for our new weekly newsletter below (you can always unsubscribe after the [...]

By: Contratulations Martin : Productivity501

Contratulations Martin : Productivity501 — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:25:43 +0000

[...] won the ergonomic giveaway. He chose the mousepad with the wrist-rest. We shipped it out to him today. Be watching for [...]

By: Keith Carnes

Keith Carnes — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:08:23 +0000

My employer has counter height desks and that makes for some wrenching ergo issues. It’s a real challenge to takes a conscious effort to avoid really causing some damage. Luckily the work I do at home is a much better situation, though far from perfect.

By: James

James — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:51:19 +0000

One of the hardest things I face is working when on the road. I do a lot of my work in office canteens or with my laptop perched on my knee and it does give me problems.

At home I have a keyboard and raised monitor to alleviate the laptop woes, as well as a very nice chair.

By: Claire Tompkins

Claire Tompkins — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:26:58 +0000

I think it’s telling that Kevin rotates chairs often. That’s probably doing his back more good than the best chair on the market would. Working at home, I can (and do) choose to sit in a variety of locations. Changing chairs helps reduce stress for me as does getting a different view and even different weather (when I sit in my backyard).

I have a laptop with a built-in mouse now, but I used to switch my mouse back and forth from right side to left to give each hand equal mouse time, or mouse rest. I’m not ambidextrous, but I found it pretty easy to adapt to using the mouse with my non-dominant hand.

By: Nikki W

Nikki W — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:57:17 +0000

Thank you also to those who have added comments. There was a brief mention of the foot issue – I have had my legs cramp because I (wrongly) bend my foot back and hook my toes over the chair crossbars. This reduces the circulation in my lower legs, and allows the Achilles to shorten as if I were wearing high heels. A foot rest – in particular, a rocking one – is very useful to keep your feet moving and your circulation up. Yes, I know I should get up and walk very 20 minutes… when I am focused, time flies. My other hint is to get a wireless headset for conference calls… I walk or pace during them, and keep my blood flowing.

By: Bob Buckley

Bob Buckley — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:18:05 +0000

Ergonomic creativity:

I am a road warrior and am allowed to have a home office for when I am not travelling. My desk at home is not a computer desk and is not suitable for a keyboard tray so that was challenge number one. I am also large (6’3”) and have never been really comfortable in a desk chair when using a keyboard tray as it always seemed to be too low – challenge number two.

My solution was to use my current regular desk with the center drawer removed and the keyboard and mouse on the desktop. I then use risers for my laptop and external large screen to raise them to a comfortable viewing level. With these adjustments, I can also have my chair at a height that is very comfortable for my build.

I once worked with a gentleman getting his doctorate in human factors engineering and he often ‘preached’ the benefits so I have been aware of this for many years. I have been applying those lessons for more than 20 years with much success. The one item I would add to your suggestions is one I got from my eye doctor. He convinced me to get computer glasses (I require bifocals) and these use a shorter focal length than regular glasses thus making viewing with bifocals extremely good.

By: Matthew Horvat

Matthew Horvat — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:05:36 +0000

Hello! I typically have a lot of books open that I reference for work. To be able to twist and roll I purchased a floor protector. It wan’t because I cared about the carpet, but so that the wheels would roll. Now I can get around with a bit more ease.

Thanks for keeping up the information!
Best wishes!
Matt

By: Rob Richards

Rob Richards — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:56:18 +0000

There is a lot of snake oil around ergonomic issues. I am convinced that if the placebo effect does not apply to the worker then it definitely applies to management. These ‘solutions’ should work because somebody came in a gave an expert opinion; does not mean they’re right just that they paid too much.

By: Hal

Hal — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:27:57 +0000

Just moved into a new office in my home after having my furniture in storage for a year. That office-supply-store $100 chair is not cutting it. I’m noticing I’m slouching rather than getting any back support. Also, it doesn’t raise high enough to work comfortably at the keyboard. Got to get me one of those $500 models…

By: John Fisher

John Fisher — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:22:48 +0000

I use the number pad on my keyboard a lot in my job. Between that and the mouse, I was having trouble with my right arm.

I switched my mouse to the left side. It took a day to get used to it but now I am very comfortable mousing on the left.

I don’t use my right hand as much anymore and I don’t have to take it off the numbers to mouse. I’m more effecient and more comfortable.

By: Charlene Anderson

Charlene Anderson — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:11:52 +0000

My problem is lower back issues, related to an autoimmune disease. I’d try anything that might work,,,

By: Sherri

Sherri — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:01:00 +0000

Thank you for bringing this information to the forefront… I think many companies could benefit from providing the right ‘tools’ for our work environments. I think insurance companies would benefit too, since we could all make less trips to the doc for our aches and pains. As much time as we spend at work, the investment would pay off!

Thanks for the great interview and information.