Ergonomics, a way of life that's sustainable

[danrok]

Read about Daniel's adventures in to the world of correct chair selection, on the front page:
http://www.aoaforums.com/frontpage/content/view/2604/1/

Comments?

[Gizmo]

Good article, well worth a read.

I took the liberty of making a few edits to correct some spelling errors and make it a bit easier to read in a couple of places.

[Daniel ~]

Much appreceated Dan and Gizmo!

[danrok]

Want to learn how to sit correctly? Small children will show you!

We start out life by sitting in a way which is naturally healthy. Young children will often opt to sit on the floor, cross-legged, no back support. Then adults teach us all the bad habbits, and how to slouch.

You can learn a lot about how to look after your joints and limbs, by watching how children use theirs.

[Daniel ~]

That's the sensible way, the natural way, but there is of course one other...Grow old and suffer the abuse you've done yourself...fortunately I'm a bit better off than most...a certain laid back attitude toward life has it's virtues.I'm always trying to be more comfortable!":O}

[danrok]

The best answer, if you have the money for it, is an adjustable seat and desk.

Both need to be adjustable up to operator height (the height of a bar in a pub). So, in the mornings you might sit low at normal office desk height. Come the afternoon, you raise both up high and sit at that height. This means you are maximising the difference between various seating positions, throughout the day.

Unfortunately, strong and easily adjustable desk don't coem cheap. But, if the demand increases the price should fall.

[Daniel ~]

No doubt it IS difficult to get together a good situation. I certainly haven't succeeded completely by any means. I'll explore some of the solutions I've employed in Part II and Possibly in a part III.

I'm hoping for some interactivity. We can photograph our set ups and solicit suggested areas of improvement. Some ARE costly, some are just adjustment in loo of spending what we actually really do need to spend....sooner or later if we want to stay at our key boards for significant periods of time, for decades on end.... there's the rub. By the time many bad things manifest themselves, it's to late, your days before the monitor can be at an end! IT HAPPENS!

But you don't hear enough about it because these poor souls aren't on-line anymore!

[cloasters]

Flat on your back with keyboard and monitor supported above you. I've thought of it, but how are you going to sleep properly after the work day spent lying down? At least LCD's have made supporting a 75 lb monitor above you less of a possibly deadly proposition!

[danrok]

I think lying down for too long leads to sores.

[aghastpumpkin]

I have to say, afforadable ergonomic desks are a rarity. Had I been but 3 years older, perhaps I would be in better position to attempt to resolve this!
You'll just have to wait until I finish my degree!

[aghastpumpkin]

Btw, Daniel, the terminology for the measurements of humans is Anthropometrics. I could find some stuff you might find interesting that you could add to your article.
http://www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/rl...opometrics.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropometrics
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/DEA325...hrodesign.html

[Daniel ~]

I appreciate the interest AP. Next week I'll be looking more at monitor and the advantages of using an arm to achieve at lest some of our goals in an imperfect world.... mine! ":O}

[danrok]

Part 2 of Daniel's ergonomic adventure is here:
http://www.aoaforums.com/frontpage/content/view/2670/1/

[cloasters]

Deucedly fine articles, many thanks!

[Daniel ~]

Thanks George. Maybe only old folks have acquired an interest... but I felt AOA should at lest mention health as an side car to our hobby.

[aghastpumpkin]

Daniel, I'm interested in this. I've been looking for an affordable arm for a while, but can't find one that doesn't cost £££s.
How much was this? Could it be available in the UK?

I would be extremely happy if it was......it looks excellant. I really could do with one!

[Daniel ~]

I should have said!

Here are all the details.

[aghastpumpkin]

Thats cheap! I will have to find out if theres a UK Distributor!

Edit: Found one! http://www.techstore-online.co.uk/IN...P?ref=91502436

[Daniel ~]

The one, the only, the unmistakable original! ":O}

Mind what I said about a sturdy desk, needs 3/4 inch thickness min. You might want to look at the wall attachment, though of course less portable.

[danrok]

European website for Ergotron:
http://www.ergotron-europe.com/