DACS General Meeting
September 2008
Program Review:
Chuck Masi - Ergonomic Solutions

by Flo Ferrara

If you were lucky (or smart) enough to attend the September monthly meeting, I will bet that you have adjusted something about the way that you sit at your desk. Maybe you have moved your keyboard and mouse closer, or adjusted you chair height; perhaps the lighting is better or like me, you have been more conscious of keeping your wrists straight. Whatever it is, it is because of Chuck Masi, Vice President of Sales and Service at ErgonoMix Associates.

Chuck gave the audience an illuminating talk on the human body’s need to be ergonomically correct when seated at a desk; particularly when one is working at a computer.

There are six essential ergonomic concepts that Chuck covered in his talk:

  • Environmental effects
  • Movement is critical
  • Minimize extreme positions
  • Avoid contact stress
  • Take mini-breaks
  • Education
Along with these concepts, Chuck talked about the five key elements of the ergonomic workspace:

  • Chair
  • Keyboard and mouse
  • Monitor
  • Document holder
  • Lighting

The most important of these elements is the chair. Chuck brought a sample chair to show us. It was extremely adjustable and designed to allow for the person sitting in it to sit in the ‘neutral zone’. The chair’s seat height, depth, backrest and lumber support, and armrests should all be considered when choosing a chair. The chair Chuck showed us is made by a company called ‘Humanscale’ and it is their Freedom model. It is sold by Ergonomix for about $700.

Education is also very critical. People should be tuned in to any warning signs of critical injury. Chuck spoke about Professor Alan Hedge from Cornell University as being the ‘guru’ of ergonomics. I Googled Professor Hedge and was rewarded with a huge amount of information.

Professor Hedge directs the new Human Factors and Ergonomics Program (HFEP). Their research focuses on understanding how to create environmental conditions and ergonomic design criteria for healthy and productive workplaces. They consider how indoor air quality affects worker performance and health; very interesting stuff.

Ergonomix offers consumers everything from chairs to mouse trappers. Yes, mouse trappers. This is placed in front of your keyboard to form a well balanced and strain free working position. A varied position is achieved by operating the mouse pad with either right or left hand, and by alternating between fingers.

Visit www.ergonomixusa.com to learn more or contact Chuck Masi directly at Ergonomix Associates - 800 330-0234 or via email.



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