Sunday, February 28, 1993 - North Shore News - 34

ek ee EE ee

ork stations vital to joo quabty
North Van physiotherapist assesses ways to improve office environments

WHEN MOST people arrive at their office each morning,
they likely grab a cup of coffee and sit down at their desk

and begin working, many on computers.

All of their attention is focused
on the work they are doing and
not on how they are doing it.

But North Vancouver resident
Joan Hunting, who runs a
business called The Ergonomic
Office, says by not paying atten-
tion to how the job is done, peo-
ple may be creating physical prob-
Jems that will likely develop years
later.

A physiotherapist, Hunting
assesses individual work stations
and then prepares a report with
recommendations for manage-
ment.

She also gives office workshops
on how to improve working areas.

Hunting says more and more
businesses are becoming aware of
the money and time lost when
employees are physically uncom-
fortable at their desks.

Problems associated with com-
puterized offices, says Hunting,
include: °
@ back pain;

@ neck and shoulder pain;
@ repetitive strain injuries;
@ leg pain and sweliing;

@ general fatigue;

© stress. .

She says they decrease produc-
tivity, efficiency and job satisfac-
tion and increase absenteeism,
Workers Compensation Board

thousand
words
for

By Surj Rattan
News Reporter

(WCB) claims, staff turnover and
costs.

“If people are uncomfortable,
they will not do their jobs proper-
ly. Employers are not seeing the
money it is costing them.

“Just moving things around
could make a big difference,’’
says Hunting.

She adds that chairs are the key
elements in a proper work station.

“If you have a good chair, you
can move around.”"

Important considerations whea
selecting a chair include:

@ seat height and adjustability;
@ back support;

@ lumbar support;

@ depth of the seat pan;

@ waterfall seat pan;

@ lino versus carpet caster;

© ease of use of controls.

Important considerations for
work stations include working
height, legroom and_ surface
organizations.

Hunting says most people do
not bother to set up their work
stations to fit them because
“that's the way it’s always been.”

See Work page 36

PHYSIOTHERAPIST JOAN Hunting instructs News reporter Surj Rattan on the proper positioning of
his chair and computer keyboard placement. Hunting says people who work with computers can

suffer a variety of physical problems.

Cindy Goodman
News Photographer

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Now you can get
copies of your favorite photos taken by our staff photographers.

To receive your copy come io the Nortn Shore News and place your
order. Please supply us with the issue date and page number of tne
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