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ErgoSmart. ErgoTips.
Datachem Software, Inc.
Telephone: (508) 366-5277
Fax: (508) 366-5278
Mailing Address:
Datachem Software
69 Milk Street, Suite 300
Westboro, MA 01581
Remit-To Address:
Datachem Software
P.O.Box 4369
Boston, MA 02211
datachemsoftware.com
certistep.com
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Office Ergonomic Training
"Computer User Ergonomic Training Made Easy!"
ErgoSmart - Ergonomic training for users, at their computers - ErgoSmart is an interactive program that helps you evaluate your current computer setup, and instructs you how to set up your VDT equipment properly. It also includes a Health Analyzer, which explains the causes and prevention of common VDT injuries and health-related complaints.
ErgoTips - Instructional Screen Saver - ErgoTips Screen Saver is designed to provide you with VDT Ergonomics information while your computer is idle. The screen saver displays 15 separate ErgoTips which show you how to work more comfortably with your computer.
Ergo Smart ® - Computer User Ergonomic Training Software
As a health and safety or training professional, you know the escalating costs and training time being devoted to preventing user discomfort from computers in today's demanding office work environment. ErgoSmart is a low cost, self-paced, interactive and easy-to-use software training tool that teaches your employees how to work comfortably with their computers.
Features and Benefits
- Your employees train themselves with interactive, computer-based training methods that save you time and training costs.
- Now licensed for use by over one million users in more than 400 different organizations worldwide.
- No special computer hardware is needed. Runs on all computers that can run the recommended browser.
- Install on your company Intranet or on a standalone computer.
- Full-color graphics and 5 sections of information give common-sense solutions to your users.
- Trains your employees how to work comfortably with their existing computer workstation equipment.
- Computer ergonomics information is easily accessible and always available for every employee who uses a computer!
ErgoSmart is intranet ready. Link the ErgoSmart home page into your intranet and your employees, regardless of the type of workstation they use,have instant access to the ErgoSmart training. No distribution required.
The software will run on your intranet regardless of the web server you use.
ErgoSmart Tracking Module
The popularity of ErgoSmart prompted many requests from customers for a way to track employee useage and success with ErgoSmart training. We responded with the ErgoSmart Tracker. Here are some features of the system:
- Integrated with ErgoSmart version 3
- Easy retrieval of information to show compliance with guidelines and/or corporate objectives
- Install it on your company's intranet or Datachem Software will host it
- Accessible via all commonly used browsers
- Tracking information is secure - accessible only by authorized individuals
- The program keeps track of:
- each section the trainee enters
- how far the trainee gets in each section
- how long the trainee was in each section
- quiz results for each trainee - or, Datachem Software will customize the prgram to meet your requirements
Currently not available.
ErgoTips is a computer ergonomic instructional screen saver for Windows computers. It is a tool that helps you reinforce comfortable computing work habits for your employees. You can make unlimited copies of the program and install it on every desktop in your office. Whenever a computer is left idle, the screen is filled with 3-D, full color, animated screens of ergonomic tips rather than "flying toasters".
Features and Benefits
- Eight different screens of animated computer workstation tips show employees how to work comfortably with their computers.
- Six screens of illustrated stretching exercises show your employees how to "Stretch for Comfort" at their own workstations.
- Each stretching exercise includes an automatic countdown counter.
- Now licensed for use by over one million quarter users in more than 200 sites worldwide.
- Perfectly complements and reinforces ErgoSmart® training by reminding employees about the importance of good ergonomics.
This section introduces you to the general concepts of ergonomics and how they apply to working with your VDT equipment. Please left-click with your mouse on the button below to begin.
Ergonomics is a scientific term that means the study of work (IE. Ergo = Work, Nomics = Study of). It simply defines how people interact with their equipment. This can range from the design of a screwdriver handle to the layout of the cockpit for a modern jet fighter. For Visual Display Terminal workstation (VDT) use, ergonomics refers to the design of your VDT equipment, how you use your equipment and the environment where you use your VDT.
Only 10 - 15 years ago, it was quite common to use a VDT that had the monitor, keyboard and system unit all attached together.
As VDT use began to grow, it became apparent that a better design was needed to help people work more comfortably.
In recent years, ergonomists and regulators around the world have developed a number of standards governing the design and use of VDT's.
The most important of these include:
"American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations (ANSI/HFS 100 - 1988; American National Standards Institute)," "Ergonomics of Design and Use of Visual Display Terminals (VDT's) in Offices (BS 7179; British Standards Institution),"
"Ergonomic Requirements for Office Work with Visual Display Terminals (ISO 9241; International Standards Organization)," and "Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for Work with Display Screen Equipment (90/270/EEC; Commission of the European Communities)."
These standards describe how the work environment, video display, keyboard and furniture should be designed and measured for VDT use. It is the basis for today's VDT ergonomic designs.
The major principles of these standards have been used in this program to help you work more productively and comfortably with your computer. This program is intended to supplement, not replace, other sources of employee training and information on the proper setup and use of VDT workstations. For further information on VDT's and office ergonomics, or to arrange formal training, contact your entity EHS department.
VDT Use and Physical Discomfort
In the mid-1970's there were only a little more than a half-million VDT's in use in the US. By the mid-1980's, that number grew to 28 million. By the mid-1990's, the number of VDT's used in the US is estimated to be over 80 million, with several times this number in place worldwide. With the expanding use of VDT's, health problems are being reported in greater numbers and are causing increasing concern.
To a large extent, many physical discomforts and complaints, are caused by the inherent nature of automation.
Before the arrival of VDT's, office work such as typing, filing, sorting, writing, distribution, classifying and document retrieval, were tasks that required physical activity. You can now perform all these tasks with your VDT, remaining seated, in a stationary position, for many consecutive hours.
Because of this reduced physical activity, increased muscle tension is created in your neck, shoulders, backs and arms, which can cause discomfort and fatigue.
In addition, because you don't have to vary your tasks, highly repetitive motions, such as keying and mousing, can cause problems over long periods of time.
Of course, many factors contribute to physical discomfort, such as stress, psychological factors, preexisting medical conditions, the nature of your work, etc. Fortunately, as a VDT user, you can control many of the factors to help prevent these problems from occurring.
The old saying "knowledge is power" is particularly useful for preventing discomfort when using your VDT. By having the "knowledge" of how to setup and use your VDT equipment properly, you will gain the "power" to control your own VDT working situation. You are in control of such things as, how high your chair is adjusted, how you sit in your chair, how far away you position yourself to your monitor, how hard you type, how you vary your tasks, what exercises you perform, etc. The list of factors you can control is very long.
By using ErgoSmart, you will gain the knowledge to give you the power needed to help prevent health problems and work more productively and comfortably with your computer.
ErgoSmart is designed to be very flexible in its use. The intent of the program is to help you work more comfortably with your VDT. As there are many different uses for VDT's, so are there different uses for this program.
However, in order to gain the most benefit, you should first perform a self-evaluation of your workstation setup and your work habits. Do this by choosing VDT Workstation Evaluation below. You should then review the information in "How to Setup Your VDT" and "VDTs and Your Health." In reviewing this information, you can concentrate on the areas suggested for improvement from your self-evaluation report. After you have a good understanding of these topics, you can test your ErgoSmart I.Q. with "VDT Common Questions and Answers."
The Seat Back supports your upper and lower back. The seat back height should be adjusted to support the lumbar region of the lower back. The seat back angle should be adjusted to comfortably support the upper back. Generally, you should sit back in your chair and tilt between 100 and 120 degrees backward.
To adjust, look for knobs or other adjustment devices on the back and/or under the chair, as shown in the picture. By loosening the knobs, then moving the seat back, you should find a height and angle that are comfortable for you.
Your chair may or may not have armrests. Chairs without armrests are acceptable to use for VDT work. However, armrests are useful for resting your forearms. This can help prevent and/or reduce muscular tension in the neck and shoulders. Armrests also provide support when you get in or out of the chair.
Chairs equipped with armrests may be adjustable. Look for knobs on the side of the armrest (as in the picture) or under the chair. By loosening these connections, you can adjust the height, width and angle of the arm rest.
The Seat Stand supports and evenly distributes your weight in the chair. The pivot point at the top of the base provides tilting and swivelling of the seat back and seat pan. Try to recline back in the chair slightly while working with your VDT.
It is important that the seat stand be stable, preferably with 5 legs on caster type wheels. This helps you move freely for proper positioning at your VDT.
The chair tilt and swivel tension are often adjustable. Look for a knob connected to a spring under the chair. By turning the knob, you can increase the tension of the spring to provide "stiffer" tilting. Turning the knob counter- clockwise loosens the tension. You should adjust the chair for the most comfortable "stiffness" when tilting back.
The Seat Pan should be firmly cushioned and have a lip on the edge. This allows you to sit comfortably and distributes the weight of your legs, thighs and buttocks evenly.
You can vary the height of the chair by changing the height of the seat pan. The height should be adjusted so your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet rest flat and firmly on the floor.
To adjust the chair height, look for a lever (as in the picture) that allows you to adjust the height while seated. Simply raise the lever to increase or decrease the chair height. If you do not find a lever, you may have to turn the chair upside-down to adjust the height. Spin the base clockwise to lower the height or counterclockwise to raise the height. If neither of these methods works, consult the manufacturer's instructions that came with your chair.
For optimal vision health, periodic vision testing exams are recommended even if you have no current vision problems or discomfort. When you go for an exam, make sure you tell your eye care provider you use a VDT. This wil help the doctor prescribe the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Eye discomfort is the most common health complaint associated with computer work . Typical complaints include: itchy, tired, dry and/or sore eyes.
Itchy eyes may be caused by dry air and/or allergic reactions. Dry winter weather is commonly associated with itchy eyes. At other times of the year, allergic reactions can aggravate this problem. During an allergy attack, your eyes tear, further increasing the itchy sensations.
Dry eyes may be aggravated by the fact that VDT workers tend to blink less due to the increased concentration demands of VDT work. You also tend to blink less rapidly when working for long periods of time without rest. A less rapid blink rate causes your eyes to become dry over time. To help alleviate this problem, you should consciously try to blink your eyes more often. Also, you should periodically look away from your screen and focus on an object in the far distance.
Many VDT operators complain of tired eyes. Some reasons for tiredness are prolonged concentration, stress, not getting enough sleep, allergies.
Sore eyes can be characterized by swelling or puffiness around your eyes. If your eyes feel sore or puffy, you should see your eye care provider immediately.
Internal Eye
Eyestrain (along with eye discomfort) is the most frequent complaint of VDT users. Uncorrected or inadequately corrected eye sight is an important factor in the cause of eyestrain .
Other factors that contribute to eyestrain are glare, improper lighting and poor adjustment of the VDT monitor.
The four major vision problems that contribute to eyestrain are: farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism and alignment.
Farsightedness (hyperopia) is the condition where you can see objects clearly in the distance but not up close. Prescription lenses can correct this condition.
If uncorrected, farsightedness is a concern for VDT users. It can cause poor posture due to awkward positions that you may have to assume in order to see small characters on the monitor clearly. This can cause muscular aches and pains.
Additionally, headaches can become more frequent because of straining to adjust your eyes for clearer vision.
Nearsightedness (myopia) is the vision problem that allows you to see clearly up close but not in the distance. This is just the opposite of farsightedness. Like farsightedness, prescription lenses can also correct this problem. Uncorrected nearsightedness is not as problematic for VDT users as is farsightedness.
Improper curvature of the eye lens causes astigmatism. This produces an image that appears out of center. To compensate, some VDT users may tilt their head at an angle while viewing their monitor. This can lead to awkward postures causing muscular aches and pains. Special corrective lenses are used to correct astigmatism and alleviate this problem.
Double vision results when both eyes are not properly aligned. This causes VDT users to strain when focusing on their monitor. As a result, eye strain, headaches and fatigue can occur. Corrective lenses are used to compensate for the deviation of the eyes.
As we age, the lenses in our eyes begin to harden. Focusing on objects close to us, becomes more difficult. The medical name for this condition is presbyopia. This problem occurs very slowly over time and effects each of us differently.
Presbyopia becomes increasingly noticeable as we approach 40 years of age. Using a VDT does not cause or accelerate this problem but it could bring it to our attention.
Therefore, as a VDT user, it is particularly important to have an eye examination. It is also very important that you tell your eye care provider that you use a VDT. Your eye doctor can then prescribe the proper eyeglasses for your situation.
Many vision problems are corrected with prescription eyeglasses. However, most eye-glass prescriptions do not consider the focal distance necessary for VDT work. Common prescriptions are quite adequate for reading and viewing distance, but not for the 18 to 24 inch ranges recommended for properly viewing your monitor. This is particularly true of VDT users age 40 and over who may suffer from presbyopia, which is the inability to focus up close.
Bifocal or trifocal users have problems focusing on the monitor. They can also suffer from poor posture due to having to bend their head awkwardly to focus properly. This can cause muscular aches and pains particularly in the neck and shoulder areas.
Fortunately, there are special VDT eyeglasses, which can be prescribed to help alleviate these problems.
Monofocal VDT eyeglasses, which have a fixed focal length, can be prescribed for the specific distance, in inches, to your VDT monitor screen. These eyeglasses are appropriate for proper monitor viewing distances. However, this type of eyeglass will not be useful for other purposes such as reading.
Monofocal VDT eyeglasses also allow comfortable viewing of the keyboard and items on a desk. However, the glasses should be removed and replaced with your regular prescription eyeglasses for other types of viewing.
Bifocal VDT eyeglasses can be used for comfortable viewing of the monitor and for other work. The upper portion of the bifocal lens is for viewing the monitor and the bottom portion for other (closer) work. As with monofocal VDT eyeglasses, your regular glasses should be used for other purposes.
In most office areas, lighting will not be a problem. However, improper lighting in your work area can affect your vision and contribute to eye strain and discomfort.
Light levels are measured in units called "lux". Some lux levels include: bright sunlight is about 100,000 lux, a 100-watt light bulb at 3 feet is about 1500 to 2000 lux and a full-moon on a clear night is about 0.1 lux. For general office work, 400 to 800 lux is a recommended level. Most VDT users prefer lower light levels between 100 to 500 lux. This improves the monitor screen contrast and aids in preventing eye strain and discomfort.
A task light is an adjustable lamp used on your desk top to illuminate small areas. This type of lighting is particularly suitable for focusing light on your paperwork but not on your monitor. You should be careful to make sure this light does not produce glare or reflections on your VDT monitor.
Glare is an annoying reflection of a light source on your VDT screen. There are many sources of glare. It can come from overhead lights, windows and light reflected from materials on your desk or even from your clothing.
To reduce or eliminate glare, you should locate your monitor so that it is at a right angle to the light source. When the light source is an exposed window, your monitor should be positioned with the screen perpendicular to the window. If this is not possible, try covering the window.
Another method to reduce glare is to use an "anti-glare" screen over your monitor screen. However, some "anti-glare" screens can be the source of other problems. Some screens reduce the contrast and soften the image on the monitor. This can contribute to eye strain and discomfort. Before using these types of devices, you should try to eliminate the glare by properly positioning your monitor on its tilt and swivel base.
A monitor hood which rests on top of the monitor and projects out from the tops and sides of the screen can also be helpful in reducing glare, particularly from overhead lights.
Finally, if you are considering purchasing a new monitor, you may want to consider a monitor with a flat screen. This will help reduce reflections by eliminating the curved surface that is found on most monitors.
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