Monday, September 14, 2015

Bodybilt Highback Chair






BodyBilt Chair adjustment video: 3 minutes and 22 seconds




BodyBilt Big chair adjustment video: 3 min. 36 seconds

Friday, June 19, 2015

Mirra 2 Chair by Herman Miller

Herman Miller - Mirra 2 
The Herman Miller Mirra 2 chair works for small to mid sized individuals.  The adjustable seat pan makes it useful for individuals needing a smaller seat pan.


Mirra 2 chair - 3 minutes

Loover chair by Global


The Loover chair by Global provides a very adjustable chair for medium to larger sized individuals. The high flexible back allows for air circulation.  The arms move with push button locks for each position.




Loover chair - 4 minutes

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Amia Chair by Steelcase


The Amia chair is manufactured by Steelcase.  It is similar to the Leap Chair.  It works well for petite to mid-sized individuals.




Amia chair - 3 minutes

Monday, June 15, 2015

Leap Chair by Steelcase


Leap Chair by Steelcase
This is a popular chair for moderate sized to petite individuals as the arms move in close under the shoulders and the sliding seat pan allows the seat to change from medium length to short.  The chair can be adjusted low enough for most people to sit with their feet on the floor.




Leap Chair - 3.5 minutes

Swopper Chair by Via


Swopper Air Chair by Via


The Swopper Air chair is a solid replacement for an exercise ball chair.  It is tension height adjustable.  For most people it may not be a good first chair as it does not have back support as configured.  With the wheels it also sits up higher and may not work for shorter people because the seat does not go low enough. The chair is a lot of bouncy fun.


Swooper chair - 2 minutes - advanced adjustments



Swopper chair 1.5 minutes


Thursday, June 11, 2015

Friday, April 10, 2015

Microtome ergonomics




Microtome - N. Carlson
Microtome use can be stressful on the shoulder and wrist when operated on the manual mode.  Past training on the manual method can make the transition to the automated method difficult.


Microtome ergonomics - 30 seconds

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Changing window screen size to reduce eye strain

Window sizes can be changed using the function control + to increase the magnification or control - to decrease the screen magnification.

This brief video provides additional information.



Screen size change - less than one minute

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Improving Clinical Laboratory Ergonomics - case study

Original setup - counter top is 33.5 inches high with non supporting wood front.
Original location of microscope - Note the lack of knee hole space
As originally designed it was impossible for the laboratory worker to use proper posture while using the computer or the microscope.

Modified computer and microscope location. Wood front removed. 
The removal of the wood front under the counter top allows for sufficient leg room.  Both the microscope and computer can be used without discomfort.  The wheels on the plastic stand under the counter were removed.  It is now being used as a temporary foot rest under the computer monitor.

Duluth Sit Stand Ergonomics



The Duluth News Tribune reports on Sit Stand ergonomic Programs in Duluth.  The article features DEHS UMD employee Laura Lott and her efforts to offer a sit stand accommodation to an employee.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

U of MN study on sit stand workstations



U of MN study finds that sit stand workstations improve blood pressure and reduces cardiometabolic risk.  Results of the study were presented at Obesity week 14 November 2-7, 2014 in Boston, MA. The study was co-authored by Mark Pereira, PhD associate professor of epidemiology and community health in the U of MN School of Public Health.  DEHS ergonomists, Neil Carlson and Greg Casura assisted with the ergonomic evaluations of U of MN employees in the study.

The study of nearly 250 employees in Twin Cities office building examined the effects of sitting and standing on health risk factors.  The study found that combining workstations that allowed standing 50% of the time with 30 minutes per day of movement improved blood sugar levels and levels of triglycerides.  There was also a trend towards lower blood pressure.

Transitioning to from a sitting to a standing workstation needs to occur over a several week period with the goal of standing 50% of the time.  Having an ergonomic assessment will assure the employee uses the equipment properly.

Additional compilation of Adjustable Sit-Stand Research from Ergonomics At Work.