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

RFM Echelon chair adjustment video

RFM Echelon Chair

RFM Echelon Chair adjustment video - 4 min 25 seconds

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

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

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.

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.