The IFMA Greater New York Chapter covered a very uncomfortable topic at the December Toolbox Luncheon: What happens to your back when you do not sit properly in front of your computer screen! The guest speaker, Jonathan Puleio, the director of Humanscale Consulting, a division of Humanscale Corporation, gave the 30 IFMA Chapter members in attendance a terrific presentation on the benefits of ergonomics, the science of fitting tasks and environments to workers.
Jonathan, who has both bachelor and masters degrees in ergonomics from Cornell, focused on office environments including workstation design, lighting, various work tools and the benefits and risks associated with design aspects. Repetitive motion injuries and the related medical and lost time costs can be significantly reduced or eliminated by using environments ergonomically designed. Also, productivity gains have been measured to offset costs related to installing ergonomic work tools.
Specific ergonomic elements discussed were negative-slope keyboards with upper mouse trays, ergonomic chairs, task and overhead lighting, and ergonomic training for employees. Health problems related to poor work environments include headaches, eyestrain, fatigue, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Humanscale Corporation designs and manufactures products for the workspace that impact users’ health and comfort.
The monthly Toolbox Luncheon Program of the IFMA Greater New York Chapter focuses on timely topics in the areas most relevant to facility management professionals.
By John Poblocki of Grubb & Ellis, IFMAGNY PR Committee Member