Articles
August/September 2005
Can larger girth contribute to MSI’s in the arms?
June/July 2005
Are “ergo” backpacks and briefcases worth the investment?
February/March 2005
Footwear selection for the office: could flip-flops contribute to back pain?
February/March 2005
An inquiry about tool belts…
My response to a question about the need for 5 casters on chairs…
January 2005
A mouse for small hands.
December 2004
Hands on the wheel: Where should you put your hands on the steering wheel?
You asked for it.
Are large screen monitors worth the investment?
November 2004
You asked for it.
Does vehicle vibration contribute to MSI’s?
More of You asked for it.
A review of a new vertical mouse.
September 2004
You asked for it.
A question on the suitability of an alternate keyboard.
August 2004
Are baby boomers wearing out?
July 2004
You asked for it.
A question about training to do Functional Capacity Evaluations.
June 2004
Cold – from cold drafts to chilly winters.
Sharon's Soapbox
Treating MSI’s like SARS?
May 2004
Vibration – a look at whole body vibration.
You asked for it.
Preventing lactic acid build up in the muscles of a massage therapist.
Sharon's Soapbox
Email spam about refuelling fires caused by static and cell phones – fact or fantasy?
April 2004
Segmental Vibration – shocks, impacts and vibration can damage tissues.
You asked for it.
An inquiry about using massage for work rewards.
Sharon's Soapbox
Those infernal packages that you can’t get into – what happened to universal design?
March 2004
Mechanical Stress – objects outside the body apply pressure to the tissues.
You asked for it.
An esthetician looks for solutions for her shoulder pain.
Accessing ergonomics services for Government of Alberta Employees.
Sharon's Soapbox
“Show me some stretches”, he said.
February 2004
Force – how does the amount of strength required impact on the development of an injury?
Laptops in cars
Part two of a response by Mike Harnett of WorkSmart Injury Prevention Systems.
Rolls Royce and the Chicken Cannon: a lesson in usability testing.
January 2004
Repetition… how much is too much?
Laptops in cars
A response by Mike Harnett of WorkSmart Injury Prevention Systems.
Is the human body the Perfect Running Machine?
December 2003
Static postures - Holding a position longer than you can hold your breath.
Do the issues around driving ergonomics relate to pilots as well?
A question about alternatives to the traditional office window blinds.
November 2003
Non-neutral postures: The first line of defence against repetitive strain injuries is using the body the way it was designed.
An inquiry about wrist braces.
September 2003
What are we doing to our feet?
An inquiry about backpacks.
August 2003
An illuminating look at lighting in the office.
July 2003
What to do when you first feel the symptoms of Repetitive Strain.
An inquiry about the Microsoft Natural Multimedia keyboard.
June 2003
Computing woes for the weary traveller and those using laptops in the office.
Clarification of my opinion on the use of palm supports with the mouse.
May 2003
The golfers lift and getting the turkey out of the freezer.
A reader asks about an "ergonomic" sitting cushion.
April 2003
Alternatives to the traditional lift. For years we have been teaching people to lift perfect boxes with handles. How can we lift the rest of the stuff we deal with?
My response to a question on Ergoweb about a worker who feels like she is sliding out of her chair.
March 2003
Guest writer Ami Broderick (RMT) continues her explanation of how therapeutic massage helps muscles heal.
February 2003
The trend toward using larger monitors may have some health repercussions.
Clarification Please...
Those who have to read research papers will appreciate the comedy of some of these useful research phrases.
January 2003
Why hands free isn't risk free. A look at the issues around multitasking while driving.
Mousing for small hands.
New Product Review
The new Microsoft Natural Multimedia keyboard has had some thought put into it.
December 2002
What does it mean when pliers are "ergonomic"?
November 2002
I've just discovered that I am middle aged! I have passed that nebulous point of no return, where I can realistically expect gradual deterioration of my body. What can I expect from the world to help me along?
Ami Brodribb (RMT) answers some questions about why to consider Massage Therapy.
A question about using exercise ball chairs.
October 2002
Top picks by suppliers of chairs based on body types.
A question about kneeling chairs.
September 2002
What to look for and what to avoid.
I was recently asked to assess a persons hand position...
August 2002
How much is too much? Does white noise really work?
Tony describes his arm and hand discomfort and inquires about treatments and solutions.
July 2002
When was the last time you sat and did nothing?
Do "break programs" work?
June 2002
When it comes to the things we enjoy, time and pain (and money) are no object. Here are some tips on playing in comfort.
Is it okay to wear a wrist splint if your wrists are sore?
May 2002
Now that the weather is nice, it's time to revert back to our agrarian ancestry. This article takes a look at some of the tools to make the job easier.
Who can call themselves an "Ergonomist"?
Historical Workplaces
Office work rules from 1852. We've come a long way!
April 2002
Tips and techniques to ensure a positive experience for you and your audience.
Document Holders
Where do those reference papers belong at the computer?
March 2002
I just bought my first pair of reading glasses!
Carpet Casters
Is there a safety issue with carpet casters on chair mats?
Feedback
Some comments on last month's article on getting in and out of vehicles.
February 2002
Deep vein thrombosis and back pain are very real concerns for travelers. Airlines now have info-mercials to encourage you to stretch for some relief. But how realistic are these stretches?
Entering and Exiting a Vehicle
Is there a safe way to get in and out of your car?
Safety Culture
by John Boerfyn
Managing Safety with a Systems Approach.
Product Review
A palm support that attaches directly to the mouse. Help or hindrance?
January 2002
Driving is one of those activities that my body was not designed to do. There are ways to prevent some of the aches and pains. Learn how to make your next trip a comfortable one.
Food & Mood
by Sharlene Baergen-Fladager
How does the food we eat impact on our emotional well-being?
December 2001
How much do psycho-social factors play a role in the development and treatment of back injuries?
Voice Recognition Technology
Help or hindrance? Are there risks here too?
Dressing for Cold Weather
by Mike Harnett
Layering is the key for both work and play.
November 2001
Ergonomics is about working well. This article describes some of the basic principles of ergonomics and gives an overview of the concepts Ergonomists work towards.
Sitting and Standing
Three ways to alternate position at your work station.
