Resources

Books

Would you like to review a book? Email your commentary to me at staylor@ergosum.ab.ca

• CSA Guideline on Office Ergonomics (CSA-Z412)
  Read a Review

Web Sites

December 2002
With the start of the new series of posture tips on standing, I thought I would see what other web sites have to say on the topic (key word search: ergonomics standing). While most sites were even more verbose than mine, they did make valid points about posture and working heights.

I enjoyed visiting this web site. It appears comparable to mine, but I couldn't find any information about the author or his qualifications - which makes me wonder.... http://www.ergoboy.com/ergo_for/factory_assembly.php.

The CCOHS web site is always an excellent resource for most issues around the area of ergonomics and doesn't try to sell you anything. http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/standing/standing_basic.html.

September 2002
Well, it time to go back to school. So, what better time to look for web sites about ergonomics for children and for educational environments.

The Cornell University site had lots of useful information on the issue of backpacks - how to wear them, what to look for and how much load is reasonable. Check it out at: http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/. There was plenty more information to be found on their web site!

August 2002
I have to admit, I am not a surfer. I go to the internet to find specific information and then get back to the job at hand. I would much rather be sewing than surfing. When friends were visiting a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to observe a surfer in action. Tom could sit at the computer and surf from one web sit to another for hours - from reading the newspapers to checking airline prices. It was easy to see how surfing could result in significant discomforts as the hours passed. When I was doing some checking on the topic of "white noise", I came across an interesting educational web site that provided practical answers to common questions about how stuff works. You'll find it at:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/

June 2002
A colleague has been developing an interesting web site. Jeff Short, CRSP, is an incident and accident investigation specialist. He also produces a quarterly newsletter that contains topics affecting our daily lives, both at work and at home. I found the article on "why boys have more accidents than girls" particularly insightful. Look under the newsletter tab at his web site: http://www.jcshort.com/.

May 2002
I came across a web site last week when I was reading through an ergonomics discussion group that I subscribe to. The web site was given in response to a question about eye strain associated with computer use.

The www.doctorergo.com web site had lots of useful information about eyestrain and "computer vision syndrome" and even a test to see if your eyes or workstation are the problem.

April 2002
I thought I would tell you about a couple of Canadian ergonomic suppliers I have found on the internet this month. Remember though, that just because a product is labeled "ergonomic" it does not necessarily decrease the risk of injury. In most cases, the way the product is used will determine it's effectiveness. If you are thinking that a particular product will solve your problems, you likely need some assistance to look at the whole picture of how your work station is set up and how you use your body.

I present these web sites in no particular order.

http://www.ergocanada.com
This web site sells "ergonomic" products and has a limited information section on physical issues around ergonomics. The site also has a consultant search feature.

http://www.ergonomicsolutions.com
This web site sells "ergonomic" products and has a good information section on physical issues around ergonomics (written by an occupational therapist).

http://www.thewrightsolution.ca
This web site exclusively sells "ergonomic" products and seating.

Tell me about web sites you have visited by sending an email to me at staylor@ergosum.ab.ca

Previously Featured Web Sites

• Typing Injury FAQ Home Page
  This web site has tons of information about injuries and products that may help. From my exploration, it holds moderate, educated opinions and appears to regularly explore the research. Products are represented with links for purchasing, but keep in mind that the same products are available within Canada, likely at better prices.

• http://www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/whs/
  publications/bulletins.htm#erg
  This Alberta Government web site contains a huge selection of technical bulletins on issues ranging from office to industrial ergonomics. All of the articles are well researched and give practical tips on improving your work environment. The series of articles on Musculo-Skeletal Injuries is a great resource for anyone (individual or corporate) dealing with sprains, strains and over-exertion injuries to soft tissues. As Alberta prepares for it's new General Safety Regulations to include ergonomics, this is a good site to start getting a grip on the issues.

• Bad Human Factors Design
  Welcome to the world of poor ergonomic design! Once you enter it, you will never see signs, tools and equipment, and architecture the same way again. Have fun at this site!

• Home Exercise and Stretches
  I was asked for a good web site on stretching recently. After a couple of tries, I found this one which shows how to do the exercise with a video clip.

• The Association of Canadian Ergonomists
  (yes, we have a professional association!) is hosting their annual conference this year in conjunction with the Institute of Industrial Engineers' Applied Ergonomics Conference from the US. The conference will be in Banff (Yahoo!) this year from October 21- 23, 2002 and is called: "Making a case for ergonomics". Visit he web site for conference information and registrations.