Retailers await latest in ergonomic workstations

by Christine Ballew-Gonzales

SBJ Contributing Writer

There are several new products on the market for those who are seeking ergonomically engineered office furniture, according to local retailers and office-interior designers.

Tony Ditrolio, vice president of sales at Groom's Office Systems, said a new work surface for computer users will be available in the coming months.

The new product, made by Levity, will be adjustable from floor level to 55 inches in height to create a custom-fitted work surface for employees of any height. The work surface will retail for about $2,500, Ditrolio said.

Another new innovation on the horizon is the Twist keyboard, made by Ergo Systems, which allows the worker to stand and keyboard at the same time.

"The integrated height and tilt adjusts for standing," Ditrolio said. "One simple twist adjusts the height and tilt angle."

The advantage of the adjustable keyboard is that it allows for intermediate standing while keyboarding, which Ditrolio said improves the employee's comfort and health by minimizing static muscle fatigue and improving blood flow.

Such health benefits are lacking when keyboarding workers must sit in front of the computer for prolonged periods, he said.

"If I used a screen a lot, I'd have one of these," he said, adding that the keyboard retails for $215.

Ergonomic mistakes in the workplace are usually made in seating and work surfaces, Ditrolio said.

"People aren't sitting in good quality chairs," he said. "You need to spend more money on the right seating and keyboard." Having a keyboard on a surface that is not adjustable is another common ergonomic misstep, Ditrolio said.

Providing proper in and out trays for work-in-progress materials within an employee's easy reach can also help workers avoid discomfort.

John Howsmon, owner of Howsmon's Office Interiors, said there are four key issues involved in office seating that were explored in 11 recent studies on the subject.

The four-year body of studies uncovered the fact that the spine doesn't move as a single unit, and that each spinal motion is unique.

In addition, the upper and lower back each require different types of support.

Finally, vision and reach both impact posture, the studies concluded.

The Leap chair, which will retail for $850, features new technology that will provide workers with "a healthier way to sit," Howsmon said.

Howsmon's Office Interiors recently showcased the Leap chair, along with various Steelcase office furnishings in a special event at Springfield Brewing Company.

"This is going to revolutionize the seating industry," Howsmon said. "If budget is an issue, you're much better off putting someone in an ergonomically correct chair than anything else. Seating is probably the most important element in worker health and productivity."

Joyce Buxton, co-owner of Buxton-Werner Interiors, said lack of adjustability is the enemy of ergonomic office-product design.

"The most common problem is that people buy products that are inflexible," Buxton said.

"The correct height is whatever height is right for you. There is no such thing as one size fits all with office furniture." Selecting a chair with a wide range of adjustability is particularly important, as is choosing a work surface that is height adjustable, Buxton said.

New innovations in office chair design include adjustable arm height, as well as chairs that tilt from side to side, Buxton said.