As users of computers at work and at home, we are given plenty of information and reasons to invest in ergonomically correct items - such as the split keyboard or a certain type of chair. So, on the one hand, we are told to look at our workstation and make some changes in the equipment that we work with. But on the other hand, some say that staying healthy and avoiding RSI has nothing to do with equipment. Rather it is up to the worker to change his/her habits. What are your thoughts on this? What has your research shown? Will special equipment make a difference, or is it really up to us to change our work habits, irrespective of the type of keyboard we are using?

In our experience (and that stretches back 25 years in my case!), such problems are seldom caused by one single factor. In the early days of computing, much of the equipment was badly suited to human needs. This caused discomfort, aches and pains as users struggled to reach awkward controls, read illegible screens, operate unusable keyboards and so on. After some procrastination by the industry, ergonomics and human factors research began to be taken seriously and we now have ergonomics standards for computer screens (ISO 9241-3) and keyboards (ISO 9241-4 only a draft at present).

What we find now when we investigate ergonomics problems is that the basic hardware is generally acceptable (although new ideas are still being developed including split keyboards etc) but that problems still arise due to the way people work. Poor posture is common because people do not know how to adjust chairs, keyboards etc to suit themselves or do not believe it is important to get it right until it is too late. Many people work excessively long spells at computers and the constrained postures and static muscle loads easily develop into aches, pains and ultimately muscle or nerve inflammation. In some ways, the better the equipment, the more likely some people are to continue working beyond what is sensible.

We argue that the solution is DOT ie Design - Organise - Train. Start by ensuring that the design of the equipment and workplace meets relevant standards and requirements (not only the components but also the way they are arranged and used). Next organise work to provide frequent breaks and changes of posture etc. Finally train users to understand the ergonomics problems and what they can do themselves to overcome them. We have been running such training for over seven years and can report that with care, musculoskeletal problems can be avoided completely.

Finally, a word of warning on some of the so-called ergonomically designed products currently being promoted. Although some design features help to avoid specific problems, such products tend to create other problems in a different area. For example a split keyboard may reduce ulnar deviation of the wrist but may make it more difficult for the user to change overall posture due to the increased bulk of the keyboard. There are also products being promoted eg brackets to support the users forearms, which I believe actually increase the risk of discomfort and injury.
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What are your thoughts on training employees, in an industrial setting, with regards to performing their tasks with correct posture?

Ergonomics training for employees can be very effective. My view is that it should only be provided as part of a company-wide ergonomics programme which ensures that other key staff such as supervisors, engineers and occupational health people work together to improve jobs. Engineering changes or job re-design will be more effective in the long term than reliance on employees modifying their behaviour. For our clients who have adopted such a programme, we provide Personal Ergonomics(sm) training for industrial workers. This training teaches them the importance of avoiding non-neutral postures and how to identify the need for ergonomic changes to their workplaces. With this information and some basic ergonomics skills, they can perform their jobs with less discomfort and reduce the likelihood of experiencing work related injuries. Let me know if you would like details of the course objectives and contents.

In the UK, providing training for people doing certain jobs (e.g. manual materials handling and work with display screens) is covered by health and safety laws. The government department responsible (the Health and Safety Executive) stresses that employee training should not be considered as an alternative to engineering changes.
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What, on average, does and ergonomist make for salary in a year?

The Ergonomics Society are carrying out a survey on just this issue. You should contact them via their Website for more information.
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What is the impact of computer ergonomics on the industry and organisations?

This is clearly an enormous question which would require a study in itself to answer. We would be happy to carry out such a study but I guess you might have been looking for free information. If so, I suggest you get hold of the conference proceedings from WORK WITH DISPLAY UNITS which have been running for several years since 1986. The last conference was in Tokyo on 3 to 5 November 1997.

There are other conferences on similar topics but the WWDU are probably the most concerned with such broad issues.
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I have concerns re: how to prepare my reports so that they will stand up in court. I usually use statistics and literature studies. I was recently told not to include any documentation in my report of a W.C. case that would infer that the job was not 100% safe (no such thing!). What would you recommend?

I have heard similar concerns voiced before about including quotes or references in reports. Other sections of the sources quoted may contain information which is less helpful to your argument and can be a distraction from your main areas of concern.

In the UK there are recognised formats for the preparation of reports by experts. One such model is provided by the UK-based Academy of Experts. I expect there is an equivalent organisation that could guide you on best practice for the US courts. Contact me again if you need more information.

You may also be interested on our article a day in the life of an expert witness.
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