Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is completely avoidable and there is some amazing technology available to ensure activities as simple as mouse clicking will not immobilise you, says Gilbert Griño at BAFCO Ergonomics, a division of UAE-based corporate interior solutions specialist BAFCO.
Research has shown over a million workers in the US lose days to RSI every year. It may be true that you’re more likely to kill yourself operating heavy machinery or crab fishing in Alaska, but who would have thought sitting at a desk could be so dangerous.
Many sufferers complain to doctors that they have a feeling similar to a nail piercing their hand, and these are sufferers of Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which can be caused by prolonged periods sitting at a poorly devised computer set up. It can take surgery to correct this condition, and there are many other examples of avoidable RSIs.
Here are some tips to keep 2010 RSI-free:
Helping hands and arms: The act of typing and clicking may not involve much exertion, but if your hands are in the wrong position then over time mere finger work can tax muscles, tendons and nerves. As you type, your wrist and hand should extend straight from your elbow and parallel to the floor. This can be achieved by tilting the keyboard away from you so the space bar is higher than the letters. Also, keyboards that separate the right and left hands are more accommodating than traditional ones that force the wrists into an unnatural position. BAFCO offers the Ergonomic Mouse from Humanscale, which is specifically designed to fit your hand and take the stress out of ‘mousing’. Traditional mouse designs force you to grip the mouse between your thumb and little finger, which can strain the more delicate muscles in your hand and wrist. By relaxing your hand it allows the bigger, stronger muscles in your arm to handle the stress of repetitive movement.
Protecting your eyes: Even those who spend as little as two hours a day in front of a monitor can suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, a cluster of symptoms, including eyestrain, blurred vision, headaches and dry, irritated eyes. A visor or an anti-reflection shield can also help, as can the use of blinds and dimming room lights to reduce screen glare. Specifically designed for today’s flat panel LCD monitors, our Humanscale Flat Panel Filters are easy to install and provide exceptional eye protection benefits.
Helping your neck: You should place your monitor directly in front of you so you don’t need to turn your head to see it.. When using a laptop in the office, elevate it to eye level and use a separate keyboard to type. Our rather cool Humanscale laptop holders do the job perfectly as it lets you adjust the display to the right height and offers a built-in document holder. Each holder requires the use of an external keyboard and mouse, which promotes healthy postures and ensures you’ll have desktop comfort along with laptop portability.
Back to basics: If you put in long hours at your desk, then investment in a top quality ergonomic chair could help protect your back and make your life just a bit more comfortable. You can reduce the load on your spine by keeping your thighs away from your torso and parallel to the floor. The Liberty ergonomic chair by Humanscale even comes with form-sensing mesh technology that offers perfect lumbar support for everyone without external devices or manual adjustments.
The fitter you are in general, the less likely you are to develop an RSI. So don’t spend your leisure time at home surfing the net in the same positions as the office. Also, stay active when not at your desk, and take frequent breaks when you are. Even a walk around the office can help promote circulation and ease strained muscles.
For many New Year is the time for personal resolutions of varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from beginning a diet, to stopping smoking, or even just being nicer to friends and family. However, Mervin De le Torre, interior designer at leading UAE-based corporate interior solutions specialist BAFCO, explains why our resolutions needn’t be restricted to the home.
“Most of us spend so much of our lives in the office that we should consider choosing some resolutions for the workplace that can help the environment and even save our company some money along the way. As office specialists, we had a brainstorm among our team and have come up with ten of the best tips to consider as office resolutions for 2010,” says De le Torre.
1. IT’S COOL TO BE A LITTLE WARMER
Once you’ve adjusted your air conditioning to the temperature you prefer, turn it back up by just 2 or 3 degrees. You’ll hardly know the difference, but it will make a big difference to your consumption. This two degree difference can save the company over Dh 500* a year. Also remember to turn your AC off when you leave the office.
2. BE BRIGHT AND SAVE MONEY
Energy saving light bulbs are much more efficient than the traditional version and last up to ten times longer. Next time your company needs to replace a bulb, recommend they take the energy saving option. The average office can save a very worthwhile Dh 806* over the year by making this switch.
3. CHOOSE FLEXIBLE OFFICE FURNITURE
Always consider products with highly flexible options as offices tend to change and adapt to newer technology, manpower and market conditions. Demountable partitions, open plan workstations, glass partitions, heavy duty ergonomic chairs are a must for any modern office.
4. DON’T STANDBY – SWITCH OFF AND UNPLUG If you leave your computer on standby overnight it uses almost as much electricity as it does when switched on. Remember to turn it off and unplug. You should also consider switching off monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers during lengthy breaks away from your desk.
5. ONLY USE ESSENTIAL LIGHTING
We enjoy plenty of sun here in the Middle East, so allow natural outdoor light to illuminate the office. Turn off non-essential and decorative lighting, particularly in unoccupied areas. Use ‘task’ lighting, such as angle-poise lamps, to directly illuminate specific work areas instead of brighter ‘area’ lighting.
6. GET YOUR RATINGS RIGHT -LOOK FOR ENERGY STAR
Most office appliances these days have an energy-efficiency rating. If buying, make the choice that’s the most energy efficient and always ask the supplier if they have this information. When purchasing PCs, monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers, consider Energy Star models that automatically power down after a period of inactivity. Also, use laptop computers wherever possible as they consume 90 per cent less energy than desktop computers.
7. GOING OUT? THEN TURN IT OFF!
Get into the simple habit of switching lights off whenever you leave a room.
8. DETECT OFFICE MOTION
Install motion detectors or dimmers to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms. It is also a simple job for an electrician to re-wire restroom fans to operate with the lights.
9. AUTOMATE LIGHTING SIGNAGES
Install time clocks or photoelectric cells to control exterior lighting, advertising sign lighting and some interior lighting.
10. KEEP COOL AND INSTALL BLINDS
It is not only enhance the design of your office but adding blinds, solar screens or shades to your office actually helps cool down the office.
The great thing about laptops and netbooks: You can use them anywhere. The downside: If you spend a lot of time in the wrong position, you’re in for a world of RSI pain.
The illustration above—from weblog Core77’s netbook case study—highlights ten common usage positions and the pain points you’re asking for down the road with each. (No one wants glowing red joints!) Interestingly, the most comfortable position, according to the study, is position #2 above: lying down with the device slightly elevated on the user’s thigh with bent knees. Now if only you could convince your boss that working from bed is a good idea. Case Study: Freescale Netbook Design at SCAD, by Dave Malouf [Core77 via Gizmodo]
Just when the economy’s really picking up and companies look towards building momentum again to hit the recovery rollercoaster running, then Dubai Worldseems to throw a proverbialspanner in the works. However, it has been vehemently argued from the very top of UAE government that any financial difficulties faced by departments of Dubai World are independent from any reported national ‘crisis’ of the country and should not be treated as such.
Even during the worst periods of the economic slump, across the city Dubai and the UAE didn’t appear to be hit quite as hard as the rest of the world. It’s plain to see that Dubai, with its strategic position and enviable infrastructure now in place, will come through these uncertain times in a typically quick and dynamic fashion.
We at BAFCO believe the world of interior design and office furniture is an excellent indicator of real confidence in an economy. Which company boss who thinks his business might be going under would seriously be considering fitting out their office with the very best products the market has to offer?
During the half of 2009, BAFCO was experiencing the same lack of new business as any other interior and furniture firm and sales were admittedly very poor – amongst the worst in nearly 20 years of operation. However, orders are now pouring in, with three times as many sales in Q3 as the total sales for the first half of the year.
We think the rocketing sales figures are largely down to general confidence among company owners in their future here in the UAE. It is these forward thinking companies that will make the most of economic recovery and any resulting boom period. These are the same companies who are currently active in the market, taking advantage of lower sales and rental prices, looking for bigger premises in better locations and spending some of their savings fitting out their new spaces to position themselves above their competitors, attract the best new employees and keep the cream of their incumbent teams – who they have held onto during the leanest times.
We will never forget our great experience in participating in the first “Whatever Floats your Boat Competition“ last year in Dubai Festival City, Marina Area.
It is unfortunate that due to schedule constraints we was not able to join this year, however we are encouraging all our blog visitors to support IGY Marinas and Dubai Festival City for this cost worthy event on 13th November 2009, 2PM onwards.
One key point that stands out and kept us thinking is the concept of uniqueness, or simply put BAFCO’s ‘only’. This might sound like we are bragging but this is a step that we have to make in order to understand our strengths and leverage on them for our clients to understand.
1. We are a Specialist.
BAFCO is the ONLY dedicated company in the gulf region whose sole focus is developing integrated furniture, design and build solutions for corporate offices with two decades of experience.
2. Ergonomic Consultancy via Humanscale, USA
BAFCO is the ONLY UAE company that can deliver consultancy services on how to transform an ordinary office to a more ergonomic, healthier thus more productive work environment.
3. Integrity of our Promise.
Whether your project is for a small office furniture requirement or as large as the full design and build of Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, you can rest assured that we keep our promise of delivering quality service and a small at every transaction with BAFCO.
4. Award Winning Partner
BAFCO is the ONLY company awarded by the UAE government as “Supplier of the Year” for a timely, efficient and cost effective products used for the entire back office operations of the Dubai Airport Terminal 3.
Our commitment to our client is an assurance of quality delivery for their projects provided by a team of well-trained and friendly professionals.
Ergonomics is an important concern for everyone who worked more than 5 hours in front of their respective computers. Watch this very funny and educational video on how you can apply the concept of ergonomics on your office workplaces.
If you are in the UAE, BAFCO has an in-house ergonomics team that will assist you in making sure that your office can be a healthier and more productive work environment.
1. Plan Carefully what office furniture is the perfect fit for your companies requirements.
Today there are many furniture options available to business owners that are both sustainable and affordable. The key to achieving both is like many business decisions – careful planning.
Most companies primary goal when purchasing furniture is to maximize the investment the have already made in office space and personnel. The next step is to establish your priorities. Do you want an environment that:
Projects your corporate image
Is adaptable to current and future technology
Maximizes the performance and well-being of your personnel
All of the above? Some of the above? Or do you have additional priorities? Be sure to communicate these objectives early in the conversations with your furniture consultant.
2. Think long term.
The most sustainable furniture, from a resource perspective, is that which can be “re-purposed” as your company changes.
The modular concept of workstations has now expanded to include desks, storage, reception and conference areas. At this year’s NeoCon in Canada and Chicago, USA, most major manufacturers showcased casegood lines that allowed for pieces to be reconfigured as needs changed.
Choose colors and designs that are timeless. Then, instead of replacing entire areas, you can update with splashes of accent color.
During the planning stage, think of your walls as another piece of movable furniture. As the needs of the workplace have changed, many companies are now tearing down drywall and rebuilding to create more collaborative areas. Or worse yet, companies are not creating the spaces they need because of the cost to tear down and re-build. Moveable walls, now available at many price points, increase the flexibility and efficiency of your company and save money over the lifecycle of your space.
3. Ask for products that are GreenGuard Certfied or can demonstrate other third party certifications, which verify that their chemical and particle emissions meet acceptable indoor air quality pollutant guidelines and standards. No more “new furniture” smell!
GreenGuard Certification has been available since 2002 and most major manufacturers of systems furniture and task chairs have been awarded this certification for many of their lines. Many casegoods manufactures have changed, or are in the process of changing, their processes and finishes to be compliant.
You can still choose custom fabrics – just be sure to ask your furniture consultant to check their certification.
4. Check Recycled Content.
This information is available from most major manufacturers. If this is important to you, have your furniture consultant request the information on your behalf.
5. Don’t buy what you don’t need. This may seem obvious, but many times there are options that will never be used – think of gizmos on task chairs. Sometimes more is not better, especially if it leads to waste.
So, like any other major business decision, plan ahead and you CAN have a work place that is attractive, sustainable and affordable.
For more information about chosing the right office furniture, contact Gilbert Griño, BAFCO
+971 4 3350045 or at www.bafco.com
Being in a multicultural team, calamities reminds us how we are all connected no matter what race, religion or nationality you have. Everyone here at BAFCO extended their arm to help out the victims of Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines.
If you would like to extend your help, Cash Donations to Philippine Red Cross is the best and fastest way or via drop boxes that are spread throughout the malls in the UAE.
Below is our own adaptation for the Top Ten Energy Savings tips for the office (adapted from Heroesoftheuae.ae)
IT’S COOL TO BE A LITTLE WARMER!
Once you’ve adjusted your AC to the temperature you want, turn it back up just 2-3 degrees. You’ll hardly know the difference, but it will make a difference to your consumption. Also remember to turn it off when you leave your home. That 2 degree difference can save you around AED 245* a year!
DON’T STAND BY, SWITCH OFF AND UNPLUG! If you leave your computer on standby overnight, it uses almost as much electricity as it does when it’s switched on. Remember to turn it off and unplug! You can also switch off the monitors, printers, fax machine or copiers during breaks or when you are leaving your desk.
BE BRIGHT! SAVE MONEY!
Energy saving lightbulbs are much more efficient than the traditional version and last up to 10 times longer. Next time you need to replace a bulb, take the energy saving option. You can save a very worthwhile AED 806* by making this switch.
ESSENTIAL LIGHTING!
We have plenty of sun here in the Middle East. Allow proper outdoor lighting to illuminate the office. Turn off non essential and decorative lighting specially in unoccupied areas. Use task lighting to directly illuminate work areas instead for brighter area lighting.
GET YOUR RATINGS RIGHT!LOOK FOR ENERGY STAR!
Most office appliances these days have an energy-efficiency rating. If you’re buying one, choose the one that’s the most energy efficient and ask the supplier if they have this information. When purchasing PCs, monitors, printers, fax machines and copers, consider ENERGY STAR models that “power down” after a period of inactivity. If appropriate, use laptop computers – they consume 90% less energy than desktop computers.
GOING OUT? TURN IT OFF!
Get into the simple habit of switching lights off whenever you leave a room.
DETECT THE MOTION IN THE OFFICE!
Install motion detectors or dimmers to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms.Rewire restroom fans to operate with the lights.
AUTOMATE LIGHTING SIGNAGES
Install time clocks or photoelectric cells to control exterior lighting, advertising sign lighting and some interior lighting.
KEEP COOL AND INSTALL BLINDS!
It is not only enhance the design of your office but adding blinds, solar screens or shades to your office actually helps in cooling down the office.
SAY NO TO EXPENSIVE EXTENSIONS!
If you have an extension lead connected to a wall point and it’s switched on, you’re needless wasting power. Switch off and – better still – unplug it!
