Computer Access Ergonomic & Assistive Technology

Workshop

23rd November 2011

The Agenda

Housekeeping IntroductionErgonomic technologyAssistive technologyAssistive softwareHow Keytools can helpSummary

Our Goals, Your Learning Outcomes Introductions

Your role

What is the key issue for you and the best value you could get from today?

What is ergonomics?

Microsoft study found:

78% indicated they know what ergonomics is

BUT … many thought this related to :economy, environment, energy or even egos!

Source: Ergonomics and RSI - StrategyOne for Microsoft, April 2008

The perfect fit

“Ergonomic design considers options to ensure that people's capabilities and limitations are taken into account.”The Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors

Ergonomic?

Adjustable

Twist yourself to fit!

Ergonomic Chairs

Ergonomic chairs – what to look for

1. Support2. Comfort3. Diversity4. Durability5. Environment

The exceptional office chair

The BodybiltFor very small people And for very large people

Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) - a 'catch all' phrase

Afflicts nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments

Also referred to as Musculo-Skeletal Disorder (MSD), Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD)

The impact of MSDs on the workforceLabour Force Survey + HSE collate stats

on MSDs In 2009/10, over 500k suffered from a MSD

that was caused or made worse by their current or past work

An estimated 9 million working days were lost through MSDs.

Confirms that musculoskeletal disorders are the most common type of work-related illness

Lost work days

Source - Labour Force Survey / HSE

Does it matter?

RSI is a serious problem

Organisations beginning to address the issue

High cost to UK economy

MSD cost to society £7 billion a year (“Fit for work?” Work Foundation)

Keyboards

Ulnar Deviation

Wrist Pronation

Wrist Pronation

Mice – How much do we use?

1) How many metres does the mouse travel a day?

2) How many mouse clicks a day?

Hands . . . Remarkable complexity

• Powerful grasping

• Finely controlled movements

• Highly sophisticated structure

Hands . . .

Hands . . .

. . . Elbows . . .

. . . Elbows . . .

. . . and a shoulder to cry on

. . . and a shoulder to cry on

. . . and a shoulder to cry on

. . . and a shoulder to cry on

Workstations and Accessories

Computing on the move

RSIGuard

Is it better to prevent work related illness? Does your DSE system prevent illness or used as

a reactive measure? Or just stick with the remedial approach? Is there a choice?

RSIGuard: Decreasing Discomfort and

Increasing Productivity

RSIGuard – the pain

33

Study showed:

• 5% employees lost over 4 hours of productive time/week (avg.) due to musculoskeletal and/or back discomfort

• RSIGuard software: Decreased the number of employees with constant or frequent discomfort by at least 32%.

Research Shows: “The dominant cause of lost productive time is reduced

performance due to pain,” not absenteeism. (1)

 

(1) Journal of the American Medical Association, “Lost Productive Time and Cost Due to Common Pain Conditions in the US Workforce”;

RSIGuard - objectiveDecrease risk of injury and reduce

absenteeism by: Reduce lost work days Comply with internal and external mandates Prevent discomfort-related drops in productivity

RSIGuard helps you achieve this goal by:

Decreasing risks by changing behavior and work patterns Fundamentally reducing exposure to strain Providing actionable insight into the causes of strain Being easy to implement, use, and maintain

Change Behaviour and Work Patterns Intelligent break software teaches users to

take regular breaks from the computerBased on accumulated strainExercises and stretches presented to the user

Reduce Exposure to Strain

AutoClick: Dramatically reduce mouse-related strain by using a software-based “click”

Reports

Individual-focused ReportsRecord of a user’s patterns Insight into risk factorsTargeted to ergonomic evaluators &

medical professionals

RSIGuard - in use

“RSIGuard has encouraged our 2,000 employees to practice behaviours that follow sound ergonomic principles. There has been substantial take-up and it is proving popular overall.” Mr David Cowell, Thomson Reuters

RSI Guard Summary

RSIGuard

Helps focus your effortsReduces lower injuries + absenteeismHelps employees stay healthy and

productive

Ergonomic Technology Review

Keytools

KeyboardsMiceThe workstationOn the movePrevention

After the Break -

Assistive Technology Special Needs

KEYTOOLS – the mission

“For 21 years it has been our mission to ensure that everyone in the UK and Europe, whatever their ability, uses a computer safely and effectively.”

Tim Roberts, Managing Director, Keytools

Assistive Technology - Keyboards

SimplifiedAdaptiveProgrammableHigh VisibilityVirtual

Visual Impairments - Keyboards

Which colour combination is most visible?

Assistive Technology - Mice

Trackballs and JoysticksSwitchesTouch padsHead and Mouth control

Other Access Equipment

MagnifiersVideo CamerasReading PensScanners

Software Solutions

• Voice Recognition• Language & Dyslexia support• Vision Impairment support• Alternative formats

Case StudyDavid - Health & Safety AuditorRole• Client sites in London area• Produces reports at home• Checking safety documents

Ability following stroke• Unable to read• No right side vision• Fully mobile + good speech

Our Goals, Your Learning Outcomes Improved your understanding of products

Identify solutions more easily and effectively

Understand what Keytools offers you as a support partner

Obtain resources for future use

Before you go...

CertificatesFeedback forms

Account ManagerWebsite – www.keytools.co.uk