Scroogergonomics
Cheap or free workstation fixes
By Deborah Quilter
First published May 5, 1998

When people hear they need properly adjusted workstations in order to help prevent computing-related injuries, they often protest, "I can't afford it!"

But spending several hundred dollars for a good chair and workstation is still peanuts compared to the thousands of dollars repetitive strain injury (RSI) can cost you in medical expenses and lost wages. And while certain items (such as a high-quality chair) don't come cheap, there is equipment that is inexpensive or even free.

This starter list of cheap ergonomic accessories is one even the office Scrooge will love. When items are available via catalogs from Staples or AliMed, I've indicated so with an asterisk after the item. (Catalog information is in the Where to Buy box at the end of the column.) In other cases, I've provided merchant phone numbers after the items. You should also look for good deals locally; or you might find slightly more expensive products you like better. And remember that a product that looks great in the catalog may not fulfill its promise. Seek out merchants with liberal return policies so you can experiment.

Ergonomic Necessities: Chairs and Chair Molders

The chair is your body's primary support during the workday, and an uncomfortable chair will leave you complaining at best and injured at worst. A good, relatively inexpensive ergonomic choice is the Girsberger Pronto (see my review on this site), which sells for $380 to $400.

But if you have to make do until you can save your pennies, you can adjust your current seat using AliMed's Ergo Cush* ($39.95), a wedge-shaped, hard-foam cushion that transforms a flat seat (such as a dining set chair's) into one with pelvic (downward) tilt. The cushion's three-inch slope may feel steep at first, but it alleviates the back strain caused by flat seats. You still need to sit tall on your own, though. While the Ergo Cush can make a folding chair a delight to sit in, it may not work well with bucket seating.

Telephone Headsets

Telephone headsets are such neck savers that everyone should have them. Otherwise, you risk neck pain and strain as you cradle the phone between your shoulder and head while you write, type, or thumb through reference material. Don't scrimp on headset quality. If the sound is poor or the headset pinches, you won't use it. Instead, look for "industrial-quality" headsets, which are designed for people who spend a fair amount of time on the phone and want quality sound for both parties.

Budget. Hello Direct's corded Ultralight Pro ($149.99, lifetime warranty, 800/444-3556) and Plantronics' Supra* ($189.00, two-year warranty) both offer sharp, clear sound. They also have quick disconnects, which means you can unplug their cords and walk away from the phones. Unfortunately, this feature requires hand use that might tax an injured person. The Supra's quick disconnect is slightly more complicated to operate, but the headset is a tad more comfortable for me.

Splurge. Once you've used a cordless remote headset, you'll wonder how you lived without it. Hello Direct's Hello-Set Cordless 100 (one-year warranty, 800/444-3556) allows you to roam a hundred feet from your desk while you hunt for files or keep dinner from burning-without missing a conversational beat. The Cordless 100 is also a good option for people with severe hand injuries because it's so easy to operate. At $349.99, it's not cheap (unless you compare it to neck surgery), and the sound quality may be a shade less crisp than that of a corded headset, but the freedom of movement is worth it. Quantity discounts are available.

Keyboard Trays

Adjustable keyboard trays allow you to relax your shoulders while you type. Mead-Hatcher's keyboard/mouse drawer model 22030 ($129.95, one-year warranty, 800/225-5644) attaches under a desk and has negative tilt, which means it slopes down toward your knees, allowing your fingers to relax. Its closed back prevents pens and pencils from rolling off. Unlike some plastic models, its steel frame slides over ball bearings without jerking or catching, and the smooth bottom won't run nylons. Dealers may offer a discount.

Copyholders

Copyholders reduce neck strain by raising the copy to monitor level so you don't have to bend your neck. Unlike other brands that have limited or incremental adjustments, the Holdit copyholder made by RDA Product (lifetime warranty, 800/252-0027) swivels and tilts so you can adjust it to the perfect angle. Its base support slides under your monitor, so it takes up virtually no desk space while bringing copy to monitor level. A clear plastic copy guide slides up and down, helping you keep your place. It is made of durable lightweight steel and costs $39.50.

Stands and Deliver

Monitor stands. You can raise your monitor using old telephone books, blocks of wood, or reams of paper. Or try VuRyser's monitor stand* ($27.95), which doubles as a paper organizer. It's a real coup given most people's scarcity of desktop real estate.

Reading stands. Propping up a book while you read is easy on the eyes but hard on the hands. The Book Rest from Product Assembly Resource* ($19.95) is a clear Lucite book stand. It holds up to a three-inch book at a comfortable reading angle. You can tuck pages behind Lucite arms, and the stand folds for storage.

Writing stands. As the monks knew, writing is much more comfortable on an inclined surface. Product Assembly Resource's Rite Slant* ($36.95) is a portable slant board with a clip that secures your papers. The Read/Write Stand* ($39.95) from Curtis Computer Products has two angles of adjustment and a lip to hold papers and books.

Comfort Items

Soft corner edging. This molded foam* made by AliMed clings to sharp edges. It serves as a kind of bruise bumper for surfaces you might walk into, such as the corner of a stand-up workstation or counter. Lengths of 30 inches to 6 feet cost from $17.95 to $32.95.

Hand warmers. Cool hands are a risk factor for RSI. If you can't afford custom-made fingerless gloves, cut off the ends of some loose, long, wooly or fleece socks and wear them from below the wrist to the elbow. Make sure your gloves are loose. Tight gloves reduce circulation, making matters worse.

Handsaving Accessories

Fiskars scissors. People abuse their hands, teeth, and tendons trying to open bottles and shrink-wrapped items. Buy a pair of Fiskars** ($9.99) and spare your hands. These scissors stay sharp for a long time (but you can purchase a cute little sharpener in case they dull) and cut through just about anything easily. You'd better chain them to your desk or you may never see them again; other people tend to walk off with them. Get a pair for home while you're at it. You'll use them to trim veggies and open cardboard containers and the plastic linings of cereal boxes. Fiskars Softouch Scissors* ($18) have soft handles and spring-loaded action that open the scissors automatically after you cut.

Electric staplers. The Stanley Bostitch electric desktop stapler** ($31.99) is handy for light office or home office use.

Flat staple remover. These clever tools extract staples without stressful finger pinching. The prices range from $2.30** to 4.95*.

Pens. The Pilot EasyTouch** ($0.98) has a soft, rubberized grip, and the ink flows more smoothly than that of other ball-point pens. It's available in black, red, and blue.

Pen and pencil expanders. When you expand the base of writing utensils, they're easier to hold and harder to grip tightly, thus reducing muscular tension strain. Foam hair curlers work great and cost about $1.89 a dozen at the five-and-dime.

Mecanaids' Plastazote tubing* is available in 1/8- to 1/2-inch bores and 1- to 1 1/8-inch diameters. You can cut what you need from one-yard lengths to enlarge tool handles, pens, and some dining utensils. Prices range from $8.95 to $9.95.

AliMed's triangular Pencil Grips* allow you to use a lighter hold. But it may be difficult for an injured person to put them on pens or pencils. A pack of three costs $4.95.

Do you have a favorite cheap fix? Write me or leave a message on the Ask DQ page.

One thing almost everyone can do (or ask someone to do for them) is move tools to optimal positions. Raise your monitor so you neither raise nor lower your chin to view the screen. Put the monitor directly in front of you rather than off to one side. Place frequently used tools (mouse, phone, reference materials) close to you to avoid straining to reach them. Don't place heavy books on overhead shelves and lift them while seated. Allow yourself leg space, too. Many people use the floor under their desks for storage, depriving their feet of necessary roaming room.

-D. Q.

* These items are available from AliMed Inc. Bulk discounts are available on many items. Call for your free catalog. No returns are allowed after 30 days; some products are subject to restocking fees. 800/225-2610 www.alimed.com

** These items are available from Staples. Bulk discounts are available on many items. Call for your free catalog. Staples offers price protection. Products (except computers and software) may be returned within 90 days for original form of payment refund or credit. Free next-day shipping for phone orders of more than $50 is available. 800/333-3330 www.staples.com

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