CORPORATE
VISUAL ERGONOMIC CONSULTING
SERVICES
The production
of most businesses today relies upon employees who work before a computer in
the office.Workers in these jobs are subject to discomfort and health problems
because of the rigid and repetitive nature of their work. The most frequent
problems are vision or eye related followed by musculoskeletal problems. These
problems can largely be solved and prevented with improved work and work environment
design.
It has been shown
that resolving eye and vision concerns for visual display work can result in
a 4-19% increase in productivity per employee. For a typical
officer worker making $30,000. per year, that translates into a minimum increase
of $1200. in increased productivity. Most answers to these problems will cost
much less than that to resolve.
Our visual ergonomic
services are designed to assess your workplace environment, evaluate your employees
working habits and conditions and make recommendations that will result in better
production, less expense, less employee turnover and overall improvement in
working conditions. In all activites, sensitivity to employer/employee
relations is observed.
The
derived benefits from solving and preventing these problems are:
- Increased
productivity.
- Improved
employee morale.
- Decreased
workers compensation expenses.
Program
Components
1.
Initial Consultation
A meeting with
appropriate company representatives. The goal of the meeting is to discuss the
company needs and to clearly design and define the program that meets those
needs. In all activities, sensitivity to employer/employee relations is observed.
2.
Environmental Analysis
This is an examination
of key aspects of the work environment(s). This evaluation is be performed on
a department by department basis. The aspects of the work environment that are
analyzed include:
Illumination
levels - the illumination levels are measured at appropriate locations
and compared to ANSI, IES, and other appropriate regulations.
Direct glare
- the luminance of lights, windows, VDT screens, office background, and other
appropriate objects are measured and compared to ANSI, IES, and other appropriate
regulations. VDT equipment screen resolution, brightness range and settings,
and flicker characteristics are evaluated.
Screen reflections
(glare) - Screen reflection characteristics and sources of reflected light
are analyzed.
Workstation
arrangement - the heights and viewing distances of VDTs and other work
material are measured and evaluated.
Workstation
furniture - desks and chairs
3.
Environmental Report
An environmental
assessment report is written for management. This report contains a specific
assessment of each of the above aspects of the environment and, as appropriate,
includes:
- The aspects
of the environment which are well designed and those which could be improved.
- The relative
significance of each of the areas of possible improvement and recommended
priorities for attention.
- Specific
recommendations for improvements, e.g. lighting design, anti-glare screens,
document holders, VDT equipment, surface reflectance, etc. are provided, in
many cases, including suggested products and/or distributors if requested.
- Cost effectiveness
estimates.Lighting in comparison to standards.
- Job structuring.
- Employer
policies on breaks and other health related issues.
- Judgment
concerning conformance with standards and regulations.
- Workers compensation
liability concerns.
- The report
will most often be augmented with photographs of significant employee situations
so that the employer can see if their employees are working efficiently.
4.
Presentation to Employees (Recommended)
An important part
of any program is conveying the appropriate information to the employees - employee
education. Good ergonomic principles are presented to a group of employees.
The following topics are presented:
- Basic information
about the function of the eyes and visual system
- A review
of the visual demands in today's lifestyle
- The role
of computers in our daily life
- Adjustment
of computer equipment
- Arrangement
of display and other work materials
- Arrangement
and adjustment of workstation furniture
- Lighting
arrangement and adjustments
- Visual breaks
- Signs and
symptoms of visual problems
- Signs and
symptoms of musculoskeletal problems
As part of the
presentation, a brief questionnaire is distributed to employees to assess the
types of problems they may be experiencing. This is used to determine the level
of problems and to focus on the poignant issues.
5.
Individual Employee Analysis/Screening
Each employee
is visited at his/her workstation. Each of these employees should have attended
the employee presentation and filled out a questionnaire. The individual workstation
is analyzed to determine specific recommendations. Additionally, a vision screening
can be performed, as needed, to include the following:
| Visual
Acuity in each eye |
Visual
field defects |
| Eye
muscle balance |
Eye
scanning abilities |
| Eye
muscle coordination |
Subjective
text readability |
| Binocular |
Spectacle
design analysis |
An assessment of
the needs of each employee is made considering their symptoms report, workstation
analysis, and vision screening. For each employee, the following information
is provided to management:
- Individualized
suggestions for workstation arrangement and or equipment needs such as anti-glare
filters, wrist supports, lighting, furniture, etc.
- Whether
a referral for a comprehensive eye examination is indicated
- When an
eye examination is recommended, a form is provided for the employee to take
to their eye doctor indicating the reason for the referral and giving information
regarding viewing distances and viewing angles
6.
Vision Care Services
Specific methods
for obtaining appropriate eye care services for employees. We facilitate implementation
and coordination with local doctors. We maintain a list of eye care professionals
that are specially trained to perform computer-vision examinations..
7.
Follow-up Services
Follow-up consultation
services for special needs, implementation, bid analysis, etc. can be provided.
This includes sources for additional ergonomic supplies and materials.
Professional
Fees
1.
Initial Consultation
The cost of the
initial consultation will vary with the time and place of the meeting. If the
discussions can be completed over phone or email conversations, this service
will be available at no charge. If an on-site consultation is required to adequately
determine needs, the cost will be based on a $250. per hour rate.
2.
Environmental Analysis
The Environmental
Analysis is a complex on-site evaluation of all factors involved in workplace
ergonomics. Extensive measurements and observations will be made. The cost can
be based on an hourly rate of $300. per hour, or a daily rate of $2500. per
day- depending on the logistics of the situation. Travel and accommodation expenses
are an additional cost.
3.
Environmental Report
No analysis is
complete without a report of the findings. A follow up environmental report
will be included at no additional cost with the Environmental Analysis program.
4.
Presentation to Employees
This one hour
slide show presentation has been very well received by employees as well as
management. Specific questions that the attendees have are answered and a renewed
sense of enthusiasm is developed. There is no cost for this presentation, if
included with the Environmental Analysis program.
The presentation
can also be given independently of any other service. In this case, the cost
is $1500. plus travel and accommodation expenses.
5.
Individual Employee Analysis/Screening
The most effective
way to determine if an employee is viewing their workplace environment efficiently
is to evaluate them at their workstation. We use an interactive ergonomic computer
program to elicit concerns and test visual abilities. The cost of this program
starts at $8.00 per employee and is discounted for more than 24 employees. The
program can be self-administered so very little disruption of work is experienced.
An exact quote for the cost of this program can be made during the initial consultation.
6.
Vision Care Services
We have compiled
a listing of various doctors around the country who have special training in
computer vision-related problems. We will attempt to connect you with a doctor
in your area who is convenient and can offer appropriate testing for your employees.
There is no charge for this service.
7.
Follow-up Services
We have made contacts
with various companies who supply different types of ergonomic supporting materials.
We will be happy to offer the names of these companies if you would like to
follow up with them.
Contact
us today for more information
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