by Solutions Northwest | Jan 22, 2019 | Ergonomic Mouse
By Janet DeLapp, MS, CDMS, CPDM, CPE and Matt Copeland, BS, CEOE
SolutionsNW.com – Your Ergonomics Experts
“The average American worker spends 7 hours a day on the computer.” – American Eye-Q 2015
There are many different versions of vertical mice. Over my years doing ergonomics assessments for office workstations, the best vertical mouse, in my professional opinion, is the Evoluent Vertical Mouse. We have not been compensated in any way for writing this review. The opinions expressed are our own.
Top 3 Reasons the Evoluent Vertical Mouse stands our as one of the best Vertical Mouse devices on the market:
- At Solutions Northwest Inc., we believe the overall feel of a piece of equipment is very important. The Evoluent has a very natural feel and puts the wrist in a very good neutral position.
- This mouse comes in left-handed and right-handed versions. Some products are made to do both but they don’t seem to fit the form of the hand as well as a dedicated left/right product.
- This vertical mouse comes in different sizes. Have you ever used something that’s too small or big for you? If you have, then you know how uncomfortable that can be. A mouse which is the wrong size for you can cause unnatural posturing of the hand and wrist which are risk factors. So if you must mouse, an Evoluent Vertical Mouse is an option we recommend.
In conclusion
Remember to always consult with your doctor to rule out any possible underlying cause of pain. And be sure to communicate with your staff, co-workers, or office managers/admins to see if they’d like to try any of these products.
Additionally, be sure to perform an ergonomics assessment to ensure office safety. For more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit your ergonomics experts at SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.
Subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.
by Solutions Northwest | Dec 29, 2018 | Ergonomic Keyboard, Ergonomic Mouse
By Janet DeLapp, MS, CDMS, CPDM, CPE and Matt Copeland, BS, CEOE
Have you been using a computer for a long period of time? Chances are yes in this digital world that we all live in. But how does that mouse treat you after you’ve been working for a while? Do you feel discomfort in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder? Chances are you are not using a device designed with ergonomics in mind.
What makes something ergonomic?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ergonomics as, “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely”. In this case, designing a device to fit a person properly would be ergonomic. So, what makes a device ergonomic? There are two simple points to consider when riddling whether your device is ergonomic or not: proper fit and placement/posture.
Proper fit: If your device is too big or too small for you, it’s not an ergonomic solution. If your device is too big, then you’re likely engaging the muscles of your hands and arm far more than necessary. Likewise, if your device is too small, you’re likely putting yourself into an awkward posture by holding your hand or fingers precariously to get enough hand/finger real estate on the device to use it.
Placement/Posture: Both are very important and both inform the other. Posture can be tricky as most all of us have developed our normal posture and departing from it can be difficult. Proper ergonomic or “neutral” posture goes like this. Your shoulders should be relaxed with your elbows by your side and bent about 90 degrees. Your wrists should be straight and not bent up or down or in or out. If your device is too far left or right, you are likely causing undue work for your shoulder. If it is too far forward or too close, you may start feeling it from the shoulder all the way to the wrist after extended periods of use.
In conclusion
If it doesn’t fit your hand and you can’t use it without straining your arm or shoulder, it’s probably not the right one, it is not in the correct position, or both. Be sure to consult with your Office Admin or Manager to see about ordering the proper tools and perhaps contacting an expert for a workplace ergonomics assessment.
Hopefully these ergonomics tips can help keep your workplace a safe work place. For more guidance on all work related health and safety issues, visit SolutionsNW.com or Contact Us for more information.
Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics consultants located in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon, Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and Portland.
by Solutions Northwest | Dec 17, 2018 | Ergonomic Mouse, Ergonomics Solutions
By Janet DeLapp, MS, CDMS, CPDM, CPE and Matt Copeland, BS, CEOE
“Evidence suggests that about 3% of women and 2% of men will be diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome during their lifetime…” – The New York Times
Using a mouse causes gripping as well as wrist and arm motion which could be detrimental to your body. However, if you do not want to use a trackball, there are other options.
The Vertical Mouse
While it may look strange, the vertical mouse is a great alternative for those seeking comfort from an ergonomic mouse. There a number of vertical mice on the market, these are sometimes referred to as a “handshake mouse” because of the way your hand grips the mouse.
Why the Vertical Mouse works
When gripping a vertical mouse, your wrist is rotated more straight up and down as opposed to being flat against the desk. This untwists the bones of the forearm. The gripping and repetitive motions at the wrist, elbow and shoulder still exist. If discontinuing using a mouse is something you don’t want to do, a vertical mouse is a good alternative.
The benefits
- According to Ergooffice, a vertical mouse will “help your wrist to rest on the ‘bony’ baby finger side, eliminating pressure on the soft tissue of the wrist and engage the larger muscles of the arm rather than leaving all the work to the wrist, which means that the wrist remains in a comfortable and neutral position. Additionally, the forearm to assume an anatomical position of rest that will prevent straining of the muscles.”
In conclusion
Never stop looking for great alternatives to traditional tools. For more ergonomic tips, subscribe, contact one of our Ergonomics Experts today and give us a call at one of our Seattle Washington, Portland, Olympia, or Northern California offices.
