A Pain In The Neck
Sitting in front of a computer all day can be a pain in the neck…literally. There are five straightforward changes you can make to your office environment that may give your back, neck, eyes and also wrists a break.
1. Use a desk or an adjustable computer workstation that is ergonomically sound. Look for a work surfaces that are non-reflective. If you have a glass desktop, you can easily add a desk pad to minimize the amount of glare and a pullout or “banana board” keyboard tray. An articulating keyboard tray makes it easy to adjust your keyboard to the height level that best fits you.
2. Use a correct office chair that boasts ergonomic features that supports your back and manages weight distribution. Ergonomically correct chairs have become increasingly more reasonable in price; especially considering desk chairs with ergonomic features are less expensive than before and offer a few features found in higher-end chairs.
3. Keep the most frequently used office supplies within reach to avoid straining your back. Often times you may find yourself in a pretzel like pose to obtain what you need, store items logically and within arms reach.
4. Minimize eyestrain and fatigue by selecting one of several lighting options. You can use ambient or general lighting, fluorescent lighting, natural lighting, task lighting etc. You can use one or a combination of these lighting sources to achieve the right amount of light for your workspace.
5. Reduce the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by using an wrist rest that’s ergonomic, mouse, and adjustable and articulating keyboard. Wrist and mouse rests made from foam-like and gel materials, are available in stylish colors and fun patterns.
The final key to giving your body a break: remember to take breaks throughout the day, especially if you stay in the same position for a long period of time.
Contact a Guidon representative today for more information on setting up ergonomic work environments for your people.
Establish a “Green” IT plan
Companies should build power and e-waste solutions into their budgets and RFPs. The greening of the technology industry is a trend that is developing with great speed, and for good reason. According to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, e-waste (electronic waste) is the fastest-growing part of the waste stream today. The EPA estimates that e-waste accounts for 2 percent of the municipal solid waste stream in the United States. More than 1,000 chemicals used during electronics production, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, have been linked in some way to cancer, reproductive problems and other serious illnesses.
Footprint
Now that technology is considered essential to scalable growth of enterprises, the demand on US power grids has forced technology companies to begin creating and manufacturing more energy-efficient and sustainable products to reduce power consumption. Of course, there are environmental reasons for going green, but building a green infrastructure can also result in significant savings. Interactive Data Corporation predicts that the cost to heat and cool components will grow to 70 cents per dollar by 2010. Whatever the goals, IT managers have more options than ever for getting their companies thinking about and acting green.
Vital Statistics
The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition estimates there are 500 million obsolete computers in the United States, and 130 million cell phones are thrown out every year. Indeed, e-waste is a major problem that can no longer be resolved by tossing end-of-life electronics into a nearby trash bin or landfill. Both the EPA and some state environmental agencies mandate the proper disposal of e-waste. For example,California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control requires companies to manage the disposal of CRTs (the old tube computer monitors) with the same caution and care as they would hazardous waste. Meanwhile, a billin the U.S. House of Representatives-HR 233, also known as the National Computer Recycling Act-would establish an advance recycling fee of as much as $10 on desktop computers, monitors, laptops and other electronics. As some of you may know, this fee already exists in the state of California and costs the end user $15.00 per LCD. The money collected is used to help encourage collection and recycling of electronic products.
Implement an IT Recycling Plan
Companies should create a recycling plan that will address equipment obsolescence. This includes figuring the costs of recycling into your technology budget. IT managers can help the situation by accounting for electronic recycling in their budget at the beginning of each new fiscal year. Another method of offsetting the costs associated with technology recycling is to locate companies that offer minimal or even free recycling or disposal of old information technology equipment.
Contact a Guidon representative today for more information on implementing green technological practices into your IT processes.