_____________________________________________
From: Buffaloe, Ron
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2005 10:00 AM
To: McMahon, Linda S.
Subject: Ergonomic Workstation Options for Managers

Linda:

Today's field and TSC managers and assistant managers spend more and more
time using the computer as SSA's use of automation as a tool continues to
grow. Many hours are spent not only on administrative and management
issues, but also in production serving as a technical employee. Because of
the amount of time spent at the terminal, a growing number of management
personnel are experiencing pain in their wrists, arms, shoulders, neck
and/or backs. It is clear that repetitive use disorders are impacting
managers too.

Our agency has recognized the need to provide ergonomically effective
workstations to all bargaining unit employees. The prior SSA/AFGE contact
had specific language which we submit should be a goal for all employees,
(management as well as bargaining unit):

"At least one work surface of a workstation shall be user adjustable to
accommodate different surface heights for the monitor and the keyboard. The
surface adjustment controls of the work surface which holds the monitor and
keyboard shall be readily accessible and easy to operate."

It is in the absolute interest of the agency that injuries arising from
terminal use be prevented and minimized.

We recommend that all field management personnel be given the option of
having an appropriate ergonomic configuration for their situations. We do
not have the expertise to think of all possible options and feel that should
be the prerogative of the appropriate component involved in furniture
purchase. Just one of many possible options might be an electric automatic
workstation table that will allow for appropriate ergonomic adjustments.
GSA carries an electric table as shown below for $684.79.

ECI-4830-SC
<https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advgsa/advantage/catalog/product_detail.do?BV_
UseBVCookie=Yes&oid=53482782> TABLE,ADJUSTABLE,HEIGHT48X30
<http://WWW.ERGOCONCEPTS.COM> <<...OLE_Obj...>>
TABLE HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE 48X30 SINGLE COLUMN,ELECTRIC,28" TO 48" SINGLE
COLUMN HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS,20" STROKE 270# OF THRUST, 2" PER SECOND,TOP
COLORS, CH=CHERRY,M=MAPLE,T=TAUPE,GT=GRANITE,G=GREY, BK=BLACK
Manufacturer:
ERGONOMIC CONCEPTS

Contractor:
ERGONOMIC CONCEPTS
<https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advgsa/advantage/contractor/contractor_detail.
do?cat=ADV&contractNumber=GS-29F-0001L&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&mapName=%2Fsearch%
2Fsearch> [GS-29F-0001L] (s
<https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advgsa/advantage/information/page.do?BV_UseBVC
ookie=Yes&keyName=BUSINESS_IND> )

This is only one of many possible solutions to the problem. We do, however,
believe this growing problem needs to be investigated and addressed to
ensure the ongoing health of our management staff.

We appreciate your consideration of this concern and look forward to a
resolution of the problem. We realize other components outside of
Operations may have a role in this issue and would appreciate your sharing
of this email with the appropriate parties.

Ron