This article was originally emailed as our monthly eBulletin at 11:30 on 14/03/2018. You can view older eBulletins here and register to receive them monthly.
100 ISSUES: SAME TIME, SAME DAY FOR 100 MONTHS!
An enormous amount has happened in the world of workplace ergonomics since we published our first monthly eBulletin in December 2009. We thought this, our 100th newsletter, would be an ideal opportunity to reflect on some of the key products and events in the last 8+ years, and indeed for a little nostalgia further back in time. We finish with an Oldest Product competition. After this month’s reminiscences, next month’s eBulletin will be looking to the future with a new look, an overview of our new brand extension and some pointers for our new web site (due for completion at the beginning of April).
NATIONAL TRAINING & PRODUCT SHOWCASE TOUR
Before the nostalgia, please take a peak into the future with details of our national roadshow, bringing our Product Showcase and new training opportunities to venues near you. Leicester, Southampton and London are already in the diary for April and May. Details of dates and locations in Bristol, Glasgow and Leeds will follow shortly. This unique format enables you to compare the latest products with best-sellers and/or update your knowledge about DSE-related processes and products. Download the Roadshow brochure here or check the diary (and book) at ergonomics.events.
Do you remember the first laptop stands? They were bulky, acrylic, fragile and not really portable! Since that time, we have seen a variety of products (such as FlexTop and ErgoQ) made of the aluminium laminate, Hylite®. As global volumes increase, a growing number are manufactured from injection-moulded plastic. No doubt 3D-printing will bring opportunities for more bespoke or intricate designs in the near future. We have also just finished assessing a new range of adjustable stands for use with Apple and other laptops where the screens do not open right back. More information soon (or contact us for a preview).
It became clear early on that standard computer mice encouraged bad habits and postures. We were early resellers of the Contour range of mice which were originally available in three left-handed and four right-handed sizes. The XL model was more like a rat than a mouse! The majority of today’s ‘ergo’ mouse products evolved from those original designs. Contour then shifted its focus to the RollerMouse concept and we were the UK’s first retailer of the original model. As the RollerMouse went through various incarnations, little happened with the renamed Perfit mouse family until the recent announcement of the Unimouse. A left-handed model is on the way.
Although we have been selling these (and using them in our own offices) for nearly twenty years, they have only become ‘big news’ since 2014 when the ‘Sitting is the new smoking’ slogan first appeared. Since that time, I have been shouting about the misunderstandings and misrepresentation that comes from grabbing soundbite headlines without reading or understanding the underlying research. My last blog (rant!) on this topic was written just before the most recent research news suggesting standing is not the panacea some represent it to be. There’s a surprise! However, many are also applying the same sort of soundbite misunderstanding to these new headlines, making my blog (written before the research publication) even more apposite!
We recently encountered a client still using an example of this Organiser – our first ever product! It was a Mk II version so probably 17-18 years old. Can you match that? Or maybe you have something even older. We are looking for the oldest ergonomics product purchased from us and still in daily use. The oldest verified item we can find will win a £150 Red Letter Day voucher. Don’t worry about paperwork: we are not looking for a 20 year old invoice! Just tell us about the product and we can probably verify the details. To take part, send a product photo to me with details of when you think it was purchased.
Osmond Ergonomics 