Integrating Ergonomics into Design on a Budget

How to integrate ergonomics into computer workstations and save money

Topics

• Design considerations

• Seating

• Process

• ROI

• Lessons Learned

• Moving forward

Office Furniture Purchasing Trends

Direct Cost

$1100 to lower work surface

$800 to retro-fit desks with adjustable base

$100 for cantilevers

$200 for keyboard tray

+$400 for sit-stand solution

$500 to shorten pedestals

>$200 for Labor

Source: UCB RFP for used furniture (work surface and storage)

Indirect Cost

Workstation out of commission during modification

Decreased employee performance due to:

Low morale from discomfort or pain

+$50 for Keyboard/ mouse setup

Seeing Eye to Eye?

UCPath Building Project

4 different workstation configurations

• 3 director offices

– 3 admin

• 13 manager offices

• 269 cubicles

– Administrative staff

• 88 sit-stand workstations

– Employee Service Associates

Employee Service Associates

Ergonomic Seating Dual monitor arm with cross bar

Easier to move Swivels as a unit

Ergonomic Considerations UCPath

Ergonomic Considerations UCPath

Electric Height Adjustability 25.5-52” height range

Employee Service Associates

Ergonomic Considerations UCPath

Dual Monitor Arm with Crossbar

Employee Service Associates

Ergonomic Considerations UCPath

Curve-linear Corner

• Accommodates both corner and straight-edge users

Castors

• Promote flexibility

Monitor Arms

• Dual arm with crossbar

Ergonomic Seating

• 2 standard options

Workstation Heights

• Pin-height adjustable

Storage

• Lockers can be moved to center for additional privacy

Round Table

• Collaboration- 1 for every 4 cubicles

Administrative Cubicles

Ergonomic Considerations UCPath

Pin-height Legs

• Range is 25.5- 31.5” • Easily adjusted • Does not add labor costs

Storage UCPath

Locker with open storage, drawer, and 2 file drawers

Storage UCPath

Mobile box/file pedestal with cushioned top (serves as extra seat)

UC ANR Building Project

• 4 different workstation configurations with quantity

• 5 Executive Offices

• 34 Offices

• 17 Write Desk

• 97 Cubical

• 22 IT Stations

• 12 Student Spaces

Ergonomic Considerations UC ANR

Followed the guidance at UC Path

• Used the same locker

• Used the same mobile pedestal

Seating Considerations UCPath

Workstations are unoccupied

Needed to anticipate seating needs

85% Amia

10% Leap

5% no chair

Amia Leap

Upright seat back Adjustability Cost

Better lumbar support Added cost

Seating Considerations UC ANR

New site was under construction and final furniture decision were not made

Evaluation Process UC ANR

Evaluated 115 employees, needed 180 chairs

What our evaluation showed us

52% Leap

30% Amia

7% Think

11% Other

New Employee Process- UCPath & ANR

Safety, Ergonomics, and Wellness

UC online ergonomics training and risk assessment

Work surface height adjustment Other onsite changes Ergonomic equipment recommendations

How did UCPath cut costs?

Side Chairs

2 chairs per private office 19 private offices Proposed Cost: $363.00 Estimated Cost: $ 213.03 Savings per chair: $149.97 Total Savings: $5,698.86

How did UCPath cut costs?

Proposed Work Tools

Slat Wall with: • Pencil cup

• Paper trays

• Shelf

• White board

Estimated cost per cubicle: $330

Total Savings: $88,770

Determined Unnecessary

How did UCPath cut costs?

Conference/collaboration Table in Directors' Office

Proposed table: $1,240.53

Selected table: $168.87

Cost Savings: $3,214.98

How did UCPath cut costs?

Conference Chairs

Task chair was proposed

• Short-term use

• Most won’t use adjustability features

Purchased chairs have height adjustability

Estimated savings per chair: $101.58

Estimated total Savings: $10,158.00

How did UCPath cut costs?

Storage in Private Offices

Eliminated Bookshelves

Estimated savings per office: $507.24

Estimated overall savings: $9,637.56

Post Move-in UCPath

54 occupied workstations

1 had to be adjusted

5 chairs have been exchanged for Leaps

already in inventory; no additional cost

Ergonomic equipment needs (minimal cost)

Keyboards

Mice

Wrist rests

ROI- UC ANR

In Advance Chair & Desk fitting: $15 / person

Chairs in bulk: ~$400 per chair

Reassessment: $8 / person

Changes needed: 10%

After Move in Chair & Desk fitting: $20 / person

Cost of chairs: +$550 (in addition to the cost for the first chair)

Reassessment: $12 / person

Changes needed: 30-50%

Doing assessment in advanced saved UC ANR: $26,280 This does not including savings in installation and modification

Fitting for 150: $62,370

Fitting for 150: $88,650

ROI- ergonomically designed furniture

$0.00 $100.00 $200.00 $300.00 $400.00

UC ANR*

UCPath*

UCR

UCOP

Average Cost for Recommended Ergonomic Equipment

*Following installation of ergonomically designed furniture

Injury Costs

Source: California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation 2012 Annual Report

Average Carpal Tunnel/RMI injury cost increase

$34,600 in 2001 $44,000 in 2011

ROI at UCPath

Cost of a Single Claim

Cost of Prevention

$44,800

$112 X 400 employees

$44,000

Single RMI claim

Preventing injury for a workforce of 400 at UCPath = The cost of a single claim!

Lessons Learned- UCPath and UC ANR

Cantilevers and Legs

Item: Some cubicle legs were value engineered out and replaced with cantilevers

Problem: Labor cost to adjust each work surface height is $96

Solution: Replacing all cantilevers with height-adjustable legs

Lessons Learned- UCPath and UC ANR

Lighting

Item: Both buildings are LEED (gold and silver)

Problem: Natural light causes glare; fluorescents cause strain

Solution: Filters, blinds, window tints, remove bulbs

Lessons Learned- UCPath and UC ANR

Pinch Points

Item: Height adjustable work surfaces

Problem: Vendor plans did not meet 1” standard space

Solution: Moved controls out of reach of pinch point

Lessons Learned- UCPath

Flooring

Item: Sub-floor with HVAC and cables

Problem: Not combatable with flexible workstation design

Solution: Vertical movement of monitor

Lessons Learned- UC ANR

Monitor Arms and Risers

Item: Lower desk height for proper writing and keyboard

Problem: Monitors bases do not raise monitor high enough

Solution: Providing monitor risers and arms as needed

Moving forward

Creation of UC guidelines for ergonomic design for building and remodel projects

• Flexibility

• Cost effective

• Life-cycle consideration

• Labor Cost

• Adjustability

• Warranty