About the Ergoport™ Posturepod™

The Ergoport Posturepod was developed in response to the increasing number of individuals sustaining computer related overuse syndromes.

The human body was not designed to sit at a desk and work hours on end at a computer. Consequently we have developed methods of overcoming the strains of our working environment with the Ergoport Posturepods shown in this site. The Posturepod can help you perform computer tasks with ease, comfort and safety. see How the Posturepod works

Development Background

"Work related musculoskeletal disorders account for 34% of all lost workday injuries and illnesses last year. Job related injuries cost the US $60 Billion (between $15 - $20 Billion costs to business) and in Australia $3 Billion last year." (Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration Feb 1999)

In Australia, computer related overuse syndrome accounted for costs of $2 billion dollars (Source - Dr. Peter Tuchin, Macquarie University 2001)

"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) alone accounted for 30% of all median days away from work, by nature of Injury or Illness. CTS accounted for 48.5% of cases involving days away from work with more than 30 days away, by nature of injury or illness." (Source: Bureau of Labour Statistics Annual Survey, 1995)

The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reviewed more than 2,000 studies of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. A further in depth analysis of six hundred epidemiologic studies were evaluated by a panel of twenty seven scientists and ergonomists from academia, government and private practice and their conclusion was:

• "Compelling scientific evidence shows a consistent relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and certain work-related physical factors, especially at higher exposure levels." (NIOSH 1999)

The summary of key findings for 1997 - 1998 of new cases by type of occurrence stated:

• "The nature of injury or disease which accounted for the highest proportion of all cases in 1997 -1998 was classified as Sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles (51%). Over 25% of all new injury or disease cases affected the bodily location back - upper or lower. The most prevalent mechanism of injury or disease was body stressing which was listed as the cause of injury or disease in 40% of cases" National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC)

(Source: Compendium of Worker's Compensation Statistics Australia 1997-98)

Besides the obvious cost of musculoskeletal overuse related injuries, poor office equipment and furniture may lead to hidden costs such as employee turnover and re-training costs. This is especially true in data entry, telemarketing, order entry, banking, customer service and similar keyboard intensive employment. These figures are probably understated when you also consider that home office keyboarding injuries often go unreported.

The good news is that by using a Posture Pod Forearm Support, you can treat computer related overuse injuries at the cause by creating an optimal ergonomic workspace at every desk.

How to install PDF