14 Dec 11 Travelling Right
Most of us spend rather more time than we might choose to in passenger terminals: train stations, airports, coach and ferry terminals. Travelling is often a stressful experience; whether travelling for work or pleasure the fear of missing a flight or train, the incessant queuing and the hustle and bustle around us is enough to stop travel being the laid-back experience presented to us on the BA and British Rail ads. Instead a trip to the airport is more likely to involve tears and tantrums as stress levels intensify. Can the design of these buildings do anything to improve this experience for the passenger? “An architect’s key aim is to reduce passenger stress,” according to Simon Smithson of Rogers, Stirk Harbour and Partners. But how do they go about doing this?
There is much evidence to suggest that the more uncluttered our environment and architecture, the more stress levels can be reduced. A great example is the contrast between Kings Cross Station and the new St Pancras International Station. In his article ‘A Renaissance arrives at St Pancras’ Simon Calder describes it as “the World’s most wonderful railway station.”2 There is an incredible sense of calm, rarely experienced in other transport hubs a result, in part, of the ample space – both height and width – allowing travellers to feel relaxed and take their time to absorb where they need to go.
Ease of navigation around a passenger terminal can make all the difference between a fraught experience and a more relaxed one and this is a priority for designers and architects of passenger terminals. Top priority is passenger flow; if there are delays in processing the tens or hundreds of thousands of passengers that flow through busy passenger terminals daily, chaos would ensue. Digital signage (displayed on an architectural framework such as monitor arms) can direct passengers and offer up-to-the second information.
We might not always be aware of it but one thing all these environments have in common is the proliferation of technology: used in check-in areas, information points and internet cafes, not to mention the back offices that keep these well-oiled machines running like clockwork. Instead of letting technology dominate (which in itself can add to stress levels) more successful passenger terminals attempt to minimise its appearance. One way in which this can be achieved is by using flat screens, which take up less space, and mounting them on monitor arms. In this way technology need not obstruct lines of vision and its presence feels less dominant.
Another priority is security; since their inception airports and stations have been perceived as targets for terrorist groups – due to the high concentration of people to be found in them and their high profile location and users. While understandably, security checks need to be more thorough, prolonged waiting times increase tension and stress levels. Sight lines need to be kept as clear as possible. Again technology support can play a part: the more minimal the screen and monitor arm the less of an obstruction is caused. The more efficient and ergonomic the technology and processes the faster the movement of passengers.
A lot of effort and planning goes on behind the scenes to ensure our experience of passing through passenger terminals is as swift and stress-free as it can be. “The growth of world air travel has averaged approximately 5% per year over the past 30 years . . . even with relatively conservative expectations of economic growth over the next 10-15 years, a continued 4-5% annual growth in global air travel will lead to a doubling of total air travel during this period.”3 As passenger numbers, for all modes of transport, continue to increase more and more attention will have to be paid to customer comfort to make travelling – on such a huge scale – bearable in the years to come.
1 BBC News ‘What makes a good airport’ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7290432.stm
2 The Independent, 12th February 2011 http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/hotels/a-renaissance-arrives-at-st-pancras-2211921.html
3 http://web.mit.edu/airlines/analysis/analysis_airline_industry.html
While you may not pay much attention to the monitor arm behind the screen during your daily commute, it is an essential part of any passenger terminal. With 20 years of experience in ergonomics, Colebrook Bosson Saunders can provide many ergonomic accessories, from monitor arms to CPU holders.
01 Nov 11 Keeping The Boredom Away During Your Hospital Stay
There was a time when the only entertainment in hospitals was provided by ‘hospital radio’ or maybe a dedicated television room if you were lucky. Today things have dramatically changed: if you have visited or spent time in a hospital recently you cannot have failed to notice the prevalence of bed-side entertainment systems now provided for patients.
Within most NHS hospitals patients have access to a ‘Hospedia’ bedside entertainment system that includes a telephone, radio, TV and Internet and e-mail facilities. The range of entertainment for patients is broad, and ever increasing, from on demand films and hospital information to online games and radio.1 Various systems are available and all will normally be run through a flat screen monitor or purpose designed hardware that is mounted on the wall with a monitor arm across from the bed.
While there has been some controversy about the costs of such systems to the patient, most agree that on balance it is a great option for those spending more than a week in hospital when boredom can really take a grip. “Hospitals may monetise some offerings to create revenue streams that can be re-invested in medical care. People are accustomed to pay-for-use services.”2
Playing games and keeping in touch with friends through email and social networking sites can be a huge morale boost to anyone suffering from or recovering from illness in hospital. A 2011 report from the BMA’s Board of Science highlighted how a spell in hospital will prove tedious and dispiriting for many patients. “Hospitalisation presents specific stresses over and above those associated with illness, ranging from environmental factors such as unfamiliar surroundings to the lack of privacy and independence, and uncertainty about ill-health outcomes,” the report says. “When a patient’s needs are not met it may affect their emotional state.”
Bed-side entertainment systems are also often known as ‘infotainment systems’ because they can also be used for patients to communicate with staff and vice versa. For instance, ordering food from a menu or registering a non urgent request with a nurse. Such facilities can increase the efficient running of a ward. Some systems even incorporate video conferencing functionality that can be used to aid diagnosis (where travel might be dangerous) and can also provide information to patients about their own treatment, a practice that has become known as “telemedicine”.4 “These trends are keeping patients happier, giving them pertinent information regarding their health, and easing anxiety by allowing them to feel more in control.”5
The units themselves are usually fixed to a wall, with a monitor arm, so that they can be moved clear when not required. The monitor arm helps to ensure that the infotainment system does not get in the way of the patient’s medical needs. Touch screen technology is well suited to these systems, with no need for a separate keyboard the amount of equipment needed can be minimised. It does however mean that the monitor arm supporting the system needs to be stronger to allow for the repetitive movement caused by controlling the system in this way.
Perhaps most importantly bed-side entertainment systems should be able to help alleviate boredom for almost any patient, whether your preference is for Tour of Duty or Bingo, soap operas or football, swapping recipes or tracing your family tree there should be something to capture each imagination and help pass the time during a hospital stay.
Amongst other sectors, Colebrook Bosson Saunders provides ergonomic products for the healthcare industry, such as monitor arms for the “Hospedia” system. Visit the CBS site for more information on the CBS Hi-1 monitor arm.
1 http://www.hospedia.co.uk/bedside-services
2 MedAdvantech the Digital Healthcare journal 1st 2011
3 http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/jan/09/nhs-hospitals-patients-boredom-bingo
4 http://www.ccomm.co.uk
5 MedAdvantech the Digital Healthcare journal 1st 2011
11 Oct 11 Go with the Flo for greater eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness: monitor arm awarded Cradle to Cradle Certification CM *
Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ latest flat screen monitor arm has been awarded silver level certification by official body MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry). MBDC explain that “certification permits an organisation to tangibly and credibly demonstrate its efforts to design eco-effective products. Cradle to Cradle is a multi-attribute ecolabel that assesses products for their ingredients’ human and environmental health characteristics, their recyclability or compostability, and their manufacturing characteristics”.
Consumers can rely on the certification mark to identify and specify sustainable products for their homes, businesses and buildings. Other recipients of the hard-fought accreditation include Procter and Gamble, Centria and Rexel. In order to be certified at a certain level, a product must meet the minimum criteria for that level in all five categories: Material Health, Material Utilisation, Renewable Energy Use, Water Stewardship, and Social Responsibility.
The Flo flat screen monitor arm was launched worldwide during 2010 and 2011. Flo is a self-powered dynamic monitor arm that allows a flat screen to be used in either an upright viewing position, at desktop level as a touch screen, or anywhere in between. Flo stands out from its competitors because it addresses three major needs of end-users and specifiers: free flowing action with smooth adjustability; a unique visual indicator weight gauge; compatibility with touch-screen technology and in addition, as one would expect from a Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ product, purity of design.
Now certified this environmental stamp of approval gives the Flo monitor arm an extra competitive edge in its marketplace. Cradle to Cradle accreditation status makes Flo eligible for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points as an Environmentally Preferable Material in USGBS’s LEED for Homes Rating System, LEED points under the Innovation in Design category in all LEED rating systems, LEED points under the Pilot Credit 43: Certified Products in all LEED rating systems and listing in Green Wizard software that streamlines the process of sourcing and purchasing sustainable building materials and manages the documentation required for LEED certification. The architecture and interior design communities recognise the Cradle to Cradle accreditation process and Cradle to Cradle products are being specified for more and more building projects.
David Barrass, Product Manager at Colebrook Bosson Saunders, who oversaw the accreditation process states: “I am delighted to announce that our Flo monitor arm has become our first product to be awarded Cradle to Cradle Silver Certified status. This is the result of a lot of hard work and sheer doggedness from the design and production team in ensuring all the information required was pinned down as part of this extensive process.”
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
* Cradle to Cradle Certified CM is a certification mark of MBDC.
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, flat screen monitor arm, Flo monitor arm, monitor arm
06 Oct 11 Sitting Pretty
Most of us spend a large percentage of our working day looking at a computer screen; and for many, leisure time too can be dominated by computer use and watching television. While there is growing awareness of the implications of this sedentary routine for our posture, eyes and back, what most of us don’t consider is the effect on our looks. What might be the physical consequences of long periods spent with our heads in our chins and holding tension in our faces?
From our twenties onwards the elasticity in our skin begins to decrease. Into our thirties and forties and jowls and the beginnings of a double chin might begin to appear. While some changes are of course inevitable – there is a limit to how much we can defy gravity – what can we do to slow down this process and what part does viewing a screen play upon these signs of aging?
In the Evening Standard Dr Michael Prager, a leading cosmetic doctor, terms the problem ‘computer face’: “All that frowning at your PC will give you wrinkles, and leaning forward to see better will worsen your posture and exacerbate any tendencies to jowliness,” he explains.1
Of course there are many other factors that will influence how we age, but it seems to be common sense that the way we hold our head and the amount of tension we hold in our face and neck will have a bearing on the speed and way in which this happens.
According to the Alexander technique the correct position is “to imagine your head floating on top of your spine. It should be gently placed, resting in balance. As you walk or sit at the computer make sure your head sits in line with your shoulders, not in front of them. Your neck should not jut forward making you look like a turtle.”2
There are several things you can do to try and minimise the impact on your face of viewing a screen for long periods, here are just some of the suggestions:
- Try to ensure that the top of your screen is at your eye level. This should facilitate a comfortable viewing position that allows you to find a natural posture but prevents you from letting your head drop into your chin. With a flat screen computer this can be achieved with the assistance of a monitor arm. The monitor arm allows the screen to be set to exactly the right height to suit each user.
- If your desktop computer, laptop or TV is affected by glare from sunlight or reflections from bright lights inside you can find yourself involuntarily squinting in order to compensate. Balance your screen brightness with your surroundings. The goal is to eliminate any contrast between the brightness of the screen and the area behind it.
- A great tip from Dr Prager is to use a mirror: “When people are stressed or thinking hard, they will often put on a grumpy face without even knowing what they are doing. When my clients put a mirror next to their desk they are often shocked by the angry, frowning face that stares back at them.”
- Make sure you can comfortably read text on your screen without squinting, straining or leaning forward. This is different for everyone (and depends on your vision) but a good rule of thumb is that your screen should be arm’s length away. Again monitor arms are a good solution as they allow the proximity of the screen to be adjusted (using the monitor arm) according to each individual’s needs.
- Take plenty of exercise, including yoga and facial exercises. The more we can keep our face and neck toned the more we are able to combat negative forces.
- “Laptops are even worse than desktops for inducing computer face” writes Alice Hart-Davis in the Evening Standard. To combat this a secondary keyboard and mouse should be used together with a laptop stand to raise the height of the screen to eye-level and prevent yourself hunching forward.
Like most things in life there doesn’t seem to be one simple fix for ‘computer face’, but at least with an awareness of how we sit and position our screens we might be able to slow down the process even if we can’t hold back time completely!
A monitor arm is a must for anyone who spends a lot of time behind a computer screen. With over 20 years of experience in ergonomics design, Colebrook Bosson Saunders can advise you on monitor arms and other ergonomic equipment.
1http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/article-23883211-how-to-banish-computer-face.do
2http://www.stay-young-beauty-secrets.com/head-exercise.html
27 Jul 11 Colebrook Bosson Saunders Turn Twenty One
To celebrate their 21st anniversary and say thank you to all those who have helped and supported the Company throughout these years Colebrook Bosson Saunders (leading designers and manufacturers of ergonomic products) threw a suitably celebratory party at their London Bridge HQ and showroom.
Hundreds of clients, specifiers, suppliers, colleagues (past and present) and friends gathered to celebrate Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ 21st birthday with a spectacular birthday bash. Rockabilly band ‘the Houndogs’ played to an appreciative crowd and to remember the occasion guests were invited to have their photo taken in the special CBS photo-booth (all images can be viewed at Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ Facebook page).
Colebrook Bosson Saunders was founded in 1990, drawing upon the skills of architecture (Martyn Colebrook), product design and innovation (Peter Bosson) and furniture design (Brenda Saunders) to create new and innovative products for the workplace. The Company’s unique approach quickly redefined workplace ergonomics and has heavily influenced how people sit and work with computers. Colebrook Bosson Saunders pioneered the design and development of new product types, some of which were among the first monitor supports, CPU cradles and laptop stands, raising awareness of the importance of an ergonomic workstation.
Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ first office was on (the now fashionable) Hoxton Square in Shoreditch, London. As the company grew there was a need for more space and Colebrook Bosson Saunders bought and moved to new premises in Kennington in South East London. Then, for the third time, six years ago the Company moved to their current base (a converted Georgian terrace in London Bridge) driven by the need for more space to house a growing workforce, a showroom, workshop and a prototyping facility. Managing Director, Martyn Colebrook, observes: “It’s amazing to step back now and see how far we’ve come, from those early days when there were just a handful of us at Hoxton Square (and when Peter and I would deliver samples all around town on our bicycles) to where we are today: international distribution of our products, design accolades and fifty plus staff worldwide.”
Colebrook Bosson Saunders has enjoyed unrivalled design acclaim winning an impressive collection of product design awards over the years, the most recent being the prestigious Red Dot Design Award for their innovative monitor arm ‘Flo’.. The Company also has a reputation for fun and creativity, always thinking outside the box: from initiating and organising a 5-a-side industry football league, through to art exhibitions and sailing events. Colebrook Bosson Saunders continue to lead the way in the development of new IT and furniture support products and are known worldwide as ergonomic experts who provide solutions for how people work today and design for the evolving workplace. “Who knows what type of products we’ll be designing in another twenty-one years time,” comments Design Director Andrew Wills, “while we cannot predict where technology will be that far into the future; we can guarantee we will continue to think ahead and pioneer new products for the workplace of the future.”
Press contact:
Lucie Parkin
press@cbsproducts.co.uk
+44208 693 9884 / +447980 649 308
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, ergonomic workstation, laptop stands, monitor arm
18 May 11 Colebrook Bosson Saunders Win Important Accolade for Flo with FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award
Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ latest monitor arm Flo has picked up another significant commendation.
Flo is the most recent product to receive the prestigious FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award, in recognition of its exceptional ergonomic design. The FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award identifies genuine ergonomic excellence in both domestic and workplace furniture products by clearly distinguishing those that are outstanding from other products in the marketplace. In order to receive the Award, safety, user-friendliness and the comfort and wellbeing of the user are considered, as well as whether the product is fit for purpose both structurally and ergonomically.
Flo is a self-powered dynamic monitor arm that allows a flat screen to be used in either an upright viewing position, at desktop level as a touch screen, or anywhere in between. Flo stands out from its competitors because it addresses three major needs of end-users and specifiers: free flowing action with smooth adjustability; a unique visual indicator weight gauge (that helps to dramatically reduce installation time and ensure perfect balance); compatibility with touch-screen technology and in addition, as one would expect from a Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ product, purity of design.
According to FIRA “The Flo Monitor arm has received the Ergonomic Excellence award due to its unique design which exceeds FIRA’s stringent testing criteria.” Levent Caglar, FIRA’s ergonomics expert said, “The excellent manoeuvrability and stability make Flo a truly ergonomic monitor arm. Ingenious design enables it to double up as an effective touch-screen support. Through the use of a spring it achieves a minimalist simple form which is pleasing to the eye and also environmentally responsible.
The FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award aims to raise awareness of the benefits of ergonomic design to those selecting the products. The Award also provides assurance to customers investing in ergonomically designed workplace furniture and workstations that products are of the highest ergonomic standard.
The benefits of ergonomics for workforce health, wellbeing, morale, turnover, attendance and productivity are becoming increasingly clear.”
Levent continued, “The importance and understanding of ergonomics is growing rapidly, with many educational authorities and establishments seeing the benefits of using ergonomically designed products in terms of health and safety as well as behaviour and ability to learn. FIRA’s recognition of genuine ergonomic excellence in the design and manufacture of products will provide distinction from competitors, whilst assisting specifiers in purchasing genuinely ergonomically designed furniture.”
Responding to news of the FIRA accolade, Martyn Colebrook from Colebrook Bosson Saunders said, “We are delighted that the Flo Monitor arm has received the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award. This means that people who buy our product are assured that the Flo Monitor arm has been designed with their safety, comfort and ease of use in mind, as well as being aesthetically pleasing and fit for purpose.”
Colebrook Bosson Saunders are renowned for their ergonomic work tools and offer an RIBA accredited seminar on workplace ergonomics. Get in contact or see the website for more details.
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
About FIRA International:
Established sixty years ago, FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) with its unparalleled industry knowledge, raises performance throughout the furniture supply chain by offering research, information, testing, consultancy, customer service and after sales service to the furniture and DIY markets.
About the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award:
The FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award identifies genuine ergonomic excellence in both domestic and workplace furniture products, and clearly distinguishes those that are outstanding from other products in the marketplace which do not meet FIRA’s stringent criteria. Safety, user-friendliness and the comfort and wellbeing of the user are considered, as well as whether the product is fit for purpose both structurally and ergonomically.
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, ergonomic design, Flo, monitor arm, workplace ergonomics
12 Apr 11 Top Design Award for Flo: Colebrook Bosson Saunders Flushed Red With Success
“Flo” from Colebrook Bosson Saunders wins prestigious award
Colebrook Bosson Saunders is proud to announce that their latest product “Flo” is the recipient of a red dot award for product design. The red dot design award dates back to 1955 and is now the world’s largest and most distinguished design competition. It breaks down into the three disciplines ‘red dot award: product design’, ‘red dot award: communication design’ and ‘red dot award: design concept’. There were almost 14,000 entries from 68 countries in the year 2010 alone. This year, designers and companies from 60 countries entered 4,433 products in the red dot award: product design.
Flo is a self-powered dynamic monitor arm that allows a flat screen to be used in either an upright viewing position, at desktop level as a touch screen, or anywhere in between. Flo stands out from other monitor arms because it ensures an ergonomic workstation by addressing three major needs of end-users and specifiers: free flowing action with smooth adjustability; a unique visual indicator weight gauge; compatibility with touch-screen technology and in addition, as one would expect from a Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ product, purity of design. It is the second prestigious red dot award Colebrook Bosson Saunders has won; the first time was for the “Rodney” monitor arm in 2009.
Professor Dr. Peter Zec, the initiator of the red dot design award, comments: “As always, our jury cast a very careful eye over the products submitted. Design quality has asserted itself clearly in the judging process, with genuine and new creative solutions also being rewarded. Both of these criteria are not just yardsticks for good design, but also for the potential for success on the market. This potential is increased several times over by the targeted use of our renowned design award. ”
Flo will be exhibited in the red dot design museum together with the other prize-winning products, from 5 July to 1 August 2011 in the exhibition “Design on stage – winners red dot award: product design 2011” in the red dot design museum at the world heritage site of the Zeche Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen. With in excess of 1,500 products spread over an area of more than 4,000 m2, the red dot design museum houses the largest permanent exhibition of contemporary design worldwide.
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS are award winning designers and manufacturers of flexible ergonomic IT products including: mobile computer workstations, monitor supports, laptop stands, CPU holders, and cable management systems. These products create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
For more information about the red dot design award visit www.red-dot.de/presse
Enquiries:
For further press information please contact Lucie Parkin by email press@cbsproducts.co.uk or telephone
+44208 693 9884 / +447980 649 308
For all other enquiries contact Colebrook Bosson Saunders by email info@cbsproducts.co.uk or telephone
+44 207 940 4266
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, ergonomic workstation, Flo, laptop stands, monitor arms
03 Feb 11 When the Home Becomes a Workplace Too
With laptops now outselling traditional computers, it is more important than ever to ensure that you are using them in an ergonomically correct way.
In December 2008 the sales of laptops overtook those of desktop computers for the first time¹. This date provides a landmark that illustrates the massive shift in the way that we work today. So, it’s incredible to learn that the first commercially available portable computer – the Osborne – was not on sale until 1981. Although the Osborne was about the weight and size of a sewing machine it was nevertheless portable and marked the beginning of a revolution². However, it wasn’t until the 1990’s when technological advances enabled prices to be dramatically reduced that laptops started to become more common-place.
The dominance of laptop use over desk-tops and the prevalence of networking led to a huge uptake in the numbers of people who could now work out of the office. This varies from formalised arrangements where employees work from home a certain number of days a week through to the casual continuation of work through into the evening and weekends. Of course work isn’t the only activity that is performed on a laptop! Our leisure time – gaming, social networking – is increasingly spent behind a screen.
Do employers have a responsibility to ensure that their employees work in a healthy environment and in an ergonomically correct way at home in the same way as they carry responsibility for their health and wellbeing in the office? A supplement, published in 2004 to The Health and Safety Executive’s guidelines states that “where portable DSE (Display Screen Equipment) is habitually in use by a display screen user for part of his or her normal work should be regarded as covered by the Regulations”³.
So how can these guidelines be adhered to? Rather than hunching over a laptop the screen can be raised to the correct height (the top of the screen should be at eye-level) with the use of a laptop stand. Most stands are adjustable, with several height settings to make this possible. Laptop supports are an invaluable piece of kit for anyone using a laptop more than for just occasional use. A laptop stand should always be used with a secondary keyboard and mouse to avoid problems such as RSI (repetitive strain injury). The key is to find a comfortable working position; by raising the screen on a laptop stand the user has a better viewing angle which facilitates improved posture. This in turn leads to a reduced risk of back and neck aches.
As computer technology advances at an ever increasing rate it becomes more important than ever before to keep a check on the human consequences of changing ways of working. The current trend for smaller and lighter devices, while beneficial in so many ways also presents fresh challenges in terms of the health and safety of those who use them for sustained periods. In the twenty-tens the home has become a workplace too; and with that freedom come risks also.
References:
¹ http://laptoplogic.com/news/laptop-sales-exceed-desktop-sales-globally–20319
² http://oldcomputers.net/osborne.html
³ http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/fod/oc/200-299/202_1s3.pdf
A laptop stand can help avoid discomfort when using a laptop for prolonged periods of time. With over two decade’s worth of experience in ergonomics, Colebrook Bosson Saunders can supply several laptop support solutions.
Tags: Colebrook Bosson Saunders, laptop stand, laptop support
11 Jan 11 Colebrook Bosson Saunders host “The Art of the Sea” Exhibition at London Bridge Showroom
On Thursday 2nd December Colebrook Bosson Saunders hosted the Private View of Painter Michael Corkrey’s exhibition at its London Bridge Showroom. Despite London seemingly grinding to a halt as the snow continued to fall for a third day running many fought through the elements to attend. The event was run in partnership with Little Britain (the construction industry sailing Regatta) whose past participants were invited to attend along with friends and clients of Colebrook Bosson Saunders. As part of Michael’s desire to introduce his paintings to new markets, beyond the confines of the regular art world, the exhibition provided a first opportunity to buy direct from the artist. Five percent of all painting sales are to be donated to the Little Britain charities, which include the Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust, Jubilee sailing Trust, The Cirdan Sailing Trust and Skandia British Sailing Team.
Martyn Colebrook of Colebrook Bosson Saunders explains “we’re very proud to be introducing the work of such a talented artist to a new audience. Michael is an incredibly gifted and dedicated artist and we’d just like even more people to know about his work. As a company we are known for our vision and creativity and our innovative approach to the design of ergonomic workplace accessories, so we are keen to support an artist like Michael who has a similar vision and drive to be the best within his field.”
Since leaving the Royal Academy Schools in 1989, Michael Corkrey has lived and worked in London. In his previous artistic incarnation, as a painter from life of nudes and portraits, Michael won the prestigious Hunting Art Prize and has painted portraits of sitters as diverse as Earl Spencer; the Spectator ‘low-life’ columnist Jeffrey Bernard; MPs and High Court Judges. Eschewing the more conventional and often generalised forms of seascape painting, Corkrey focuses instead on the specific, arrested moments of the sea at its most extreme. Instants normally lost in a split-second, but which are transformed into powerful and epic images of haunting beauty that transport the viewer into mysterious and rhapsodic visions of the sea.
For more information regarding events held by CBS, please visit our events page.
About Colebrook Bosson Saunders:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com
Enquiries:
For further press information please contact Lucie Parkin by email press@cbsproducts.co.uk or telephone +44208 693 9884 / +447980 649 308
For all other enquiries contact Colebrook Bosson Saunders by email info@cbsproducts.co.uk or telephone +44 207 940 4266
Tags: art of the sea, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, ergonomic workplace, ergonomics
15 Dec 10 Flo Awarded “Best Interior Product” Accolade at Mixology Awards
On 25th November Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ latest product “Flo” won the prestigious “Mixology” Award for Best Interior Product. Martyn Colebrook collected the award at a vibrant ceremony (featuring Brandon Block) held at the Palace Hotel Manchester.
The illustrious Mix Interiors awards were presented to the ground breakers and boundary pushers of the commercial interiors sector, recognising the most influential people and companies. The awards are judged by an independent panel of leading architects, specifiers and consultants. Other winners included ID:SR, BDP and Bene.
Flo is a self-powered adjustable monitor arm that allows a flat screen to be used in either an upright viewing position, at desktop level as a touch screen, or anywhere in between. Flo stands out from other flat screen arms because it addresses three major needs of end-users and specifiers: free flowing action with smooth adjustability; a unique visual indicator weight gauge; compatibility with touch-screen technology and in addition, as one would expect from a Colebrook Bosson Saunders’ product, purity of design.
Enquiries:
For further press information please contact Lucie Parkin by email press@cbsproducts.co.uk or telephone +44208 693 9884 / +447980 649 308
For all other enquiries contact Colebrook Bosson Saunders by email info@cbsproducts.co.uk or telephone +44 207 940 4266
Note to editors:
Colebrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) believe passionately in design. CBS design and manufacture innovative and elegant solutions that create space and comfort for people in a wide range of workplaces, including trading floors; offices; hospitals; schools and universities; and passenger terminals.
Through extensive expertise in ergonomics CBS create adjustable work space solutions that promote healthy and productive working environments. These workplace solutions help overcome some of the most common workplace issues related with technology use – musculoskeletal disorders, workstation organisation and technology support.
CBS have a truly global presence with offices in Europe, UAE, USA, Asia and Australia.
www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com
For more information about Mixology North go to www.mixology-north.com
Tags: adjustable monitor arm, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, flat screen arm, Flo
