Typing this question hurt more than it really should.

May 15, 2008 10:38 AM

Can someone recommend an ergonomics consultant in Toronto who will work with a home office?

I've poked around on the web, but the ones I've seen are mainly focused on the office environment, which makes sense, since that's where the money likely is, but I have a home office and a lot of RSI issues.

I'd like someone to take a look at the height of my desk / monitors / etc, as well as recommend specific products (like, I'd like to get an ergonomic keyboard, but which one?) that would help my space work better for me.

If you do recommend somebody, a ballpark indication of how much their services are likely to cost would be great.

posted by jacquilynne to health & fitness (3 comments total)

I see you've tagged this "health", and you have pain, so I'm going to dare to derail and suggest you have your doctor recommend an occupational or physical therapist. You need someone who will look at the way you sit/type/work and tell you what is causing the pain, not an ergonomics "consultant." In Toronto most of the cost should be covered by OHIP.
posted by lockedroomguy at 4:13 PM on May 15, 2008

Seconding the physical or occupational therapist option. I'm a PT, and we can do that. A PT or OT that doesn't specialize in this area might have a harder time recommending and locating the actual equipment for you, but should absolutely be able to assess your workstation/posture/computer position to help you work more comfortably. That's more important than the equipment.
posted by jennyjenny at 3:12 PM on May 16, 2008

I'm studying Ergonomics at U of T. I'm thirding the advice above - simply replacing hardware will help a little bit, but you need someone to watch your work habits, because those likely have a much larger effect.

If you're on the cheap, About.com has some material that's worthwhile.

In my experience, the most important thing to prevent RSI at the office is to get chair arms or a desk height that lets you support the weight of your shoulders and arms on your elbows. Without this, either you'll get shoulder strain from holding your hands up all day, or you'll relax and put your weight on your wrists when typing or mousing. Carpal tunnel city.

Ergonomic keyboards are by and large BS. And don't get those little gel-rubber keyboard/mouse wrist pads either.
posted by anthill at 9:58 AM on May 18, 2008