Dear Orchid list members,
I am in the process of selecting a Bench Chair. This letter should be
self explanitory.
But - I need input from others in the newsgroup. I can tell you all
that " Pain does not build Character " I would like a chair which will
allow me to work , un distracted by chronic back pain, to the fullest
potential which I have. I will keep a file on selection of a "
Orthopedically and Ergonomicly Correct Bench Chair "
I would like to open more discussion on the subject of Ergonomics in
the Jewelery and Lapidary, Arts and Crafts Contributions will be edited
to protect the privacy of all contributors ( unless asked otherwise )
. Sugestions on how best to do this will be very welcome.
I have designed and built some devices in the past, as a Millwright /
Maintaince Mechanic, but without any formal training in the field of
Ergonomics. My decisions were directed by requests from other
workers and aproved by Production Supervision as well as our
Engineering Department . I am pleased to say that my efforts were
generaly well recieved < grin >.
Please send all contributions to either the list, or if editing for
privacy is desired, to me at - @rlpowell In 4 or 5 weeks,
my email and physical mail address will be changing. I am going back
to school < BIG GRIN >.
I will be continuing this as a personal project and as a way of
contributing to the Orchid List, as the Orchid List has contributed
to me.
told at the councilors office ( Paris College of Jewelry > Technology
) that an orthopedically correct chair would be provided to > be used
in the class room. > But, I would need to have a statment from my
doctor as to the need for > such a device . > My Doctor said , No
Problem, but that a discription ( and a brand name > preferably )
would would be needed before > he could make a recomendation. So,
here is what I need.
Support to help chronically pinched nerves in back causing some loss of sensation in my left hand, T 8 - T 9 Broken with some residual loss of controll and sensation ( 20 - 30 % ) L 3 - L 4 - L 5 disks removed with cronic pain and loss of control, Right knee shattered with some residual impairment .
I am going to be working in a classroom at a work bench ( Jewelers Bench ) for 8 hrs a Day, 4 Days a Week , for a Total of 2 Years . I intend to work part time in a Shop, or part time Self employed.
EDITED Contributions and Sugestions
" Sitting at bench is the hardest part... get up and move as much as possible, and use of GOOD chair with pneumatic adjustments is essential. If you have upper back problems, you will benefit from ergonomic articulating arm supports. They are fantastic, and permit you to work with ease, by taking the strain off your arms as you work at the pin in wax carving, soldering, filing, sawing, and general work. "
" Have your chair arms adapted for use with ergonomic arm supports. I have them on my chair, and others built into my metal and wax benches. The ergonimic arms are about $250 a pair. Be sure you don't have to pay for them yourself. "
Is there anything else You can think to add ? I need a description or a name brand. Ask Rehab specialists , or whoever You can think of . I am going to ask others to check out things to review on the internet and other sources.
I would like to Thank all the list members who have contributed and
assure all other members, who might wish to contribute, that their
contributions will be edited to protect all identifyable personal
references.
Thank You all so Very Much for all You have Shared
Robert L.Powell - ROBB - Retrainable Old Baby Boomer