Reaching

Tables that can adjust at different angles and elevations to comfot guests as well as masseuse and massage therapists at a reasonable posture.

Desks and tables that are adjustable allow individuals who use mobility aids, have to alternate between sitting and standing positions, or use various types of chairs to be more comfortable. Adjusting a working surface to meet individual needs increases their comfort and access.

Adjustable / accessible workstations are desks and tables that are adjustable and allow individuals who use mobility aids to access them. They may also allow an individual to alternate between sitting and standing positions or use various types of chairs to be more comfortable.

Aerial lifts (sometimes called platform lifts or manlifts) are used to access materials at heights out of reach. They often replace climbing a ladder and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including smaller lifts called scissor lifts and platform lifts and intermediate lifts called maintenance lifts.

Convex mirrors are mirrors that allow users to see around corners and blind spots.

Tools that remove burrs from metal or plastic pipe edges remaining from drilling, grinding, or milling projects.

Individuals with neck, back, shoulder, and upper extremity limitations may benefit from using ergonomic hand and power tools. Ergonomic hand tool designs allow users to maintain neutral postures while minimizing wrist deviations. Users also have an easier time keeping shoulders relaxed by using lightweight tools. Mechanical stressors such as misaligned finger grooves, sharp edges, and single finger triggers should be avoided. Vibration from the tool should be minimized, and heavier tools can be suspended from tool balancers when possible. Spring loaded returns on tools such as scissors and pliers are also a part of good ergonomic design.

Industrial or office ergonomic assessments can help to maintain the health and safety of employees and may be necessary as part of a reasonable accommodation for an employee with a disability. In some cases, an ergonomic assessment can be performed by an in-house safety or human factors employee who is qualified to perform an analysis on an employee’s work environment and make appropriate recommendations. When this is not available an employer may need to look elsewhere for this type of service or they may want to consider training for future ergonomic assessment needs. JAN provides the following list of organizations that offer ergonomic assessment consulting services, referrals, and training materials. This list is not exhaustive and JAN does not specifically endorse these organizations over others that provide similar services.

Ergonomic office equipment includes copyholders, monitor risers, keyboard trays, keyboard rests, and foot rests. Other equipment characterized as ergonomic are ergonomic or electric staplers, staple removers, scissors, and hole punches. Individuals with handling, fingering, and grasping restrictions resulting from cumulative trauma disorders can benefit from this equipment. Products in this area alleviate the repetitive motion common to many hand-intensive jobs.

Folding steps attach to vehicles allowing the individual to step up into a vehicle.

Height adjusters are hydraulic height adjustable legs that can be attached to an existing workstation. By working the hand crank, a workstation can be raised, lowered, or have the angle adjusted.

Aids to assist individuals with independent living needs are available. These tools and devices enable people with various types of limitations to perform personal and household activities such as reaching, reading, writing, dressing, personal hygiene, walking, eating, cooking, cleaning, and gardening.

Low step ladders designed to support higher weights than normal step ladders.

Lift Tables lift objects that are placed on it up so that the object can be worked upon efficiently while reducing strain from awkward positioning. Lift tables come in a variety of sizes and some are usable with hand cranks, while others are fully electronic.

Low task or mechanics chairs are small stools on wheels. Some options are height adjustment and tool trays under the seat. May also be purchased at a local auto parts store.

These devices help support those who work in mechanical or industrial environments and must access areas using awkward posture. These devices help support the worker.

Periodic rest breaks can allow an individual to move about, stretch, adjust their seating position, or modify how a task is completed. Breaks can be short in duration, depending on the individual’s needs. Time used for breaks can be taken from already provided break time, lunch, or made up so there is not an impact on productivity.

These powered stands provide healthcare workers with hazard-free, ergonomic lifting solutions during procedures. These stands neutralizes bag weight to ease raising and lowering and prevent workplace hazards.

Individuals with certain limitations may find it difficult to grasp items from hard to reach places, such as a shelf or the floor. Reachers can extend to various lengths and can grasp items for those with limited reach or strength.

Rolling safety ladders are less steep than regular ladders, therefore, easier to climb; other features include handrails and locking casters.

Devices and products built to assist individuals in walking up stairs and maintaining their balance.

Low-height stepping stools to help little people and other individuals access beyond their normal range of height.

Handles that can be extended in order to facilitate further reach.

Equipment designed to perform the lifting, holding, and relocating of small weights while preventing potential damage to the material.

Tray attachments for wheelchairs.

Work platforms are adjustable height workstations that can be adjusted to optimum heights or fixed height platforms used to raise workers to the working level. Some platfoms provide access for wheelchair uses where the use of ramps is not possible.