Ergonomics at the workplace: RollerMouse sets new standards

According to the Digital Office Index 2018 of the digital association Bitkom, every second employee in Germany is already using a computer. The market research company Statista estimates that the number of jobs involving computers will rise to 37.5 million by 2020. This gives an idea of how many mouse clicks and keystrokes are performed every day.

Daily bad postures at work can lead to physical complaints

It is estimated that a quarter of all people who work primarily on computers suffer from shoulder, neck and wrist complaints. Monotonous work on the computer for several hours often leads to pain in precisely these areas. The cause of this is permanent bad posture and overloading of the wrist and arm.

Frequently occurring complaints, which are commonly referred to as mouse arm or tennis arm, can become serious illnesses and consequently leave permanent damage behind. The mouse arm, also known as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries), describes the complaints in the area from the hand over the arm and the shoulder up to the neck, which is caused by incorrect posture of the arm. Other injuries caused by this poor posture at the desk and repeated strain are also known as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

An ergonomically designed workplace prevents pain

The listed complaints in the area of neck, shoulder, arm and wrist can be prevented by an appropriate ergonomic arrangement of the workplace. An ergonomic workplace is a design of the workplace that enables people to carry out their work without risk of physical discomfort. Various factors play a role when it comes to designing an ergonomic workplace. For the desk, for example, there are minimum heights and sizes. A back-friendly office chair and the correct height of the screen can prevent incorrect posture.

Mouse and keyboard are the main tools for computer work. Therefore, it is all the more important to select equipment that is gentle on the user. An ergonomic mouse with a matching keyboard helps to prevent incorrect postures of wrist and arm, so that shoulder and neck are relieved at the same time. An ergonomic mouse is shaped so that the hand can rest in a natural position to prevent malpositioning. This also helps to prevent further complaints in the arm, shoulder and neck area.

An ergonomic keyboard is designed according to the same principle. The company ContourDesign has specialized in the conception of ergonomic keyboards and mice and even goes one step further.

The Contour RollerMouse – An ergonomic mouse with a completely new approach

The manufacturer considers the physical differences between people, their behavior and habits in the design of its products. Ergonomics does not consist in a single solution, but in a combination of good and efficient devices, variety, flexibility and good habits. With the RollerMouse, developed by ergonomics experts, Contour Design follows exactly this approach. In contrast to conventional mice, which are placed to the side of the keyboard, the RollerMouse finds its place in the middle directly in front of it.

The RollerMouse product family not only revolutionises computer work with its exceptional design, which has won the Red Dot Design Award, it also helps the user to maintain a healthy working position and minimises the working area to reduce strain on tendons and joints. Complaints caused by incorrect loading and overloading of the upper extremities during computer work are now a thing of the past.

How the RollerMouse integrates itself into everyday working life

The central positioning of the Contour RollerMouse minimizes the work area and the synergy in the workflow of keyboard and mouse can be optimally used. The RollerMouse also differs significantly from conventional mouse models in terms of appearance, form and functionality, making it an eye-catcher on any desk. To control the mouse pointer, it has a roll bar that can be operated with the right or left hand in a relaxed manner. This allows the user to easily change hands in between or simply operate the RollerMouse with both hands to avoid one-sided strain. The mouse pointer can be moved precisely across the screen by turning and sideways shifting the roller bar with the fingertips. Pressing it triggers a left click.

Five pre-programmed keys, with the usual mouse functions such as right and left click, double click as well as copy and paste, make work even easier. The keys are positioned so that they are easy to reach with both hands and offer the user maximum comfort. The small, simple movements in front of the body can effectively prevent strain on the neck, shoulders, elbows and wrist and increase concentration and precision at work.

This ergonomic mouse variant is suitable for “normal” office work as well as for creative use. Its high-quality workmanship is reflected in the materials used, its longevity and the high grip of the wheel bar. Additional adjustment options for cursor speed and click sensitivity underline the ease of use and meet even the highest demands.

The Balance Keyboard as a suitable complement to the RollerMouse

This additionally relieves the strain on the wrist and supports a healthy working position when typing. The inclination of the keyboard can be adjusted at any time by adjusting the feet of the keyboard. Despite its compact size, the Balance Keyboard covers all application areas, including shortcuts and media keys as well as a numeric keyboard.

Prevent complaints and minimize downtime

In the sum of all measures and incentives that companies can implement to get and retain good employees, the equipment and thus the ergonomics at the workplace play a major role. Employers are finding that ergonomically oriented workplaces have a significant positive effect on health and thus on the productivity and satisfaction of their employees.

By introducing healthy working practices, companies can save significant long-term costs for downtime and increase the well-being factor of their employees.

Images: Contour