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Posted 6/6/2007 10:32 AM (GMT -7)
Hi all,

I am trying to figure out ways that my employer can make things for employees with lupus and other chronic illnesses that involve pain, fatigue, etc. better in the work environment.   what are some things that yall can think of that would make things better in the work environment for those of us that suffer with lupus, uctd, etc??  i suggested a pavilion so that when we want to go outside we CAN because we wont be in the sun.  i also suggested a place for us to lie down during breaks.  do you have any other suggestions???  thanks everyone!   :) 

Posted 6/6/2007 11:01 AM (GMT -7)
Hi Zots,

  I sit a a computer when I work. I have found the computer chairs aren't very comfortable and cause more pain for me. Also the older monitor box type screens are very straining on the eyes. Just a couple of ideas if your company hasn't already updated in these areas... :-) .

  It's great that you are doing this for yourself as well as others. Good luck and Bless You!

                                                                  Babs

Posted 6/6/2007 11:01 AM (GMT -7)
Zots, last year when I was working I found a great article online about the workplace and lupus. I'll try to dig it out later today and give you this link.
Posted 6/6/2007 11:23 AM (GMT -7)
Technically, despite advertising, the 'old style' monitors are better for your eyes, IF you can get a refresh rate of 70HZ or above. The default setting is 60Hz, a lot of them can be adjusted to 70 or above. The problem with the new flat screen displays is the the light that is beamed at you is FLUORESCENT light. That's the type of light that most of us become really sensitive to. (IE feeling bad at kmart-type susperstores) I tried one for a week, and between lupus & sjogrens it affected my eyes so much I was almost blind (inflammation, redness, swelling, headache in eyes). I back this up with my own (30 yrs of) experience, and with doing the research, along with my Computer Science and Electrical Engineering degrees. I know there are millions of people that disagree, so let's not make the thread about that. One thing lots of lupies on here agree about is that they have problems w/fluorescent overhead lights at work.
Posted 6/6/2007 11:44 AM (GMT -7)
Tks Lynn,

  That makes sense. Can the settings be adjusted on the flat screens?

                                                                 Babs

Posted 6/6/2007 11:53 AM (GMT -7)
Yes, they can, and I did find that it helped a little. Playing w/the contrast & brightness settings from buttons right on the monitor helps also. I think I dimmed both & dimmed room lighting during my test. There are also screens to put across the face of the monitor that claim they'll stop UV light --- I don't really put much faith in these unless you go with something really expensive. If on a Windows XP or earlier machine, find Control Panel/Display - goto the Settings tab, choose Advanced. From there, it can be different depending on your monitor and it's software -- for the computer I'm on right now, its the Monitor tab -- under Screen Refresh Rate it will show what your monitor itself is capable of. I run mine at the highest rate available -- 85Hz. Speed differs w/monitor & video card. If you can't figure it out, send me email & I'll help you w/it.
Posted 6/6/2007 11:55 AM (GMT -7)
I told the facilities management here at my building that I have special needs due to "arthritis" so I got to go down to the basement and pick out a chair out of many chairs. I must have sat in every one until I found the one that worked for me. It has a continuous back and a curved lumbar support. Must have been the most expensive one in there but they were very nice in accomodating for me. I also have a glare/privacy screen for my flat screen computer screen and let me tell you how much a difference it makes. My company is very sensitive to the issues of their employees which is nice. As far as the pavillion, I guess they can't do that because the building does not belong to them but living down here in the south, the outside at this time of year is avoided...sticky!!
Posted 6/6/2007 12:00 PM (GMT -7)
Another thing that helps in the workplace -- proper ergonomics for typing -- same as old rules for typewriters is best. There are lots of web sites that describe specifics. You can find ergonomics for several kinds of situations online. One thing I do personally disagree with -- w/computer they are putting 'wrist rests' on the front of the keyboard -- for me, this puts my wrist at an angle that can cause carpal tunnel disease. I use the old typewriter method, of holding my hands free *above* the keyboard, with elbows-to-fingers straight. There are also 'natural keyboards', that help a lot w/wrist & overuse issues. The employer can make sure the overhead lights have proper UV filters. Lupus makes me more easily distracted -- a quiet workplace helps.
Posted 6/6/2007 9:36 PM (GMT -7)
If the job lends itself to it, flex hours, job sharing, work from home, etc.

If the "Lupie" is agreeable, it would be a great opportunity if the work place allowed educational materials from Lupus Foundation to be available to employees.
Posted 6/7/2007 4:44 PM (GMT -7)
I think it would be nice if businesses would use more environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. The strong smell/harsh chemicals are hard to take sometimes. Also possibly having adjustable heating and cooling vents so we don't freeze/bake and end up with a fever and days off work.

carol
Posted 6/7/2007 6:04 PM (GMT -7)
excellent ideas everyone!!! thanks sooooo much! i never really thought about the glare on the screens, i have sojourns also (havent had time to put it down in my signature) and i DO notice a problem with that. i work in public health so there really is no way to work at home so we're trying to figure out how i and several other "sufferers" can be made more comfortable. if you have anymore suggestions im ALL EARS. :) thanks again everyones. God bless each of you.

zots
Posted 6/8/2007 5:58 PM (GMT -7)
bump
Posted 6/8/2007 6:45 PM (GMT -7)
all of that would be nice, but I have to work outside. All year long and for ten years had no a/c in the work trucks. I just got a new work van...Thanks to OSHA now it's requiered in all new vans.
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