WorkPace is a software program used in managing the risks associated with extensive computer use. It is designed to reduce the risk of Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) in neck, shoulder, forearm and wrist areas by prompting regular breaks, stretching exercises and variation in tasks development. Further, it reduces the risk of workplace fatigue, headaches and eye strain, allowig for increased productivity.

What is WorkPace

WorkPace is a break and exercise software solution which can be used as a prevention or intervention tool for injuries such as OOS, upper body strain and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The software provides an integrated health and safety solution for computer users which provides break and exercise reminders, monitors discomfort levels and collates computer use in statistical detail.

WorkPace can be programmed from a reminder type alert (non intrusive) through to a comprehensive rehabilitation program (lockout).

The program is activity based and provides reminders only when needed.

These include:-

• Micropauses, short break after medium level of continuous activity.
• Rest breaks, medium term breaks and with optional exercises after longer periods of continuous activity
• Exercise breaks after preset periods of accumulated activity.

All settings are optional and easily configured and may be implements at various enforcement levels from non-intrusive to strict enforcement.

Micropause reminders- are preset for a continuous period of computer use (keyboard and mouse). The may complete the current task and then take a short break (usually a few seconds), look away from the screen taking the hands of the keyboard and mouse, then resume working. Natural breaks (Morning tea and lunch are taken into account.

Rest Break Reminders- again will appear on the screen after a preset period of continuous use. As with Micropause reminders the user may complete their task. If they choose to stop their computer activity, an optional exercise window will appear. The user may choose to do the exercise or perform other tasks for the duration of the break (usually a few minutes. Natural breaks are taken into account.

The optional exercise window consists of medically endorsed exercises and is suitable for computer users. The window will appear based on continuous use or accumulated use depending on the users setting.

Break Countdown Timer. This window will appear after a period of continuous use or at the completion of the exercises to give a visual indication of the remaining break time.

The Benefits of WorkPace

Prevention

This program is useful for all computer users because the program can be modified to provide a range of reminders to take a break and exercise. The program does not lock out the user unless it has been programmed to do so.

Most computer users are driven by deadlines and focus on their respective daily workload relocating health and safety issues to a time when they as less pressed. Regular periodic breaks and exercise can reduce the incidence of acute and chronic injury of a strain nature. Regular break and exercise reminders have been proven to reduce the reported incidence of injury.

Intervention

As an intervention model the program can be set to signal reminder breaks and exercises. The structured return to work program can configure the required breaks with a lockout component where the injured person cannot continue without taking the required break.

Computer use can be monitored with a view to establishing the need to modify hours and use if the reports indicate excess use during the restricted hours of use.

How to Install

WorkPace is installed by ICT. Simply email Servicedesk@canberra.edu.au with your:

• Name
• Your staff ID
• Your computer name. You can find your computer name by following these steps:

• 1. Right Click "My Computer"

  2. Left Click "Properties"

  3. Go to "Computer Name" Tab

  4. Provide the Full computer Name.

How to Configure

Once WorkPace is installed on your computer you can follow the wizard to configure or follow the instructions on the WorkPace Configuration Page.

WorkPace Reports

These reports are an optional component of the WorkPace portfolio and can be used to generate comprehensive reports on computer use. These reports may be used to identify high risk groups, monitor changing patterns in computer use and high risk periods throughout the university year.

Privacy

The intention is to have the Workpace icon on the desktop and it being an optional download for each employee.

The privacy provisions must ensure that information gathered by Workpace is used for health and safety risk management purposes only.

Privacy issues also can be addressed by the kind of reports generated, who can view and access the users statistics. An example of a privacy policy has been provided. To alleviate concern about the information collated, the reports can be structured to provide group information only to the Health and Safety Office within the university.

The reports generated are to remain within the Health and Safety Office. Passwords control the access and are retained only by the Health and Safety Office and the individual user.

Workpace deployment:-

• Central reporting on statistics. Individually controlled passwords for local statistics.
• Individual can set the permissions on who can see the data. This gives the ability to the individuals to voluntarily allow their statistics to be monitored.

Local statistics means that the file is held on the local computer and may only be viewed on that computer.

Central means that the file is sent to a central location and may be viewed by the administrator.

Prevention

Central reporting on statistics. Individually controlled passwords for local statistics.

• The data is collated by Balanced Ergonomic and provided to the Health and Safety Office as a report from a particular area so that computer and mouse usage can provide trends, peaks and lows and signal areas of high risk for injury.
• Group compliance reports are the only reports to be made available to management
• Upon request individuals will have access to any information pertinent to them generated by Workpace.
• A privacy policy is made available to all those using Workpace

Intervention

Central reporting on statistics. Individually controlled passwords for local statistics.

This information is available at a local level and can be obtained with the Health and Safety Officer and the individual present. In this way the medical restrictions can be set in the program and the management of these restrictions can be better applied.

Summary

Centrally controlled externally collated statistics for areas supplied to the Health and Safety office as group statistics is the preferred option for a preventative model to address risk management.

For the intervention model for an injured employee then the statistics can be monitored locally on an individual basis to ensure medical restrictions are applied from a management perspective as well as to educate on the need for regular breaks.