Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1351516
52 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y by CAS Associate member Bryan Cahill and Dr. Elliot Smithson Sound Ergonomics for a Long Career From sciatica, shoulder impingements, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, patellar tendinitis, tennis elbow, and more, most of us have experienced MSD's or musculoskeletal disorders acquired on the job. The problem is compounded by underreporting of injuries due to fear of negative perceptions and repercussions. This underreporting causes many small problems to be ignored until they become large problems requiring loss of work or even permanent disability. There are actions however, we can take to decrease many of these injuries. I'm Bryan Cahill and, last fall in my capacity as Chair of the Injury Prevention Committee of IATSE Local 695, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Elliot Smithson DPT, PT, MS, ATC, EMT-B, on a webinar dedicated to stretching and strengthening exercises. For this article, Dr. Smithson and I are partnering again to provide a comprehensive look at the subject of ergonomics and injury prevention. SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT The image on the left demonstrates the ideal setup for computer use. Setting up your workspace as a mixer or re-recording mixer with the same ergonomic principles will help keep your body in alignment, reduce excess strain, and prevent injury. Thousands of devices are available to improve ergonomics for office settings. Many of those tools translate directly to sound work, while others are unique to our needs. For production sound mixers, there are a number of boutique designers considering ergonomics from the concept stage of their location sound carts. Chris Parker of Parker Production Carts is using a modular approach where components can readily be moved up or down based on the ergonomic needs of the sound mixer. He wants to have everything you would need to see during a take at eye level. This can prevent forward head movement and slouching, which causes the head to effectively double in weight. Chris believes that an ergonomic, organized work space not only increases career longevity, but makes one a better mixer. Matt Bacon of SOUNDCART.audio is creating lightweight, durable, and attractive carts. His MiniCart Max is height adjustable and can easily be converted from a sitting to a standing cart. Eric Ballew's SuperZuca carts are lightweight and sturdy and customizable. For utility sound techs, Eric is creating what he calls a "smart cart." These motorized, remote control follow carts will have a towing capacity of 1,500 to 1,800 lbs. They are powerful enough not only to get a follow cart up a steep hill but can tow the mixer's cart as well. Although cart design is not a concern for re-recording mixers, the same ergonomics apply. All mixers should, when possible, use an ergonomically designed chair, mouse, and keyboard. This, along with having your mixing console and computer monitors at the appropriate level, will help reduce injuries related to repetitive use. In discussing the issue with Karol Urban CAS MPSE, she pointed out that re-recording studios are ergonomically designed for an average-sized man and that the studio monitors are intended to focus the sound to a very specific point. For Karol, this means bringing a foot rest with her so that she can properly position the height of her chair and still maintain contact with the ground. In researching this article, I have found that there are many adjustable foot rests available. "Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among human and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance." —International Ergonomics Association Executive Council, August 2000