Ergonomics as Defined by Webster's:
"The science that seeks to adapt work or working conditions to suit the worker".
The migration towards a mobile workforce of historical proportion continues.
The resulting rise in productivity can provide a company with a true competitive
advantage. And while companies have placed a greater emphasis on worker safety
over the years, the mobile worker can experience stress and injury. As this
transition increases, so does the risk of injury to nerves, muscles and joints.
CODi's mission is to provide superior products that promote health and wellness
for today's mobile worker.
Many companies and agencies have attempted to establish guidelines that relate
to the ergonomic needs of today's mobile worker and carrying cases. The most
simplistic is the Body Mass Index (BMI) guide, a measurement of weight and height.
To better understand ergonomics, CODi recently
conducted research into how physiology and physics affect the human
body and their direct correlation to the mobile worker. At CODi, we
believe that Lean Muscle Mass (LMM) is a
more important criterion in defining ones ability to carry more (or less). BMI
measures a persons mass, but does not take into consideration muscle versus fat
as part of the criteria. LMM
(Lean Muscle Mass)
however focuses instead on muscle.
The more muscle you have, the more you can lift and support.
Several basic facts are interpreted in our research and data:
- As of 2002, the average American male weighed 190 pounds and was 5' 9" tall, wherein
the average American female weighed 163 pounds and was 5' 3" tall.
- The average male skeletal mass is 72.6 pounds versus 46.2 pounds for the average female.
40% of which is concentrated in the upper body for men compared to 33% for women.
- The average male can effectively lift 24% more weight than the average female presuming
they weigh the same. As an example, and according to our research and recommendations, if a
typical man and woman each weigh 165 pounds, the man can safely transport a maximum of 25
pounds in a backpack versus a maximum of 18.5 pounds for the woman.
- Workers Compensation guidelines have attempted to establish that a person should not
carry more than 15% of ones body weight as a simple reference. CODi attempts to define
this further by establishing variables that should be taken into account, such as whether
you are male or female (and the inherent disparity in percentages in Lean Muscle Mass)
and even what type of case an individual typically uses.
- It is easier and safer to transport additional weight in a wheeled case or backpack
versus a traditional case when the various CODi guidelines are considered.
The Solution
CODi's overall carrying case line is the lightest of any commercially available at
an average of 3.5 pounds per case, inclusive of all CODi wheeled models.
With these basic facts in hand, CODi has created several steps to assist you in
best deciding which CODi model is best suited for you:
- Go to our
"User-profile"
calculator. Check the boxes of those items that you typically carry and it will tally
an approximate total weight.
- After determining the weight you carry, go to the specific CODi case chart that
applies to you. This is meant to provide our recommendation for the TYPE of
case, as well as the recommended maximum weight you should carry. Traditional cases
are defined as a brief or over the shoulder type case. Other classes of cases are
backpack and wheeled.
- As a rule of thumb, back-packs are a better solution than traditional cases
IF you carry a considerable amount of weight over an extended or regular
basis since two straps will distribute the weight better than a single strap.
- It is our observation that the best solution of all is to remove the weight
entirely from your back or shoulder(s) by using either the wheelie strap (typically
found on the back of each CODi traditional case) OR by switching to a wheeled
case for use as your primary case. CODi's wheeled cases feature an ergonomically
designed handle which is curved 25 degrees and effectively reduces weight transfer
by 43% over traditional straight-handle designs.
- When lifting any type of carrying case, it is recommended that you lift with
your legs (do not bend at the waist) AND tighten your abdominal muscles to
assist your lower back while lifting. Placing a backpack or traditional case on a
table before placing it on your shoulder or back will also help avoid injury.
- When flying, if your case exceeds 15 pounds, it is recommended that you store
your case under the seat in front of you. The possibility of injury increases when
lifting an object above your head.
Our goal is to assist our clients in reducing the possibility of injury and in
promoting overall health and wellness. The information provided is meant only for
your consideration and assistance in choosing the most ergonomic carrying case
solutions.
Though we feel that by following our guidelines the chances of injury will be
significantly lower, CODi cannot be held liable for any injuries sustained when
using our products.
