Recognised NZ software reduces risk of OOS

News Release

15.11.00

HOW RESPONSIBLE COMPANIES CAN AVOID OOS LAWSUITS AND BOOST PRODUCTIVITY COST EFFECTIVELY

New version of WorkPace OOS prevention software with Reports 2 measures and analyses exposure to computer hazards while checking automatic reports on users most at risk. The software helps reduce the risk of OOS for computer users while enabling employees to maintain maximum work efficiency.

Reducing the risk of OOS for computer users is not just a matter of avoiding lawsuits; it is about valuing your employees, optimising productivity, increasing the bottom line and reducing costs caused by absenteeism. It is also good company PR.

Like it or not, OOS is a medical disorder. It is an illness that is costing industry worldwide billions every year in lost productivity. Furthermore, intensifying use of computers and computer related injuries is resulting in an increase in companies having to pay record damages awarded to employees suffering from OOS.

“If lawyers can show that workers were not properly warned of the dangers or how to combat them, it would open the way for an avalanche of claims over what experts say is today’s principal work-related illness.” The Express, UK, March 6, 2000.

Avoiding risk of OOS lawsuit is not simply a matter of purchasing ergonomic equipment and telling an employee that it is his/her responsibility to take a the Health and Safety recommended 10 minute break every hour.

According the UK & European Health and Safety regulations It is up to the employer “to plan the activities of users so that their daily work on the VDU is periodically interrupted by such breaks or changes of activity as reduce their workload at that equipment. … If work cannot be so organised, for example in jobs requiring only data or text input, where there are no alternative duties to be undertaken, then deliberate breaks or pauses must be introduced.”

WorkPace is recognised internationally for helping responsible companies, who value their workforce, ensure their employees are aware of the dangers of OOS; understand how to minimise the risk of OOS; and take recommended breaks from the computer.

The software has been tried and tested by 85,000 PC users worldwide. User organisations are from a wide range of sectors including consulting, banking, industrial, government and education. Many are using WorkPace throughout the organisation such as Ericsson, EDI, Rabobank, Price Waterhouse Coopers, ING Bank Netherlands, and Coca-Cola.

About WorkPace WorkPace is a highly reviewed and 5 star rated software designed to meet the needs of both employers and employees. It helps to prevent OOS, as well as to rehabilitate those suffering from stage I or II OOS, by calculating times for breaks and five second micropauses (effective injury prevention techniques developed by leading OOS experts).

The software was designed by in 1995 by Dr Robert van Nobelen and Dr Kevin Taylor, working in consultation with leading specialists to reduce the risks of developing OOS. Development of WorkPace was motivated by Dr Taylor’s previous personal experience of suffering badly from OOS.

The continuous animated on-screen status display, with feedback on individual performance, encourages users to take a personal interest in managing their own workload. WorkPace prompts the user with on-screen exercises and provides comprehensive statistical data on all breaks taken, time worked, typing speed and mouse usage. It also provides on screen feedback on work activity and warns when micropauses and rest breaks are needed. Plus it educates the user on posture, ergonomics and OOS prevention.

The new version of WorkPace includes Reports 2 that provides the ability to print graphs, tables and summaries of many aspects of computer use. Employers can measure exposure to computer hazards while checking automatic reports on users most at risk.

Platforms supported by the software include: DOS, Windows 3.1, NT3.51, 95, 98, NT4 and 2000. Minimum system requirements are: Pentium 100 or equivalent, 32MB Ram and 4MB disk space.

For further details and trial versions of WorkPace software visit www.workpace.com.

About Niche Software Niche Software Ltd was formed in 1997 by Directors Dr Robert van Nobelen (BE ME PhD) and Dr Kevin Taylor (BE PhD). The company is based in Christchurch and has an established international network of resellers. Turnover for this financial year is expected to total $1.5 million. With increasing multi-user licence interest from large international organisations, Niche Software predicts its turnover will triple by next financial year.

For further information, photography and/or software to review please visit the website at www.workpace.com or contact:

Dr Robert van Nobelen or Dr Kevin Taylor Directors Niche Software Ltd PO Box 31-281, Christchurch Tel: 03 365 3040 Fax: 03 341 3045 Emails: robert@workpace.com kevin@workpace.com

or

Shelley Grell PR Director Communicate IT Ltd Tel/Fax: + 64 3 314 4606 Mobile: + 64 25 260 2635 Email: communicateit@xtra.co.nz

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