Ideal Office

IDEAL OFFICE KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

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Guarantee and more

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Ergonomic office chair

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

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Quality, class

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Expertise in office furniture

Quality office, quality furniture

The growing demand for office space in the UAE is showing little sign of slowing down as businesses, the construction and development sectors in particular, continue to be attracted to the Gulf region, creating a lucrative market for the world’s office suppliers

By Jamila K. Qadir

T

HE SLOWDOWN IN business due to global recession did not leave out the office furniture market in the UAE, and it has already recorded a major decline in sales. Things are expected to improve later this year, industry players say.

“The market has been booming for the last three years. However, this year, due to the global crisis, there is a downturn by 40 per cent in the market compared to last year,” said Benjamin George, deputy general manager, Hitec Offices.

“Last year was great in terms of sales despite tough competition, especially from those who were dealing in low-priced cheap quality office furniture. This year, most of the major projects that we used to get orders from are being put on hold. Some of the projects are still going on and we expect the situation will improve by summer.”

Also, the current crisis has got some positive sides. Likely, it will wipe out small-time players dealing in cheap brands. Only strong and wellestablished companies can withstand the burden of a slowdown in business,” he explained.

He said that, despite the downturn, his company would still go ahead with its expansion plans. It would move into the new bigger showroom in the Dubai Investments Park next month. “In two to three months’ time, business is expected to pick up. Once the mega projects are back on stream, business will be back to normal, although not to the level last year,” he said.

Kishanlal Jangid, managing partner of Al Quoz-based KSCo Doors & Interiors, local manufacturers of office and other furniture, said while the market for locally manufactured

furniture was down by up to 35 per cent, there is hope that things will get better by the second half of the year.

“We used to be very busy these times in the previous years, but this year we don’t have many orders. Normally, we get good orders mainly from locals, who prefer custom made furniture for their offices and homes. We do not expect things to improve much this year as the economic situation is bad, but, hopefully, things might improve a little bit later this year,” he said.

However, what is somebody’s loss is somebody else’s gain. The European manufacturer Ikea said its sales of office furniture for the first

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KT illustration: Sidharthan

KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Tuesday, March 3, 2009

IDEAL OFFICE

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Quality office, quality furniture • CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

The UAE’s office furniture market is estimated at Dh1 billion. But this figure can be expected to rise in line with the expansion of office space, that is likely to take the current supply of 2.4 million square metres to more than twice that figure by 2010

two months of this year recorded six to seven per cent growth compared to the same period last year. The reason?

The same: global recession.

“There is a drop in our general sales, but office furniture is really doing well. People still need to buy office furniture, but instead of going for a fancy one, they now choose simple and economically priced yet the quality one, which Ikea is all about,” said Ahmad Shams, contract sales manager, Ikea.

“Summer is expected to be tough in terms of business as many expats are usually going on leave and sales drop due to that. Also, by summer, most of the ongoing projects, which are due for completion, will be finished. But the first quarter of this year, with some projects still going on, is expected to be good for sales,” he explained.

Recession or no recession, the show must go on. Offices need to be properly furnished so that employees, who usually spend more than 8-10 hours a day there, can work comfortably.

More and more companies are renovating their workspaces and investing in office furniture in Dubai to ensure the comfort of their employees at all times. Work styles and work conditions keep on changing and ergonomic furniture, which was an alien term to this place some 10 years ago, is now a common word.

The growing demand for office space in the UAE is showing little sign of slowing down as businesses, the construction and development sectors in particular, continue to be attracted to the Gulf region, creating a lucrative market for the world’s office suppliers. The UAE’s office furniture market is estimated at Dh1 billion.

But this figure can be expected to rise in line with the expansion of office space, taht is likely to take the current supply of 2.4 million square metres to more than twice that figure by 2010.

Office space in Abu Dhabi has risen by 50 per cent since 2000 and is still increasing, while Dubai’s acceler-

KT illustration: Sidharthan

ated business boom has seen the demand for office space double in 2008 alone, with major expansion in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Gulf leading to similar growth.

According to DMG world media, organisers of the Office Exhibition, this points to an unprecedented demand for office fit-outs and furniture, and the company is expecting record numbers of exhibitors, as well as trade and end-user visitors once the annual event kicks off today.

“This is a boom time for office suppliers,” said exhibition director Sinead Bridgett. “The regional trend is highlighted in Abu Dhabi where, since 2000, office supply has grown by 50 per cent to a total of 460,000 square metres of gross floor area. This growth will accelerate in the next five years as the new master plan for the city takes shape, and it’s a similar pattern in Dubai and other parts of the region.”

“Our research shows that 51 per cent of all visitors have a budget of between $300,000 and $1 million plus, and many spend much more on office design and equipment, meaning it can be an extremely lucrative event for office suppliers. More than 75 per cent of visitors said they would go on to appoint a new supplier as a result of attending the event, with a further 74 per cent intending to place an order.

It is particularly important for many UAE-based design companies whose main client base until recently had been hotel and leisure projects, but who have now diverted most of their resources into office design,” she explained.

Despite the slowdown in the global economy, the exhibition achieved 60 per cent growth this year compared to its previous edition. In the current economic climate, local and international businesses in the office sector were looking for ways to forge new business partnerships and the Middle East is still an attractive market for companies looking to expand their operations beyond Europe and the US, she said.

One of America’s largest office furniture manufacturing companies, Krueger International, (KI) is forecasting a 100 per cent increase in GCC turnover in the 2009 financial year. The strong growth forecast is due to a sustained demand for furniture across KI’s key industry sectors including higher education and healthcare.

Steve Vellozzo, Middle East sales manager, KI said: “During the period from 2003 to 2007, the company’s turnover was $2 million. This figure skyrocketed to more than $4.5 million last year after winning a string of prestigious business projects such as Aldar Properties and AdmaOpco’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and the Etisalat Tower in Dubai. We anticipate growth in all of our key sectors this year.

With orders worth more than $5 million already placed, turnover in 2009 is expected to exceed $10 million.”

Despite the global financial crisis, he sees huge opportunities in nonbusiness sectors in this region, which helped KI’s profits to soar last year.

“The Middle East is one of the most interesting and exciting markets at the moment, with the higher education and healthcare sectors still going very strong,” he added.

Meanwhile, a leading UAE manufacturer of ergonomic office workstations says local production can cut costs by up to 60 per cent and reduce customer waiting times from three months to less than four weeks. Bafco is set to announce a doubling of its local production and a commensurate cut in its reliance on imported products in order to meet strong demand for cost-effective, ergonomic office furniture.

The company, which currently manufactures office furniture from facilities in Al Quoz and Rashidiya, has announced a significant increase in local production processes that will see production rise from 20 per cent

A leading UAE manufacturer of ergonomic office workstations says local production can cut costs by up to 60 per cent and reduce customer waiting times from three months to less than four weeks. Bafco is set to announce a doubling of its local production and a commensurate cut in its reliance on imported products in order to meet strong demand for cost-effective, ergonomic office furniture to 50 per cent, drastically cutting costs and delivery time for customers in the UAE. Gilbert Grino, senior marketing executive at Bafco, said: “Given that customers in the UAE can wait for up to three months for their office furniture to be delivered, there is a strong incentive to manufacture locally. This also means we are able to customise our products to suit local tastes and provide a local servicing centre. In the end, the consumer could also see savings of 10 to 60 per cent.”

Guarantee and more Lexmark Professional Series inkjet AIOs offer five-year guarantee and twice the ink RESPONDING TO THE demanding needs of small office and home office (SOHO) users and small and medium businesses (SMBs), Lexmark International Inc. introduced the Professional Series, its first inkjet all-in-one (AIO) line to include a five-year guarantee and high-yield cartridges.

“Every day, SOHO consumers and SMBs face critical deadlines and demands for high quality work documents. To meet these challenges, they need robust, reliable and affordable solutions,” says Francois Feuillet, Lexmark Middle East General Manager.

“Our new Professional Series delivers productivity tools such as wireless, integrated two-sided printing and higher capacity paper handling.

What’s more, we also distribute these products with a five-year guarantee along with higher capacity ink cartridges.”

Lexmark’s five-year guarantee on the Professional Series can easily be obtained by registering online with Lexmark. “We are confident in the quality and durability of the Professional Series inkjet line,” said Feuillet. “This offer is designed to deliver a top-class range of high-end consumer printers and to show our unrivaled commitment to our customers.”

Integrated two-sided printing and high-yield cartridges are two features within the Professional Series that help customers reduce their impact on the environment, as well as reduce their printing costs. The high-yield ink cartridges deliver twice the yield of Lexmark’s standard cartridges. To offer customers ink solutions that best fit their needs, both high-yield and standard-yield cartridges will be available for this series.

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The Professional Series line features four inkjet AIOs including: the Lexmark X9575, X6575 and X4875 Wireless All-in-One, and the X5075 Sheetfed all in one.

Leading the new Professional Series is the Lexmark X9575 Wireless All-in-One, offering business-class productivity with the freedom of wireless.

The Lexmark X9575 wireless AIO: • Enables users to scan, fax and access media card slots • Features Ethernet connectivity for business users’ networks.

• Offers built-in automatic two-sided printing.

• Features a large, 150-sheet input tray, plus optional second drawer.

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•

Includes a 50-sheet automatic document feeder.

Offers print speeds of up to 33 pages per minute (ppm) black and 28 ppm Features a 48-bit flatbed colour scanner to easily scan or copy documents and photos.

Offers pigmented inks that are highlighter, water and smudge resistant with evercolorTM2 technology.

Includes photo capabilities with media card slots and PictBridge port, with optional six-color printing Produces vibrant, borderless photo prints that can last up to 100 years on Lexmark’s PerfectFinishTM Includes Lexmark’s Toolbar, making Web printing more efficient by eliminating unwanted content such as advertising or graphics from Web-based documents.

Is compatible with a PC and Mac

For more detailed information about any of the products mentioned above, please visit www. lexmark-me.com ■ ABOUT LEXMARK Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) provides businesses and consumers in more than 150 countries with a broad range of printing and imaging products, solutions and services that help them to be more productive. In 2007, Lexmark reported $5.0 billion in revenue. Learn how Lexmark can help you get more done at www.lexmark.com

While the UAE is an attractive market for imports, many UAE-based manufacturers are now discovering it is commercially more viable to produce high quality office furniture locally. According to industry experts, the country’s manufacturing sector grew at 15 per cent in the first three quarters of last year. In the current global economic climate, businesses are looking for ways to cut costs, while still improving the services they deliver. Manufacturing locally fits both these criteria, they say. ■

KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Tuesday, March 3, 2009

KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Tuesday, March 3, 2009

IDEAL OFFICE

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Ergonomic office chair One of the earliest known innovators to have created the modern office chair was naturalist Charles Darwin, who put wheels on the chair in his study so he could get to his specimens more quickly

KT illustration: Sidharthan

SEAT HEIGHT: Office chair seat height should be easily adjustable.

A pneumatic adjustment lever is the easiest way to do this. A seat height that ranges from about 16 to 21 inches off the floor should work for most people. This allows the user to have his or her feet flat on the floor, with thighs horizontal and arms even with the height of the desk.

SEAT WIDTH AND DEPTH: The seat should have enough width and depth to support any user comfortably. Usually 17-20 inches wide is the standard. The depth (from front to back of the seat) needs to be enough so that the user can sit with his or her back against the backrest of the ergonomic office chair while leaving approximately 2 to 4 inches between

the back of the knees and the seat of the chair. The forward or backward tilt of the seat should be adjustable.

LUMBAR SUPPORT: Lower back support in an ergonomic chair is very important. The lumbar spine has an inward curve, and sitting for long periods without support for this curve tends to lead to slouching (which flattens the natural curve) and strains the structures in the lower spine. An ergonomic chair should have a lumbar adjustment (both height and depth) so that each user can get the proper fit to support the inward curve of the lower back.

15 - 30 cm

Vertical to 30 back

20 - 30 cm

W

ORKING IN an office typically involves spending a great deal of time sitting long hours at a work station, a position that could add to stress. Ergonomics, the applied science of equipment design, intended to maximise productivity, stresses that worker is allowed to make voluntary changes in his/her working position so as to sit and carry out their duties in comfort.

There are three contact areas in the work space that affect the worker’s posture: the seat, the work surface (commonly it is a desk top or keyboard) and the floor. To ensure the most comfortable posture possible, two of these factors have to be adjustable.

If you can afford to do nothing else, a fully adjustable chair is the undisputable “must”.

The other, and perhaps the most preferable option, would be a fully adjustable desk. However, the price of such a desk may not make this option practical. Another effective (and cheaper) option is to use an adjustable chair and footrest to secure postural comfort.

One of the earliest known innovators to have created the modern office chair was naturalist Charles Darwin, who put wheels on the chair in his study so he could get to his specimens more quickly.

There are many types of ergonomic chairs available for use in the office. No one type of office chair is necessarily the best, but there are some things, say experts, that are very important to look for in a good ergonomic office chair. These things will allow the individual user to make the chair work well for his or her specific needs.

35 - 52 cm

By Staff Reporter

Allow legs to cross

38 - 40 cm

45 cm

BACKREST: The backrest of an ergonomic office chair should be 12 to 19 inches wide. If the backrest is separate from the seat, it should be adjustable in height and angle. It should be able to support the natural curve of the spine, again with special attention paid to proper support of the lumbar region. If the office chair has the seat and backrest together as one piece, the backrest should be adjustable in forward and back angles, with a locking mechanism to secure it from going too far backward once the user has determined the appropriate angle.

SEAT MATERIAL: The material on the office chair seat and back should have enough padding to be comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. Having a cloth fabric that breathes is preferable to a harder surface.

ARMRESTS: Office chair armrests should be adjustable. They should allow the user’s arms to rest comfortably and shoulders to be relaxed.

The elbows and lower arms should rest lightly, and the forearm should not be on the armrest while typing.

Swivel. Any conventional style or ergonomic chair should easily rotate so the user can reach different areas of his or her desk without straining. ■

HITEC OFFICES

Furniture to flooring Showcasing the latest from top-tier brand Italian–based furniture company FREZZA at the Dubai Office Exhibition

Gamba Quadra Operativa Bassa Sleek twin-facing work stations offer optimal opportunity for interaction and ergonomic comfort while maintaining the element of postmodern design.

Modulo 01 Porta Chiusa The featured image depicts a clean, sophisticated reception area with work stations featured in the background.

HITEC OFFICES LLC provides endto-to-end office and retail interiors solutions from furniture to floorings and seating systems. With showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, Hitec Offices is supported by a strong inventory and distribution system. The showrooms display over 120 of the latest furniture and interiors brands from all over the world.

Hitec Offices has translated its spate of industry successes into a concrete strategy for continued growth and expansion. Starting with a plan for the unveiling of an even bigger showroom in Dubai in the near future, Hitec Offices has strengthened its exclusive distributorship with premier office furniture company FREZZA. Based in Italy, FREZZA was founded by an architect and designer, creating furniture solutions that blend function with design for a unique and contemporary experience.

Benjamin George, Deputy General Manager of Hitec Offices, said of the Hitec Offices-FREZZA partnership, “We are very pleased with Hitec Offices’ pace of consistent growth in the furniture and interiors sector, and hail our partnership with FREZZA as a mutually beneficial alliance that will help to position ourselves as a leader in its industry, and FREZZA as a leading furniture brand in the region.”

As well as showcasing its enhanced product line at the 2009 Office Exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Hitec Offices is currently cosponsoring a design contest in collaboration with FREZZA to further reach out to designers and industry experts. Aimed at university students pursuing degrees in architecture and design, the contest is being held at leading universities in the UAE. The contest encourages students to

Scrivania Sedie Bianche Sophisticated executive desk flanked by two stylish meeting chairs pull the entire office together for a designer look with the added benefits of comfort and function. submit design samples, from which the best designs will be selected and awarded.

In addition to managing the FREZZA line, Hitec Offices is the exclusive distributor for several other notable brands in the Furniture and Interiors industry. Schiavello (Australia), one such brand under Hitec’s distributorship, offers a broad suite of contemporary furniture solutions for any modern office. Hitec Offices also has partnerships with several other internationally reputed brands such as Euro, a leading Malaysian furniture company with solutions for any number of diverse office spaces.

Following up on the unveiling of its new larger showroom at Dubai Investment Park, Hitec Offices future plans include leveraging its expertise in interior design and fit-out, translating this intellectual capital into the Retail Interiors market. ■

With showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, Hitec Offices is supported by a strong inventory and distribution system. The showrooms display over 120 of the latest furniture and interiors brands from all over the world

KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Tuesday, March 3, 2009

IDEAL OFFICE

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NASCO

Quality, class “The wide array of choices that are made available to endusers, the modern designs, all at affordable prices, make the company the people’s choice” OFFICE FURNITURE is an important item for all successful business people. We have been distributing the most elegant and top quality office furniture to the UAE, offering lowest possible prices and dependable customer service since 1965.

Over the past four decades, NASCO is the premier, eminent distributor of office furniture and equipment in the UAE. Today, NASCO boasts five prestigious showrooms in Deira and Karama in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Sharjah. Each of its products displays contemporary and classic designs, promising quality and superlative standards.

“NASCO has evolved as the premier, eminent distributor of office furniture and equipment with a proven record for providing qualitative products. This is made possible due to a dynamic marketing strategy that promotes growth and overall market share.

The wide array of choices that are made available to end-users, the

modern designs, all at affordable prices, make the company the people’s choice,” says Y. Daniels, Managing Director, NASCO. “Our customers are well-informed and are aware of what they need. It is the trust they place in us to deliver quality products that motivates Nasco to provide nothing but the very best,” he says.

NASCO’s Contemporary Series office furniture reaches the customer de-

picting the care and skill of authentic craftsmen, who meticulously take into account the various corporate requirements of modern-day functioning.

The Executive Series boast sophistication and elegance with flexibility and innovation as key elements. They offer the most modern office ambience with scope to absorb changes.

The executive chairs offer the ultimate in seating solutions, available in an extensive range of designs and myriad colours, every conceivable customer choice and application is catered to. With the IT boom, much emphasis is laid on system furniture, particularly ergonomic. These offer multiplicity, leading to additions and inclusions for newer staff, without upsetting the existing pattern, enhanced by perfect joints with alternating colours.

NASCO’s Desking System promises a timeless collection, ensuring harmonious and ergonomic work environment and milieu. The Administrative Furniture is crafted in American Walnut, Cherry etc. with refined basic elements of architecture and flexibility. These promise a highly functional and aesthetic appearance tantamount to a near revolution in the field of furniture.

Office partitions have a proven record of flexibility and innovation.

These are carefully crafted to divide as single workstation into many rooms and thus enhance efficiency and productivity. NASCO aims at constantly upgrading its quality and providing excellent customer service.

NASCO opens a new world of contemporary, classic, excellent and exclusive office furniture. ■

The executive chairs offer the ultimate in seating solutions, available in an extensive range of designs and myriad colours, every conceivable customer choice and application is catered to. With the IT boom, much emphasis is laid on system furniture, particularly ergonomic.

These offer multiplicity, leading to additions and inclusions for newer staff, without upsetting the existing pattern, enhanced by perfect joints with alternating colours

KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Tuesday, March 3, 2009

IDEAL OFFICE

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BAFCO

Expertise in office furniture BAFCO - the office furniture people - is the region’s leading provider of office furniture and interior turnkey solutions. With locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, BAFCO has been providing premium architectural office interiors and office furniture to corporate facility managers, interior designers, and purchasing agents since 1991. It is ISO 9001 compliant

Stocking a range of quality products from around the globe, BAFCO’s brands include US brand Humanscale, Shetug from Spain, Uchida from Japan and Methis from Italy. It has supplied office furniture solutions to companies and organisations such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Maritime City, Emirates Post and DIFC

WHAT YOU MAY not know is that BAFCO has expertise in design, planning and integrating flexible workplace solutions, as well as being the pioneer of ergonomic workplaces.

With showrooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and strategic partnerships all over the GCC, the company has assembled a group of interior experts.

BAFCO employs more than 200 people.

BAFCO has a dedicated team of designers and account managers, focused on meeting the needs of its clients while maintaining superb quality and performance levels. It finds turnkey solutions that not only improve the efficiency dynamics of your environment, but also fit within a pre-determined budget.

It takes more than equipment to ensure a productive working environment. This is where the company’s design and contracts divisions come in. BAFCO’s architects and interior designers can design and conceptualize your entire workspace, offering suggestions throughout the process.

An exclusive account manager oversees the entire process and ensures the process of transforming space runs smoothly, from ceiling to colour.

In 2008, BAFCO was awarded Supplier of the Year title by Dubai Airports for the fit-out of office interiors at the new Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

Other prestigious projects include Afghan International, BASF, Dubai Municipality, Movenpick Hotel Headquarters, Ary Digital, Amlak Headquarters, Emirates Post, ETA, Star Johnson & Johnson (Healthcare City), Hay Group and First Gulf Bank.

BAFCO’s experienced team work in tandem with architects and interior designers to provide effective solutions to the client. By applying the latest technologies in CAD, the company is able to offer bespoke solutions tailored to any budget. Whether companies are searching for a handful of chairs or furnishing an entire building, BAFCO understands that decisions are not a one-time purchase, but a long-term investment. That’s why BAFCO creates offices that grow with the organisational development.

Award-winning product range Stocking a range of quality products from around the globe, BAFCO’s brands include US brand Humanscale, Shetug from Spain, Uchida from Japan and Methis from Italy. It has supplied office furniture solutions to companies and organisations such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Maritime City, Emirates Post and DIFC.

Brand portfolio Humanscale – Ergonomics company from US Shetug – Executive furniture from Spain Levira – Executive furniture from Portugal Linekit – Executive furniture from Italy Methis – Workstations from Italy Uchida – Workstations from Japan BIF – Workstations and desks from Korea Sitland – Seating from Italy Tiaso – Partition systems from France BAFCO ergonomics BAFCO’s ergonomics division provides organisations with tools and solutions, which enable employees to work more comfortably, more safely,

BAFCO’s AED11million fit out contract at Terminal 3 garnered the company Supplier of the Year by Dubai Airports

and therefore more productively.

BAFCO is the exclusive distributor of ergonomic peripherals from Humanscale in the Middle East.

Senior Marketing Coordinator Gilbert Grino said while many people know ergonomic furniture is desirable, they often have not experienced it first hand. “Until you try out an ergonomic environment you’re not aware what you’re missing,” he said.

The Ergohuman chair fuses art and science, with flex zones that ensure constant support of back and lumbar, multi-dimensional adjustable arm rests for unparalleled support and a height-adjustable pivoting headrest for full crane support.

The Liberty chair has only two controls because most of its features and adjustments, such as the counterbalance mechanism for perfect recline tension, automatically fit to each user’s body. A sculpted seat cushion and exclusive tri-panel mesh back ensure excellent comfort and style.

“A chair that supports your body, yet allows you to move, minimises the need to get up and step away from your work, increasing not only comfort, but also concentration and ultimately productivity,” explained Grino. “The end result for organisations is cost savings and even increased revenues.”

The Humanscale chair received accolades in design with comments such as “Beautiful, simple, functional... industrial design at its best.” Susan Szenasy, Editor-in-Chief, Metropolis, The Grand Rapids Press, commented: “Liberty is one of the most beautiful office chairs ever created.”

In 2008, BAFCO was awarded Supplier of the Year title by Dubai Airports for the fit-out of office interiors at the new Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport However, maximising the ergonomic advantage requires a comprehensive approach to office design that includes both layout and the combination of suitable components, from desks and chairs right down to accessories such as monitor arms, keyboard trays, foot machines and more.

“Combining our experience in office design with access to the latest furniture developments means we are able to handle all types of projects, including complete solutions for total office systems or whole-building fit-outs to suit a range of budgets,” Grino said.

By working closely with architects and designers at the concept stage of a project, BAFCO’s own design experts ensure ergonomic opportunities are maximised while offering efficiencies in purchasing and supply.

As rents increase, space also is becoming a major issue for businesses who are trying to fit more employees in smaller offices. “Our global reach brings the best of what the world has to offer to the doorstep of UAE businesses,” said Grino. ■

ACTION STATIONS ADAPTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY in office design are important for growing organizations with an eye on budgets. D-MOLO, available at BAFCO, is a workstation system that combines Japanese ingenuity and craftsmanship in design. Solutions used with unique expandability options that easily adapt to changes in work environments and IT innovations. Combining only the necessary components to suit current needs, operation costs are minimized and total costs are be lower in the long term.

Components are reusable and easily relocated. Any changes in office expansion would only require minor only updates to the system. The system can accommo-

The stunning white office range from Shetug will be on display at the BAFCO stand at Index

date wireless to the most advance IT requirements for any office and is the only system available that can accommodate 16 LCD monitors in a single workstation space without changing any platform components.

BAFCO’s system solutions develop offices of any size, shape and configuration, be it private offices, team areas, freestanding spaces, open plan or workstation clusters.

Several product lines, innumerable options, cohesive aesthetics, intelligent storage solutions, and advanced functionality mean that BAFCO System Solutions create a productive atmosphere.

For more information contact BAFCO at www.bafco. com

WORK - RELATED ILLNESSES A STUDY CONDUCTED by internationally renowned neuromuscular researcher, Dr. Carlo J. De Luca, found that office chairs that incorporate high-tech material into the seating structure were shown to reduce the activity of some back muscles by up to 28 per cent.

Dr. Luca, who is director, NeuroMuscular Research Center of Boston University, said: “Many people may not realise that the act of sitting requires several back muscles to work to support the spine and the pelvis. Prolonging this sustained muscle activity can cause any number of problems including low-back pain.”

• In a 2001 study by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 350 office workers received a negative-slope keyboard with upper mouse tray, an ergonomic chair, and ergonomics training. Before-and-after surveys were conducted to test the effectiveness of this ergonomic intervention. Results show that the ergonomic intervention reduced the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms by an average of 40 per cent.

• AT&T Global, San Diego conducted extensive worksite analysis to identify ergonomic deficiencies and made workstation improvements. Decline in lost workdays from 298 before implementation to zero in both 1993 and 1994. Claims dropped 75 per cent from $400,000 to $94,000 in first year with savings of $1.48 million.

• In 2007, the US Bureau of Labour Statistics recorded 1.2 million cases requiring days away from work in private industry. There were 333,760 musculoskeletal disorders in 2007 requiring a median of 9 days away from work, two more days than the median for all daysaway-from-work cases.

• A report by the European Institute for Health & Medical Sciences showed 85 per cent of workplace interviewees reported muscular aches, pain or discomfort in 12 months. Information collected by survey stages of the research indicated that the main body locations of concern were lower back, neck, right shoulder, right wrist and hand.

Sixty seven per cent of workplace interviewees thought their aches and pains were related to things they do, or equipment used, at work (e.g. using the mouse for long periods, long duration and intensive typing, sitting in same position most of day, poor chairs, workstation set-up).

Almost half the sample (46 per cent) had headaches in the last 12 months.

Half the sample (52 per cent) thought their visual symptoms were work related (e.g. looking at a computer screen most of the day, glare on screen, poor lighting, poor air conditioning). ■

Switch Mouse Revolutionary device sets new standard in ergonomic mousing RESEARCH SHOWS THAT mouse fit and versatility are important factors for user health and safety on the job. Traditional designs can promote awkward hand and wrist positions and cause discomfort, or, in some cases, debilitating musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome.

In 2006, the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reported that carpal tunnel syndrome was associated with the second longest time away from work — 27 days — among major disabling diseases and illnesses. That same year, the Director of the Cornell Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory, Professor Alan Hedge, found the average age of carpal tunnel onset had dropped to the mid-20s and even those younger, compared to its prevalence among those in the late 30s to early 40s during the early 1990s.

The Cornell University Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Group advises computer users to select a mouse that fits the shape of the entire hand. According to research

by Cornell, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, and other sources, a large mouse encourages the user to employ larger arm muscles rather than small wrist muscles, which tire easily and are more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders.

By navigating the mouse with the entire arm and using the elbow as a pivot point, the user is also more apt to maintain a straight, neutral wrist position. Cornell University researchers also warn against frequent use of scroll wheels, which can cause tendonitis and repetitive motion stress in the finger used to manipulate the wheel.

Humanscale’s Switch Mouse is designed to provide a custom fit, accommodate a natural wrist position, and ultimately, ensure mousing comfort for all users.

The Switch Mouse features new ergonomic design innovations, including a V-shaped base, which allows users to mouse at a natural 45 degree angle to minimize wrist pronation, and a navigation dish that reduces muscle activity while allowing users to scroll in four directions.

Designed with a patented size adjustability feature, users can adjust the length of the mouse for a custom, comfortable fit. Additional features on the optical Switch Mouse include a symmetrical shape for left- or righthanded use, a built-in palm support to prevent contact stress at the wrist, and programmable buttons.

Developed by the Humanscale Design Studio--a team of more than a dozen international designers and engineers--the Switch Mouse has re-

ceived numerous awards and accolades to date, including: — A 2008 iF Product Design Award from the International Forum Design

and North African region and the company’s full range of ergonomic solutions, visit www.bafco.com or call +971 4 3350045. ■

The Humanscale Switch Mouse that will be launched in the UAE during the Office Exhibition 2009

ABOUT HUMANSCALE — A Gold EID award in appliance DESIGN magazine’s 20th Annual Excellence in Design Competition — An Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award from the Consumer Electronics Association.

— A GOOD DESIGN(R) Award from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.

The Switch Mouse is now available for purchase from BAFCO at www. bafco.com.

For more information about Humanscale products in the Middle East

HUMANSCALE IS THE premier designer and manufacturer of ergonomic tools for a more comfortable workplace.

Our innovative seating, monitor arms, lighting, keyboard supports, and other ergonomic solutions are designed to improve the health, efficiency and quality of work life.

Humanscale products are based on the belief that when design solves a functional problem as simply and elegantly as possible, the resulting form will be honest and timeless. This philosophy has served us well: Humanscale was the only contract furniture manufacturer named among I.D. Magazine’s top ten “enterprises that help push design forward” along with other design-driven companies including Nike and BMW. And our Liberty chair is the only task seating solution featured in the National Design Triennial at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. Liberty joins the Apple iPod and Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner jet, among others, as one of the most important design innovations of the past three years.

Environmental Statement Humanscale is committed to environmental sustainability and continually strives to design, engineer and manufacture products that: • Weigh less, requiring less raw material • Use fewer parts and manufacturing processes • Contain a high percentage of recycled content • Contain a high percentage of recyclable content Humanscale is also a proud supporter of World Wildlife Fund, and our founder and CEO, Robert King, has served on WWF’s National Council since 1999. ■

KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Tuesday, March 3, 2009

KHALEEJ TIMES ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Tuesday, March 3, 2009