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ERGONOMIC STUDY AT KNAPE & VOGT SHOWS 68% REDUCTION IN DISCOMFORT FELT BY OFFICE EMPLOYEES
GRAND HAVEN, Michigan, January 12, 2004 -- Atlas Ergonomics, LLC (Grand Haven, Michigan) announced results today from a study with 69 office employees at Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Co. (Nasdaq: KNAP). The study measured the impact of ergonomic products within the office environment. The three-month study showed a 68% reduction of workplace discomfort among employees who received ergonomic products, training and product settings tailored to their needs.
The Knape & Vogt employees began the study by reporting their initial levels of pain by location, severity, and frequency. The employees were then split into either a control or implementation group. The implementation group was provided the use of a KV MantisT flat screen monitor arm, KV Keynetix 2T sit to stand keyboard system, and a KV FlyteT desk lamp, and a new chair provided by one of two manufacturers.
Following installation, Atlas provided ergonomic training on the benefits and use of the introduced products. One of the essential components of the education was linking tailored settings (i.e. seat height, arm height, etc.) to labels applied to the products that help define set points. Finally, a "Fit Report" identifying the settings was provided to the employees, empowering them to maintain a safe, comfortable, and re-producible environment to work in.
Over the next three months, Atlas analyzed employee-reported levels of discomfort four times. The study showed the following changes within the two groups:
| Implementation | Control | |
|---|---|---|
| Percent reduction in employees reporting discomfort | 58% | 16% |
| Percent reduction in discomfort | 68% | 12% |
"We were pleased with the results of the study, which confirms a significant impact when ergonomic products are used correctly," said Jim Landsman, President of Atlas Ergonomics. "The right products, combined with a system that supports effective user application, can clearly reduce the spiraling costs associated with poorly designed and ill-fitting office environments."
Knape and Vogt realized several benefits from the study - both for its employees and customers.
"Providing customers with effective ergonomic solutions is a priority for KV so testing our products with our own employees helps us to be sure we're delivering on that promise," said Bill Dutmers, Chairman and CEO of KV. "At the same time, this study helps us to be sure we're doing everything we can to help our own employees work safely and effectively. In designing our products, we strive to improve worker comfort, reducing the potential for costly work-related injuries. This study will help inform our ongoing research and development efforts, and will help us to assist customers as they put our products to work in their offices."
Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Co. brings more than a century of experience to the design, manufacture and distribution of kitchen and bath storage solutions and office products for original equipment manufacturers, specialty distributors, office furniture dealers, hardware chains and major home centers throughout the country. Additional information on KV's product lines is available on www.knapeandvogt.com.
Atlas Ergonomics, LLC provides turnkey ergonomic services to corporate clients or through original equipment manufacturers. The service includes assessment, identifying solutions, product fitting, training, and the monitoring of results. Atlas Ergonomics is located in Grand Haven, Michigan, and additional information can be found at www.atlasergo.com.