Following the success of last fall's Shop Gilbert and Smile photo contest, the committee has launched another opportunity for local businesses to show their support of the campaign. 

 

Through May 16th, businesses are invited to stage their storefront or store display and incorporate a Shop Gilbert shopping bag, then submit a photo of their display for community voting. Each week, one winner will receive a $20 WESTCOR gift card good at SanTan Village and the winning photo will be published in The Gilbert Republic. 

To cast your vote or for more information, visit www.gilbertaz.com/ShopGilbert.

 

It doesn't make sense to squeeze a 250-pound individual into a working space designed for a 150-pound worker. Over time, that larger employee eventually will show signs of strain from being cramped into an area that doesn't fit.
 
"You can actually feel the stress when the work station isn't designed for you," said Ray Diaz, SCF Arizona's safety logistic  coordinator. "(But) OSHA doesn't have any regulations for ergonomics, only suggestions."
 
Those suggestions include providing adequate room and equipment that accommodate the individual, rather than forcing the worker to fit the space and materials, which is what ergonomics is all about. Well-designed workplaces can help prevent repetitive stress injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders
 
These three hazards can result in nerve injuries in the hands, arms, shoulders, neck, back and lower limbs. By speaking up and alerting supervisors, a worker can be proactive in ensuring ergonomically       designed work spaces to avoid putting unnecessary stress and strain on the body.

"Simple modifications can be made to ensure the person is in the right position in front of the keyboard; the height of the monitor is correct; the chair fits to take away the stress that can build up in the neck and upper shoulders. Lighting is crucial," he continued.
 
Another suggestion he offered for anyone who sits for the majority of the work day is to have a chair that has proper back support, including the lumbar region. This helps to alleviate stress in the shoulders and neck as well as ease lower back stiffness or pain.
 
"Seat angle is also important," Diaz said. "If it's raised too high, then it will have a tendency to impede circulation in the bottom of the leg, so your seat pan should have a downward angle."
 
Generally, an ergonomic-related injury is less expensive to treat if it is caught in the early stages. If the disability becomes serious, medical costs and workers' compensation claims can be costly.

 

Congressman Flake took time to meet with Chamber members during his recent spring break from Congress. Timing was such that the national health care reform bill had just passed and members were eager to find out what happened and how it would impact their business.
 
Russell Smoldon of SRP-sponsor of the Chamber's Good Government Series-took the stage with Congressman Flake to discuss national issues and in particular answer those questions.
 
The minority Republican Party had fought the battle for a long year but could not get the votes to stop health care from moving forward. The good news, as Flake discussed, was the ability to "repeal and replace" onerous measures of the bill.  Unfortunately, that will be piece-milled instead of a comprehensive workable solution to health care reform as desired. 
 
Penalties for not having health care are low enough there is no incentive for people to purchase health care until a crisis.  The elimination of pre-existing conditions sets up the scenario of waiting until a drastic disease, like cancer, is identified before the patient would purchase health care.  Therefore, all the revenue anticipated from healthy individuals to help pay for these changes will most likely not meet the projections.
 
Reduced compensation to health care  providers may reduce the number of practitioners and hospitals in the future.
 
Wondering how all of this will impact your business?  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has put together an employer's guide to health care reform and chamber member Employee Benefit Exchange has compiled a one-page summary. You can find these documents on the Chamber's website, www.gilbertaz.com/healthcare.
 
Special thanks to the U.S. Chamber for their efforts in this important issue and our many members who have helped us get the business community's message to our delegation.

  

 

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The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce recognizes the following businesses for their contribution of door prizes or catering last month: