Guest contributor Ian Chong wants to get to the bottom of the 'is a ball an ergonomic chair' question, and he wants your help: "Have the physiologists and exercise gurus really uncovered something applicable that has been staring us in the face ...? ...we put together a small task force made up of users, Certified and Associate Ergonomists, physical [and occupational] therapists, engineers ...

A roundup of ergonomics related news, including NIOSH's new Prevention through Design (PtD) initiative, the BendDesk, a concept design that turns the entire desk and backdrop into a giant, curved touch screen; the resignation of an Ohio Workers Compensation Bureau director over ethics related to an ergonomics service company he owned; thoughts on Nortek's purchase of Ergotron.

Nortek, Inc., a diversified global manufacturer of branded residential and commercial ventilation, HVAC and home technology convenience and security products, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ergotron, Inc., a privately held leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of ergonomic mounting and mobility products for computer monitors, notebooks and flat panel displays.