Ergonomic Needs Assessment

 

Appropriate placement of the components and accessories for the desktop computer workstation will allow you to work in neutral body positions, help you perform more efficiently, and work more comfortably and safe.

A laptop workstation creates special challenges due to its computer design, size, and the variety of areas in which it is used. While many aspects of this section will be applicable to laptops, special considerations, such as the use of a laptop stand, may be necessary when working with laptop units. 

 

 

 

Chair

Experts agree that your chair is perhaps the single most important component of a healthy working environment. In fact, it is what most people should adjust first - before modifying their keyboard or monitor position.

If you do not have an adjustable chair, you may need to think creatively to obtain an ideal sitting posture.  Lumbar support cushions and footrests are ideal solutions.

Features of an Ergonomic Chair

The mechanisms for adjusting the chair should be easy to locate and adjust with one hand while seated. One should understand the functions of the mechanisms, and know how to operate them.

 

Proper Seating Adjustments

·         First adjust the chair height for the user and then adjust the work surface to accommodate the chair.

·         When working at the keyboard, adjust the seat pan height so that your elbows are the same height as the home row of the keyboard and so the wrists are neutral while typing.

·         Adjust the height of the seat pan so that the highest point of the seat is just below the kneecap.

·         For adequate thigh support adjust the depth of the seat by moving the backrest forward and backward so that the clearance between the front edge of the seat and the lower part of the legs fits comfortably.

·         Adjust the armrest height so that your elbows rest lightly on the armrests with your upper arms straight up and down and your forearms horizontal or slightly downward.

·         Adjust the height of the backrest so that it supports the small of the lower back. Note:back of chair should not “give” when the user leans back in the chair.

·         Feet should rest flat on the floor. If your feet do not rest flat on the floor after properly adjusting your chair, a footrest should be used.

 

Preventing Posture Problems

·         Ensure that your chair and workstation are adjusted properly.

·         Place frequently used items within an easy arm’s reach and items that are used less often further away.

·         Avoid long periods of working in one position and repeating the same motions.

·         Vary tasks to change body position.

·         Eliminate monitor glare by properly positioning your desk (perpendicular to window) and adjusting your lighting for specific tasks.

 

 

Workstation

Proper Work Surface Setup

·         The work surface should be installed/adjusted to be approximately 25” - 34” high for seated work and to fit a range of operator sizes (ensure that adjustments can be made easily).

·         The space beneath the work surface should have sufficient room above your legs to allow for a range of body postures. The knee well should be 30” by 19” deep.

·         The work surface should have adequate space for equipment (monitor, telephone, stapler,& tape dispenser) to be located close to the user to minimize bending, flexing, or twisting of arms, wrists, or hands.

·         A matte finish on the work surface is ideal to reduce light reflection.

·         The keyboard and mouse should be placed together on a platform that is at least 28” wide, directly in front of you and directly beneath the monitor.

·         The keyboard and mouse platform should easily move side to side, up and down, in and out, and lock securely in place.

·         The height of the keyboard/mouse platform should allow your hands to rest lightly on keyboard or mouse with your forearms using the chair armrests for support. 

 

Keyboard & Mouse Adjustments

·         The keyboard height should allow straight wrists and a 90-degree angle between the upper arm and the forearm (angle should adjust by 20-degrees up or down for individual preference and periodic adjustment).

·         The keyboard height and angle should be adjustable (reverse slope).

·         The keyboard and mouse should have a wrist rest and/or mouse rest available for support when taking mini-breaks.

·         The standard keyboard should be replaced with an alternative keyboard (split-key) and alternative mouse (trackball or touchpad) if a musculoskeletal disorder develops.

·         The keyboard should be able to support “short-cut software” (macros).

Peripheral Items

·         Ensure peripheral items are used most frequently are placed closest to the user so that they can be conveniently and comfortably reached.

·         Use an in-line document holder that sits between the keyboard/keyboard tray and screen and is aligned with your body midline so that all you have to do is look down to see the documents and raise your eyes to see the screen.

·         Use a screen-mounted document holder and position this to the same side of your screen as your dominant eye.

·         Use a freestanding document holder and position this next to the side of the screen and slightly angle it so that it follows a curve from the side of the screen.

·         To reduce the stress in your neck, a headset may be beneficial to reduce stretching and improperly holding the phone.

 

Storage Location

·         Materials should be stored in an accessible area (between 15” - 48” above floor).

·         Storage areas should allow 30” x 48” clear maneuvering space and accommodate right or left-hand access.

·         Deep storage should have “lazy susan” carousels, pull-out shelves or drawers with full extension bearing slides.

·         Stored materials should have labels facing out with instructions, symbols, or color-coding.

 

Lighting

Be aware of florescent lights as well as window lighting. Use a glare screen to reduce direct sunlight. Use task lighting.

Proper Lighting

·         Overhead light may cause glare and can be reduced by the use of a panel diffuser (diffuser should direct the light straight down rather than out across the room).

·         Lighting with a dimmer control should be used with supplemental task lighting.

·         Task lighting is designed to boost lighting levels in a highly localized area, so that overall lighting can be reduced to cut glare.

·         Reduce direct sunlight by placing blinds or curtains on all windows.

·         Cover polished work surfaces with pads or blotters to reduce glare.

·         Reposition the angle and/or slope of the computer screen to reduce glare.

·         A non-glare screen overlay should be considered to reduce unwanted glare.

 

Proper Monitor Placement

·         The monitor should be placed perpendicular to the windows or in such a location that the windows are not directly in front of or behind the monitor.

·         The monitor should be placed on a solid, stable surface directly in front of your chair and directly over the center of the workstation knee well.

·         The monitor’s contrast and brightness controls should be adjusted to improve the screen image.

·         The monitor should be placed so that your eyes are at least an arm’s length from the screen (approximately 18” – 28” away from eyes).

·         The monitor should be supported so that the top edge of the screen is at your eye level (lower if you wear bifocals).

 

Visual Clarity

·         To reduce stress to your eye muscles, occasionally look away from your monitor (look out a window) and refocus your eyes on an object at least 25 feet away.

·         To keep your eyes well lubricated, one should blink often.

·         For ultimate clarity, a monitor with at least 1024 x 768 resolution and a dot pitch of .28 or less should be used.

·         For better visual clarity your monitor screen should be cleaned at least once a week.