Ergonomic Workstation
Computer Workstation Ergonomics
INF 103: Computer Literacy
Winter 2009
Computer Workstation Ergonomics
As we spend increasing amounts of time at our computer workstation, we need to be aware of how the design and arrangement of our equipment can impact our comfort, health, and productivity.
WORK AREA
The work area should be large enough to accommodate you, allow the full range of motions involved in performing required tasks, and provide room for the equipment and materials that make up the workstation.
• Use a headset for lengthy or frequent telephone work.
• Place the items you use most frequently directly in front of you.
• Avoid overcrowding computer work areas.
DESK/WORKSTATION
Standard furniture cannot accommodate everyone’s needs. A taller person may need a one-time adjustment to have his or her work surface raised somewhat; a shorter person may need a footrest or other accessories. Adjustable furniture may be needed in situations where people share or use the same workstation.
• The desktop should be organized so that frequently used objects are close to the user to avoid excessive extended reaching.
• The work surface should have a matte finish to minimize glare or reflections.
• The area underneath the desk should always be tidy and clean to accommodate the user’s legs and allow for stretching.
• If a fixed-height desk is used, add a keyboard tray that adjusts vertically to provide added adjustability.
• A footrest should be used if, after adjusting the height of the chair, feet do not rest flat on the floor.
• Use a headset or speaker phone to avoid neck and shoulder discomfort if you use a phone frequently throughout the day.
• Place the phone on the side of your non-dominant hand (i.e., left side if right-handed, right side if left-handed)
• Position your desk lamp (if you use one) so that it illuminates source documents without causing either glare on the computer screen or direct illumination to your eyes.
• A document
INF 103: Computer Literacy
Winter 2009
Computer Workstation Ergonomics
As we spend increasing amounts of time at our computer workstation, we need to be aware of how the design and arrangement of our equipment can impact our comfort, health, and productivity.
WORK AREA
The work area should be large enough to accommodate you, allow the full range of motions involved in performing required tasks, and provide room for the equipment and materials that make up the workstation.
• Use a headset for lengthy or frequent telephone work.
• Place the items you use most frequently directly in front of you.
• Avoid overcrowding computer work areas.
DESK/WORKSTATION
Standard furniture cannot accommodate everyone’s needs. A taller person may need a one-time adjustment to have his or her work surface raised somewhat; a shorter person may need a footrest or other accessories. Adjustable furniture may be needed in situations where people share or use the same workstation.
• The desktop should be organized so that frequently used objects are close to the user to avoid excessive extended reaching.
• The work surface should have a matte finish to minimize glare or reflections.
• The area underneath the desk should always be tidy and clean to accommodate the user’s legs and allow for stretching.
• If a fixed-height desk is used, add a keyboard tray that adjusts vertically to provide added adjustability.
• A footrest should be used if, after adjusting the height of the chair, feet do not rest flat on the floor.
• Use a headset or speaker phone to avoid neck and shoulder discomfort if you use a phone frequently throughout the day.
• Place the phone on the side of your non-dominant hand (i.e., left side if right-handed, right side if left-handed)
• Position your desk lamp (if you use one) so that it illuminates source documents without causing either glare on the computer screen or direct illumination to your eyes.
• A document