Ergonomics is the study of peoples’ efficiency in their working environment. If you work primarily i
n an office setting and spend much of your time working in front of a computer it is important to take a look at our work station setup. Looking at your chair, monitor, keyboard/mouse, and desktop are all important to decrease your risk of aches and pains and to prevent injury.
In an earlier blog we took a look at tips to improve ergonomics of your office chair set up (click here). Now let’s look at the rest of your office work station.
Monitor
- Monitor height should be adjustable to allow eyes to be level with the top line of text. (Bifocal users require a slightly lower monitor)
- Monitor(s) should be directly centered in front of user
- Screen distance within arms reach, but will depend on vision/font size/task being performed
- Text font size should be large enough so that employee can easily read text without eye/neck strain
- Use of document holder is recommended
Keyboard
- Should be directly in front of user
- At a height that allows elbows to be at 90 degrees and shoulders resting naturally
- Wrists should be in a neutral position with forearms and wrists not resting on edges of table
Mouse
- Should be at the same height as the keyboard
- Wrists should remain in a neutral position
- Ergo mouse may promote neutral wrist and forearm positions
Desktop
- Utilize desktop computer instead of laptop when possible
- Person specific workstation vs. community station
- Stand-up desks are beneficial to decrease static positions
Dustin Eslinger, MA, LAT, ATC
Athletic Trainer
Physical Therapy Consultants, Inc.
PTC_therapy October 31st, 2018
Posted In: General