Ergonomic Workstations

This ergonomic workstation checklist is designed to assist you to be more comfortable at your work station.

Use this checklist every time you are setting up a new workstation or if you have been relocated to another workstation. Use it also if you are experiencing any discomfort or pain to reduce your strain.

You may need help from someone else to check your computer posture or the relative positioning of your arms and legs.

P.s. If you have sustained injury or developed a medical condition, please see a physical therapist. Also contact your health and safety supervisor or whoever is in charge of setting up your office's ergonomic work stations. Otherwise, it would be prudent to consult an ergonomics consultant on your own. You'll save more preventing the future health problems now.

The Ergonomic Computer Workstations Checklist

Prelude to Ergonomic Office Design

Part 1 - Ergonomic Work Habits.

1. Ensure that light from windows and lamps does not create glare or reflection (ergonomic lighting). If so, work to reduce it. This is to prevent eye strain.

Is your office lighting sufficient? You could get yourself an additional desk lamp.

2. The height of your chair should be adjustable with a back rest.

3. Ensure there is adequate space for your legs under the desk.

4. Take short breaks every 30 min to stretch and rest your eyes.

5. Don't just type or mouse all day. Try to intersperse with other activities such as filing, photo copying, making coffee, writing, looking through reports.

6. Keep frequently used items within easy reach

7. Minimise clutter. This is also to prevent eyestrain.

Part 2 - Ergonomic Workstation Habits

Please refer to the numbered pictures to the correlating numbered notes below.

Image Via OHS Ergonomics From Swinburne edu

1. Is your feet flat on the floor? Otherwise use an ergonomic footrest

2. Is your backrest supporting lumbar area?

3. Are your knees at a somewhat 90 degree angle?

4. Are your thighs parallel to the floor?

5. Are your elbows at a somewhat 90 degree angle? It can be slightly over but it shouldn't be less.

6. Are your wrists in a neutral position? That means you can put a ruler under your lower arm to your palms. Your wrist is level with your lower arm.

7. Is the top of the monitor at eye level or just slightly lower? Otherwise there will surely be neck strain.

8. Is the monitor of at an arm's length?

Ergonomic Computer Workstations

Have a run through of these ergonomic office equipment.

Your ergonomic computer workstations have these components:

1. Ergonomic Desk
2. Ergonomic Chair
3. Ergonomic Keyboard and mouse
4. Ergonomic Computer
5. Ergonomic Lighting

Ergonomic Desks.

Most people think an ergonomic chair will solve their back problems. That's not always the case. Even the best chair may do little good if the desk is the wrong height, angle or shape.

Your work surface should be large enough to accommodate all your tools, equipment, and paper. There should be spacious for you to move them around if required. http://www.backdesigns.com/Adjustable-desks-C123.aspx

Ergonomic Chair.