When working in an office, we accept the ergonomic situation as it is.
Often, the set-up is not optimum and may increase the risk of discomfort.
Decrease your risk and enhance your health when you check your WORKSTATION
CONDITIONS.
How to check your WORKSTATION CONDITIONS:
Use the following checklist, Workstation Conditions*. To any question
that you answered with NO, explore strategies to reduce the risk of
injury.
Your chair is designed or arranged so that...
- Backrest provides support for employee's lower back (lumbar area).
YES/NO
- Seat width and depth accommodate specific employee (seat pan not too
big/small). YES/NO
- Seat front does not press against the back of employee's knees and
lower legs (seat pan not too long). YES/NO
- Armrests support both forearms while employee performs VDT (monitor)
tasks and do not interfere with movement. YES/NO
- Seat has cushioning and is rounded/has 'waterfall front' (no sharp
edges) YES/NO
The keyboard and mouse are designed or arranged for data entry so that...
- Keyboard/input device platform(s) is stable and large enough to hold
keyboard and input device. YES/NO
- Keyboard is split to allow wrists to be straight while performing data
entry. YES/NO
- Keyboard is without ten key pad (for those who do not perform numerical
data entry) so that the mouse can be located closer to the center.
YES/NO
- Input device (mouse or trackball) is located right next to keyboard so
it can be operated without reaching. YES/NO
- Input device is easy to activate and shape/size fits hand of specific
employee (not too big/small). YES/NO
The monitor is designed or arranged so that...
- Top line of screen is at or below eye level so employee is able to read
it without bending head or neck down/back. (For employees with
bifocals/trifocals, see next item.) YES/NO
- Employee with bifocals/trifocals is able to read screen without bending
head or neck backward. YES/NO
- Monitor distance allows employee to read screen without leaning head,
neck or trunk forward/backward. YES/NO
- Monitor position is directly in front of employee so employee does not
have to twist head or neck. YES/NO
- No glare (e.g., from windows, lights) is present on the screen that
might cause employee to assume an awkward posture to read screen.
YES/NO
*Adapted from Workstation Check List developed by OSHA. For more detail
see: www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/computerworkstations_ecat/checklist.html
Copyright 2003 Erik Peper, Ph.D. and Katherine Hughes Gibney
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