|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

Correct Keyboard Height

As more and more people perform more tasks in front of their computers, the placement of the keyboard and mouse becomes more critical. Typing at a computer is a very low intensity way to perform tasks, so it's difficult for people to see how a keyboard could cause injury. It involves no strenuous activity or heavy weights. However, a misplaced keyboard setup can put strain on a person's arms, wrists, back and shoulders. This strain is not immediately noticeable, but over a long period of time the strain can result in wear and tear. Known as repetitive strain injury, it can cause mild to severe pain in the affected extremities.

  1. Height of Keyboard Placement

    • Placing a keyboard too high can cause you to raise your shoulders, which over time can result in stiffness and pain in the shoulder and neck area. Placing a keyboard too low will cause you to lean forward, which can result in lower back pains. You should adjust either your desk height or chair height until your shoulders are relaxed and your elbows are at the same height as the keyboard. Elbows should be bent anywhere from 90 to 120 degrees and kept close to the body.

    Distance of Keyboard Placement

    • Keyboards too far away cause you to extend your elbows and lean forward. Keyboards too close cause you to extend your elbows behind your body, which puts stress on the shoulders. The important thing is to place the keyboard so that your elbows are comfortably by your side and you don't have to lean forward or extend your arms.

    Wrist Placement

    • Keyboards raised or lowered at an angle cause people to bend their wrists either upward or downward. Over time this can strain the wrists. Raise or lower your keyboard until your wrists are in a neutral position and not at an angle.

    Mouse Placement

    • Your hand should rest comfortably on the mouse without having to bend your wrist upward or downward.

      The same principles that apply to keyboard placement also apply to mouse placement. Your mouse should be next to your keyboard in a place that does not require you to extend your arms far in front of you. Your hand, wrist and forearm should be aligned, rest comfortably on a desk and be parallel to the ground.

Work Safety - Related Articles