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Ergonomics in the Office 101

Ergonomics is the study of fitting the job to the worker. Workstations are designed optimally for a variety of body types, physical requirements and limitations. In an office environment, ergonomic design typically focuses on computer workstation design but can also include such factors as general office design and lifting, carrying and storage requirements.

  1. Chairs

    • Office ergonomics starts with the proper chair. An ergonomically designed chair should be adjusted to a height that allows feet to be flat on the floor and have the proper curvature to support the back in the right way. A properly designed and adjusted ergonomic chair should allow the natural s-shape of the spine to exist while sitting in the chair. The user's head and neck should be in line with the torso and the shoulders relaxed. Comfortable arm support, especially for computer work, is key. The user should be encouraged to switch positions often in the chair. Sitting still in one position for an extended period of time is ultimately not healthy.

    Desk

    • The desk itself should be arranged so all items are within reach, otherwise the body will have to stretch to reach items which may cause the spine to lose its resting s-shape. At the point where wrists and arms contact a desk the edge of the desk should be beveled so there is no compression force of a sharp edge on the arm. This can restrict circulation in the arms and be a risk factor for long-term injury.

    Eye Strain

    • To minimize eye strain, the computer monitor must be positioned correctly. Place the monitor in an area that allows for minimal glare. To achieve less stress on eye muscles, the top of the computer monitor should be positioned just below the seated eye level of the worker.

    Wrists

    • Wrists must be kept as straight as possible while typing. Bending the wrist upward or downward for a long period of time is called a static posture; in the wrist, this can weaken muscles and lead to injury. A wrist pad in front of the keyboard will hold the wrist in a straight position when typing. A desk with a keyboard tray that slides out at the level of the chair arm rests keeps the arm and wrist in alignment when typing.

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