Transcript Ergonomics in the Office Setting
General Office Ergonomics
VDT’s Chairs Workstation
What is neutral positioning?
• Non-stressed postures • Relaxed, right angles at – Knees, hips and elbows – Wrists straight rather than flexed (down) or extended (up) – Lower and upper back supported
Good Working Postures
•
Hands, wrists, and forearms
are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
•
Head
is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
•
Shoulders
are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
•
Elbows
stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
•
Feet
are fully supported by floor or footrest.
•
Back
is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
•
Thighs and hips
are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
•
Knees
are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.
• Viewing Distance: • Viewing Angle:
Monitors
20”-40” 15-20 degrees below horizontal • Viewing Time • Viewing Clarity
Desks
• Work Surface Depth • Location of Frequently Used Devices Should be Located in Repetitive Access Zone Recommended Zones for Workplace Components
Chairs
Chairs should contain:
• 5-pronged swivel base with castors; • Padded, height-adjustable seat pan with a rounded front edge, preferably adjustable from the seated position; • Height- and tilt-adjustable back rest; • Height-adjustable lumbar support; • Height- and width-adjustable arm rests.
Chair Adjustment
• Pull chair away from workstation; • Adjust height of seat pan so thighs are parallel with the floor and feet are flat on the floor; • Use foot rest if necessary; • Adjust the height of the back rest so that it supports the lower portion of the back;
Chair Adjustment
• Adjust back rest to enable a 5-10 degree backward tilt; • While seated comfortably, arm rests should gently support the arms, and should be adjusted for width so leaning to the side is not required.
Keyboard Adjustment
• With fingers on the home row of the keyboard, adjust keyboard height so forearms are parallel with the floor.
• Use a wrist rest to support the hands and wrists in a neutral position during rest periods while keying.
Keyboard Accessories
• Ensure that the keyboard tray is wide enough to accommodate a mouse to enable a neutral posture during mouse use.
General Workstation Requirements
• Ensure adequate leg room.
• Ensure adequate space for documents, holders, and supplies.
• Place frequently-used items nearest the operator.
General Recommendations
• Properly adjust workstation • Alternate work activities.
• Take micro-breaks lasting 2-5 seconds every twenty minutes: looking at a distant object.
• Take mini-breaks lasting a few minutes every 30-60 minutes: getting a drink, making a phone call, filing
Citation
• Slides 2-7 come from: Burkett, Guy, “Office Ergonomics 2005” Powerpoint presentation. College of the Mainland. 2005