| |
Ergonomic Design Article
Ergonomic Design Ensures a More Comfortable Workstation
|
|
 |
Ergonomic Design Article
With more and more people working at computers, both in the office and at home, ergonomics is playing an increasingly greater role in our lives. A properly designed workstation is a more comfortable working environment, and reduces the stress and strain normally associated with an office setting.
This is an important issue for all business owners and managers. Firms that incorporate ergonomics in their workplaces report greater productivity and fewer days lost to absenteeism.
Ergonomics is especially important for home-office workers, because they are entirely responsible for designing their work areas. Use the following tips to create that comfortable and productive work area.
Keyboard and mouse
Your keyboard should be right in front of you and at lap level. This can be difficult for those who work from a dinner table or similar surface at home. The ideal table is no more than two inches thick. If you are using a thicker table, consider purchasing a keyboard support that is height and angle adjustable.
Make sure you’re not reaching for the mouse. That can cause arm fatigue. Place the mouse as close to the keyboard as possible. If you don’t have room for a conventional mouse, consider a track ball model. Those require much less room to operate.
Is your “mousing” arm tired or sore at the end of the day? Try using your other hand for mouse clicks. This will take some practice, but will alleviate the muscle pain.
Monitor
The monitor should be right in front of you and about arm’s length away. You should be able to touch your monitor without reaching forward. This allows you to sit back while working. The top of the monitor should be at eye level. Your natural gaze is about 15 degrees below the horizon. A slight forward tilt of your head is fine, but any backward tilt puts strain on your neck muscles. This is especially critical for those who wear bifocals. Those glasses naturally cause you to tilt your head back to read the screen.
If you wear bifocals, consider switching to a “seamless” type of tri-focal or a pair of computer- specific glasses. Ask your eye care professional which option is better for you.
Seating
Home-office workers, in particular, tend to grab whatever chair is closest. Yet it may not offer the kind of support you need. A good ergonomic chair can be found for under $200 and is a wise investment.
Key features in seating include:
1. Adjustable back support. Make sure it provides support in the lower portion, known as the lumbar region. Lower back support must be adjustable in and out, as well as up and down. Shorter people are especially challenged because they often can’t sit back properly. They may need back support pillows.
2. Adjustable height. Your keyboard, as mentioned previously, should be at lap height, but you must also be able to rest your feet on the floor. Your legs can become tired quickly if your feet are left dangling. Either your chair or keyboard must be height adjustable. However, if your feet still won’t reach the floor, obtain a foot rest.
Lighting
The big concern here is glare. LCD monitors are better in this regard, so consider switching to that style. If the light is coming from outside, close the blinds as needed. If overhead florescent bulbs are a problem, ask about changing the fixture’s cover from the standard flat style to the “egg shell” design.
Phone
Cradling the phone on your shoulder puts a lot of stress on your neck muscles. Consider using a headset instead. Another possibility is using speaker phone, but that can be disruptive to others in your office.
Cord lengths
Is your workstation situated in a cramped area because that’s where the outlet and phone jacks are? Extra cords and cables are inexpensive cures to this problem. Another possibility is a wireless arrangement for your internet access. The key is to provide ample room for your legs and arms.
An ergonomically designed work space is comfortable for your entire body. You are at your desk for hours at a time. Create a work environment that ensures a productive and stress-free day.
Email This
|
|
|
|
|