Computer Furniture for an Ergonomic Work Environment
The definition of ergonomic is: the applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.
Computer furniture is probably the most important thing to consider if you are trying to establish an ergonomic work environment.
Cornell University has created simple-to-follow 12 step ergonomic guidelines that will help you improve your working environment and protect your health while working at a computer workstation. The following easy to follow guidelines for computer ergonomics were adapted from the DEA651 class of 2000 – Bethany Johnson; Emily Kuperstein; Mari Mitchell; Heidi Tinnes; with Garrick Goh (TA) and Professor Alan Hedge.
Computer related injuries are increasing with the explosion of computer technology in the workplace. Prolonged and repetitive work at your computer workstation can create discomfort, muscle aches, and be the cause of work related injuries. Improper posture and improper body positioning at your computer workstation can cause or exaggerate the problems. Implementing the following 12 ergonomic guidelines can help you avoid injuries typically associated with work at a computer workstation.
1. Use a good chair with a dynamic chair back that is angled slightly to the rear.
2. Top of monitor screen should be 2-3″ above eye level
3. No glare on screen; use an optical glass anti-glare filter where needed
4. Sit at arms length from monitor; further if distance is comfortable and screen’s readable.
5. Rest feet on floor or on a stable foot rest (move feet frequently for circulation)
6. Use a document holder, preferably in-line with the computer screen
7. Wrists flat and straight in relation to forearms to use keyboard/mouse/input device
8. Keeps arms and elbows relaxed close to body
9. Center monitor and keyboard in front of you
10. Use a negative tilt keyboard tray with an upper mouse platform or downward tilt-able platform adjacent to keyboard
11. Use a stable work surface and stable (no bounce) keyboard tray
12. Take frequent short breaks (micro breaks) and stretch.
Ergonomic is a buzz word in the computer furniture industry right now. Just because a piece of furniture is advertised as ergonomic, does not mean that it is. Something is only ergonomic if it is adjustable and applies to the individual. Just use the above 12 guidelines when shopping for furniture. You can make any furniture ergonomic for yourself, even Writing Desks with a little bit of research and effort. This little bit of research and effort can help prevent many long-term health issues including arthritis, carpal tunnel among other painful injuries.
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