With advancing technology and increased automation, individuals are spending more time at their workstation. The corresponding increase in prolonged sitting subjects the body to additional strain and as a consequence health and safety issues have become a real concern.
Dragonfly has developed a basic 'Ergonomic Assessment Form' which you can download and complete. Simply return the form back to us and we will carefully review you answers and recommend changes to your workstation and environment.
When completing the assessment you may like to read through the following basic information which gives details on how best to adjust your environment.
The spine requires lower back lumbar support. If the support is too high this will cause you to lean forward (hunching). If the support is too low this may result in you slouching on your chair.
A further aspect which can interfere with your natural posture is your seat's height. A perfect posture has the user with an angle of at least 90 degrees at the knee and hips.
Your chair and body should work together in harmony to maintain a stable ergonomic posture whilst seating.
Your desk surface should be large enough to include the activities carried out on it.
The height of the desk will often affect your posture.
If your desk is adjustable then it can be lowered so the user's feet can come into contact with the ground. Alternatively, if you do not have an adjustable desk, raise the seat height and use a footrest to ensure that your feet meet the ground.
The space underneath your desk should be ample to place your feet whilst sitting. There should be sufficient clearance for your thighs and enough depth to maintain a comfortable seating posture.
Without care the area below the desk can become a storage space that can constrict your posture. Make optimum use of the storage space made available to you.
Finally examine more efficient methods of storage such as saving files electronically, using magazine racks, shelving etc. Also if loose wires are hanging below the desk a cable management system should be considered.
Whilst typing, the angle between your wrists and the lower arm should remain as straight as possible. This reduces muscle loading and the chances of nerve and tendon damage.
Ideally the keyboard should be situated below elbow height. This is a good seating posture since it reduces strain on the upper arms, yet if the keyboard legs are raised this causes the wrists to bend upwards.
If a laptop is your primary typing device, then as with using a keyboard, there should be sufficient space in front of the laptop to comfortably rest your wrists in between periods of typing. Ideally if you use the laptop for long periods you should look at using a laptop stand like the Jellyfish with a small separate keyboard.
The mouse should be positioned below elbow height and within easy reach. You should be able to operate the mouse without the need to stretch and disturb your seating posture.
Operate the mouse by holding it lightly in your hand. If the mouse movement appears jerky or sluggish it may need cleaning or you may need to adjust the setting on your computer [you should be able to this via the 'Control Panel' or similar].
Positioning the monitor at the correct height will prevent postural problems.
The top of the monitor should be 10cm below eye-level. This lets your eyes focus on the screen at rest. Too high and the users has to lean backwards to see the screen.
If you have difficulty in positioning the monitor in the correct position then a monitor arm or stand will help.
Selecting the correct distance from the monitor will prevent headaches and eyestrain.
A standard desktop monitor should be at a comfortable distance no nearer than 45cm from the user. Arms length is a good indicator of a comfortable distance.
Ensure you can read all characters on the screen clearly. If this is not possible then change the resolution on your monitor [you should be able to this via the 'Control Panel' or similar].
Light levels should be sufficient for you to carry out your day to day tasks such as copying written material, reading documents and working at your computer. If the light at your desk is too low, there may be cases when you require your own light source, this is called a task light.
In cases of low light a task light can be invaluable for:
Lighting can be a hindrance. Direct reflections can cause you to adjust your posture to see the screen. The simplest solution is nearly always preferable, provided it removes the problem.
Clean your screen, since dust and smears can increase the effect of direct glare on your screen and make it difficult to read the screen.
Adjust your monitor (increase the contrast or physically move the screen) to reduce reflective glare from lights and direct light sources such as from windows and skylights.
Drawing blinds will remove reflective glare from direct light sources. The lighting levels in your office should be kept consistent by the use of artificial lighting.
Anti-glare reflective screens can be fixed over monitors to reduce the level of glare.
Dragonfly Office Interiors is a leading office furniture supplier in London, Surrey and the South East of England.
