Healthy Computing: Workstation Condition

When working in an office, we accept the ergonomic situation as it is.
Often, the set-up is not optimum and may increase the risk of discomfort.
Decrease your risk and enhance your health when you check your WORKSTATION
CONDITIONS.

How to check your WORKSTATION CONDITIONS:

Use the following checklist, Workstation Conditions*. To any question
that you answered with NO, explore strategies to reduce the risk of
injury.

Your chair is designed or arranged so that…

1. Backrest provides support for employee’s lower back (lumbar area).
   YES/NO

2. Seat width and depth accommodate specific employee (seat pan not too
   big/small). YES/NO

3. Seat front does not press against the back of employee’s knees and
   lower legs (seat pan not too long). YES/NO

4. Armrests support both forearms while employee performs VDT (monitor)
   tasks and do not interfere with movement. YES/NO

5. Seat has cushioning and is rounded/has ‘waterfall front’ (no sharp
   edges) YES/NO

The keyboard and mouse are designed or arranged for data entry so that…

1. Keyboard/input device platform(s) is stable and large enough to hold
   keyboard and input device. YES/NO

2. Keyboard is split to allow wrists to be straight while performing data
   entry. YES/NO

3. Keyboard is without ten key pad (for those who do not perform numerical
   data entry) so that the mouse can be located closer to the center.
   YES/NO

4. Input device (mouse or trackball) is located right next to keyboard so
   it can be operated without reaching. YES/NO

5. Input device is easy to activate and shape/size fits hand of specific
   employee (not too big/small). YES/NO

The monitor is designed or arranged so that…

1. Top line of screen is at or below eye level so employee is able to read
   it without bending head or neck down/back. (For employees with
   bifocals/trifocals, see next item.) YES/NO

2. Employee with bifocals/trifocals is able to read screen without bending
   head or neck backward. YES/NO

3. Monitor distance allows employee to read screen without leaning head,
   neck or trunk forward/backward. YES/NO

4. Monitor position is directly in front of employee so employee does not
   have to twist head or neck. YES/NO

5. No glare (e.g., from windows, lights) is present on the screen that
   might cause employee to assume an awkward posture to read screen.
   YES/NO

*Adapted from Workstation Check List developed by OSHA. For more detail
see: http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/computerworkstations_ecat/checklist.html

Copyright 2003 Erik Peper, Ph.D. and Katherine Hughes Gibney
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