Ergonomic FAQs

Frequently Asked Ergonomic Questions

I think I may have an ergonomic-related problem that may be job related. What should I do?
In general, the first step is to talk to your supervisor. He/she should take a look at your job activities and the manner in which your workstation is set up. Secondly, if you are experiencing this problem for more than a few days, you should speak to your occupational health and safety department. It may be necessary to conduct an ergonomic workstation assessment.
Are all "ergonomic" products helpful?
The term "ergonomic" is often used to describe many office items such as chairs, wrist supports, keyboard trays, etc. Alas, this can be misleading. Ergonomics is all about recognizing that people come in all shapes and sizes with different physical needs and different job activities. Having said this, you are simply not going to find a chair, for example, that is "ergonomic" for everyone in the workplace. Someone who is 6'5" and someone who is 5'1" would typically not find the same office chair to be comfortable and "ergonomic" for their individual needs and preferences. Always think about the person using the product and how the product will be used.
Should my chair have armrests?
The choice of armrests on a chair is related to a couple of factors: user preference and the workstation design. Some people like or need armrests to provide some support, especially if they have shoulder or neck problems. Many chair manufacturers generally offer a number of different types of armrests on chairs - adjustable height, width, tilt, padding, size, etc. The user should evaluate the different options when selecting a chair. Ensure that the armrests do not interfere with access to the workstation or prevent an individual from sitting as close as required.
What is the best height for my monitor?
Most people find that the most comfortable viewing height for the monitor is to have the top of the screen about eye level or slightly lower. If an individual wears specialized eyewear such as bifocals/trifocals, the monitor should be placed such that the person can look directly at the screen (this is generally at a lower height than for non-bifocal/trifocal wearers).
What is the best height for my keyboard and mouse device?
The "best" height will vary, depending on the individual. Generally, the preferred height will be in the range of 24-29" but there are no hard and fast rules. Instead, by knowing the desired posture you should have, you can set the height according to your exact needs.
What is the desired posture to use at my computer?
When you are seated in your chair, your feet should be flat on the floor, (or footrest) your back should be in contact with the backrest and the shoulders relaxed. When working at your keyboard, your arms should be in a non-reaching position (i.e. elbows in close to the waist), the forearms roughly horizontal and the wrists straight. The mouse device should be situated very close to the keyboard, at about the same height. When using the mouse, the arm should be maintained in a non-reaching position (elbow in close to the body) and avoid "planting" the wrist on the surface when manipulating the mouse. Instead, try to use the larger muscles of the upper arm to do this work.
How do I know if my chair is adjusted properly?
Your chair should be comfortable! There needs to be good contact between the lower back and the chair’s backrest. The height of the chair should be set such that the user can rest the feet comfortably on the floor. If this is not possible, a footrest is required. Check that there is a bit of a space between the back of the knee and the front edge of the seat pan -- you don't want to inadvertently restrict circulation to the lower legs. Also, there should be no sensation of pressure on the back of the thighs.
I use the telephone a lot and my neck is sore. What do you suggest?
If employees use the telephone frequently, such as call centres, consideration should be given to using a telephone headset. This minimizes stress on the neck and shoulders and frees up both hands for the work to be done. If your level of telephone use does not warrant a headset, then a telephone handset attachment can be a really effective device to use.
What can I do to reduce the risk of developing a repetitive strain injury?
There are four major factors that are known to increase the risk of an RSI -- repetition, awkward posture, excessive force and lack of rest or recovery time. By adopting "neutral" work postures as much as possible and by taking regular stretch breaks, you can go a long way to reduce your risk. Other important factors that can minimize your risk are avoiding static postures, maintaining good health and nutrition and maintaining fitness and flexibility.
I have difficulty using my mouse and keyboard due to an existing RSI problem. Are there other possible input devices or aids available?
There are! Many types of alternate input devices are available. Other technology available includes voice recognition software and foot-activated pointing devices. It is important to keep in mind that this type of injury developed over a period of time and it will not simply disappear with a new device. Work breaks are critical and must become part of any solution that you consider.