Ergonomic Home
Monitor
- Positioned directly in front of user
Neck should not be bent to either side while viewing monitor.
- Positioned so the top of screen (not the frame) is at the same height as the corner of the user’s eye
Neck should not be bent up or down while viewing monitor. If wearing bifocals or progressive glasses may be necessary to position monitor slightly lower. Consider a monitor riser, monitor arm, or repositioning chair height.
- Positioned at one arms’ length away from user (when seated back in chair)
User should not be straining to read what is on monitor screen or bringing the upper body away from the back of the chair to view the monitor. If your monitor is 20 inches or larger you should sit slightly further back.
- Positioned at a 90 degree angle from widows, with no tilt
This position will decrease amount of glare on screen and eye strain while viewing monitor. If glare persists a glare screen can reduce eye strain.
Keyboard Tray
- Positioned so your shoulders are at a natural posture (“relaxed drop”) when typing
Shoulders should not be shrugged to work at a surface that is too high or reaching down to get to a surface that is too low. Consider a keyboard tray, or adjusting chair height and using a footrest.
- Positioned so your forearms are parallel with the floor
Elbows should be at a 90 degree angle while typing. It is best to have hands positioned slightly lower than elbows. Consider a keyboard tray, or adjusting chair height and using a footrest.
- Positioned so your upper arms are in line with your torso
Upper arms should be in line with body (elbows at your side) and not reaching out in front of your body to type. Consider positioning keyboard closer to edge of desk, positioning keyboard tray closer to user, or sliding closer to work station.
Keyboard
- Positioned so your wrists are in a straight line (neutral posture) while typing
Wrists should not be bent in extension or flexion while typing. Drop "legs” down on the bottom of the keyboard. Consider a keyboard tray that can be positioned on a negative tilt. Avoid resting on wrist
- If broad shouldered “split ergonomic keyboards” are suggested to be positioned at shoulder width apart.
Shoulders should not be hunched/rolled inward while typing.
Mouse
- Positioned so your shoulders are at a natural posture (“relaxed drop”)
The mouse should be positioned near and on the same level as the keyboard. Shoulder should not be shrugged to work at a surface that is too high or reaching down to get to a surface that is too low. Use only a keyboard tray with a mousing surface. Consider a keyboard tray, or adjusting chair height and using a footrest.
- Positioned so your forearms are parallel to the floor while using
The mouse should be positioned near and on the same level as the keyboard. Use only a keyboard tray with a mousing surface. Consider a keyboard tray, or adjusting chair height and using a footrest.
- Positioned so your upper arms are in line with your torso
Upper arms should be in line with body (elbows at your side) and not reaching out in front of your body to type. Consider positioning mouse closer to edge of desk, using a keyboard tray that allows the mouse to be positioned over the 10 key pad, or sliding closer to work station.
- Positioned so your wrists are in a straight line (neutral posture) while mousing
Wrists should not be bent in extension or flexion or from side to side (radial and ulnar deviation) while mousing. Avoid resting on wrist rests while mousing. Keep wrist up while using mouse and control your mouse movements from the elbow.
- The appropriate size for your hand
Using a mouse that is too small for the user’s hand may cause awkward hand and wrist positioning and cause the user to grip too tightly. Consider a mouse for the size of your hand, so your hand is not griping to hold on.
- Consider mousing with your non-dominant hand.
Performing all tasks with our dominant hand can really wear out our dominant arm. It allows the user to balance out the amount of work being done by the dominant hand.
- Consider using different input device to decrease repetitive arm motions.
Chair
- Allowing your feet to be positioned flat on the floor or on stable surface (footrest)
Chair should have a height adjustment feature.
- Allowing your knees to be positioned at 90 degrees so your thighs are parallel to the floor
Adjust chair height so that knees bend at 90 degrees when feet are positioned on floor or footrest. Feet should be positioned slightly in front of knees.
- Supporting your upper leg
Legs should be supported fully by seat bottom (seat pan) but not contacting the back of the knee when sitting back in the chair. Adjust seat bottom to allow 2 inches between back of knee and front of chair.
- The lumbar support (pronounced bump in the lower back of the chair) is supporting the user’s lumbar (inward curve in lower back)
The lumbar support is provided to maintain the natural
"S-Shaped” curve of the spine while sitting. Sit back in the chair and use the chair back for support. Adjust lumbar support so that you are receiving full support.
- Chair back is slightly reclined
This decreases the amount of pressure on your lower back and thighs, and encourages you to sit back in the chair. Adjust the seat angle so you are comfortable in a slightly reclined position.
- Allow yourself to move around through the day to avoid pressure points and increase circulation.
It is suggested to take a short rest or stretch break every 30 to 45 minutes throughout the day.
Phone
- Positioned within ones arm distance from you
Avoid reaching and twisting to gather the items you are frequently using. If you are answering the phone frequently, the phone should be positioned within one arms reach (18-21”) from you while seated in chair. Anything else you are using frequently at your desk should also be placed in this range.
- Not being cradled between ear and shoulder when talking
If you are on the phone frequently and must also take notes while on the phone consider a headset or using speakerphone.
Documents
- Position documents in front of user and in line with computer.
This allows for an eye glance to change view between monitor and documents and eliminates the repetitive neck bend. This also allows all the items you are viewing to be positioned the same distance away which reduces the need for your eyes to refocus reducing eye strain.