Many times in office environments we see situations where workstations create musculoskeletal risk factors. This is often caused by such things as seating that lacks adjustability in the lumbar area, armrests or seat as well as input devices such as the keyboard or mouse that creates non-neutral positions of the wrist, elbow or shoulder. The work surface itself can be the culprit as well where a small desk can easily become overcrowded, requiring excessive reaches or sitting in awkward, static postures because the body is restricted for movement. Often the work surface or keyboard is located too high or too low in relation to the desk.
Here is a scenario where an employee’s workstation is located in a small office. Let’s call her Ms. Smith.
The challenge Ms. Smith’s current workstation is that the she frequently switches between desk work and the computer (e.g. making notes and then entering that information into the database on a computer). As such, she uses both her desk surface and keyboard/mouse on the keyboard drawer interchangeably. The issue appears to be the height difference between the two surfaces. She must sit lower to use the keyboard/mouse; however, when using the desk, she sits too low. Unfortunately, Ms. Smith is unable to raise herself because of the height of the keyboard drawer. There are two options for this employee:
- The first option is to lower the height of the desk, which would involve either replacing the legs or shortening (cutting) the length of the legs. The height would need to be lowered 1.5 to 2″. When the desk is lowered, the keyboard drawer would need to be repositioned/installed on the current brackets 1.5″ higher.
- The second option is to simply raise the height of the current keyboard drawer 1.5″ using the existing brackets. This would reduce the height difference between the desk and keyboard/mouse drawer. The employee would have to utilize a footstool and sit in a raised position in her chair.
- A third option is to trial a document holder. The purpose of the document holder would be to provide a writing surface that extends out over the keyboard tray. This would then minimize the movement of Ms. Smith in and out from her desk. Instead, the document holder work surface moves in and out relative to her. This option should be tested with the individual to determine effectiveness. An example of this document holder can be found on Ergo Canada’s website: www.ergocanada.com.
Next, find out some options for a multi-use workstation for laboratory workers.