1. Monitor height is slightly lower than eye level and 18"–36" from eyes
2. Monitor and document stand are at
same distance from eyes
3. Keyboard and mouse are beside one another and at the same height
4. Wrists are straight
5. Shoulders are low and back
6. Backrest is adjusted to provide lumbar support
7. Knees are bent at 60°–90°
8. Feet are supported either
on the floor or on a footrest
9. You have taken a microbreak in the last 30 minutes
10. You have altered your work position within the last hour
Sit up and Take Notice (81Kb) - originally published in WorkSafe Magazine, July/August 2006, and is reproduced here with the permission of WorkSafeBC
Ask a Consultant
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ARCHIVE
Q: We have received some requests to use Stability Balls in place of ergonomic chairs. Do you get many of these requests? Are other employers receiving this type of request and if so, have you set any criteria regarding the use of them (i.e. limit to medical/ergonomic reasons)? OUR ANSWER
Q: Are there good supports available regarding posture when working at a computer? Something to wear to remind one to keep their posture in mind instead of having pain in the shoulder at the end of the day from slumping? OUR ANSWER
Q: I noticed that my shoulders are shrugged a lot while at my desk at work. The muscles seem to be tense and stiff by the end of the day. What can I do to prevent this? OUR ANSWER
Ergonomic suppliers
Looking to purchase ergonomic products? Need support for products you are using? See the following list of suppliers:
The Wright Solution Inc.
Contact: Stuart Wright
Edmonton, Alberta Phone: (780) 413-9235 Website:www.TheWrightSolution.ca
Office furniture, keyboards, workstations
NexGen Ergonomics
Contact: David Pinchefsky
Pointe Claire (Montreal), Quebec Phone: (514) 685-8593 Website:www.nexgenergo.com
Source for ergonomic analysis, design and training tools (noise and vibration analysis, force measurement tools, software)
Ergonomics research
www.ctdnews.com - information about cumulative trauma disorders (CTSs) and repetitive strain injuries
www.ergoweb.com - what's new in ergonomics, free subscription to weekly newsletters, contact information for ergonomic product suppliers
www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/ergo/Default.htm - Washington State, Occupational Safety and Health Administration website summarizing the Washington State ergonomics rule; provides ergonomics evaluation tools
Ergonomic Seating Health Hub - in-depth information about everyday ergonomics written and peer reviewed by physicians
