Ergonomic workstations and office furniture ...

Ergonomic workstations

Workstation set up - Monitor placement

Monitor and Document Placement – Because our bodies follow our hands and eyes, it is critical to properly position the things we look at during the workday. While there has been much discussion surrounding the proper placement of the monitor, researchers overwhelmingly agree that the top line of text should be at or slightly below eye level. In fact, any portion of the monitor above eye level contributes to neck and shoulder strain. If your monitor is too high because it rests on top of the CPU, invest in a below-the-desk CPU holder. Placing the CPU below the desk not only allows for better positioning of the monitor, but also creates additional desk space. If the monitor is positioned too low, consider spacers or adjustable monitor arms to lift it off the desk.

In a typical set-up with the CRT taking up much of the Neutral Reach Zone (left), users are forced to do their non-computer-based work off to the side. With a flat panel monitor on an adjustable monitor arm (right), users are able to do all work within the Neutral Reach Zone, for maximum health and efficiency.

If the CPU is already off the desk and sitting on the floor, a below-the-desk CPU holder will not only protect the CPU from damage, but will increase leg room under the desk. This will result in some additional space savings while creating room to encourage leg movement while sitting.

The monitor and documents should also be placed directly in line with the keyboard to minimize twisting of the neck and/or body. Again, maintaining body symmetry is a critical component of healthy work habits.

If you do not have an in-line document holder and typically place input documents to one side of the monitor, remember to periodically alternate placement of such documents from one side of the monitor to the other.

As technology advances, more offices are being outfitted with flat panel monitors. The beauty of flat panel monitors is the space savings they allow – if mounted on an adjustable arm. If you purchase a flat panel monitor and simply place it on the desktop where the old CRT used to sit, not only will all the space savings be behind the monitor, but you’ll more than likely end up with a monitor sitting lower than your CRT.

Attaching your flat panel monitor to an adjustable monitor arm allows you to both customize the height and depth of the monitor for optimal viewing, while also being able to move the monitor out of the way when you need more desk space for writing or referencing documents.

Lighting and Glare Issues – Another major issue facing office workers today is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which can cause headaches, eyestrain, neck and back pain, and light sensitivity. According to OSHA, “some studies estimate that 90 percent of the 70 million U.S. workers using computers for more than 3 hours per day experience [CVS] in some form.” Glare and lighting are significant factors related to CVS.

Lighting is perhaps the most understated aspect of an ergonomic workstation and yet is arguably one of the most important with respect to human health and performance. As with ergonomics in general, there are common misconceptions with regard to lighting. The truth is, brighter is not always better. In fact, many office environments are over-lit, which not only contributes to vision and glare issues but also leads to unnecessary energy consumption.

Creating a Healthy Workstation

by Rhonda Crenshaw, Director of Humanscale’s National Ergonomic Group
(extracts from article for Interiors & Sources, November 2004)

>> Workstation set up continued