How to Overcome Workspace Strain and Pain

Use this checklist as a guide for adjusting your equipment and furniture. It may help you become more comfortable and relieve damaging pressure on your body.

This self-assessment should be used:

  • As part of your induction when you commence work
  • On temporary or permanent relocation to another office
  • If you feel uncomfortable or experience pain while sitting at your workstation

Ergonomic Workstation Self-Assessment

Name:   Date:  
Department:   Location (room):  

 

 

Please refer to the diagram onthe left as you work
throughthe self-assessment

Key Adjustments

  1. Feet flat on the floor
  2. Chair backrest supporting lumbar area
  3. Sufficient leg clearance under desk
  4. Thighs parallel with floor
  5. Upper and lower arm form right angle
  6. Minimum slope on keyboard
  7. Eye level at or just below top of monitor
  8. Monitor at arm’s length away
  9. Upright position with relaxed shoulders

Chair & Posture

Instructions

AcceptableYes/No

Comments/Further Action

Seat height

Check the elbow and knee angles in the diagram.

Adjust seat height so that the work surface and keyboard
are just below elbow height when the shoulders are
relaxed and the elbows are at approximate right angles.
Refer to 5 & 6 on diagram above.

Check that the feet are flat on the floor, knees are bent at right angles and thighs are parallel to the floor or tilted slightly forward. Refer to 1 & 4 on diagram above.

If you do not have adequate foot support:

 

 

Backrest

Adjust backrest (vertically) so that the lumbar support fits in the lumbar curve of your lower back. Refer to 2 on diagram above.

Adjust backrest (horizontally) so there is a couple of fingers’ space between the front edge of seat and the backs of your knees.

 

 

Seat tilt (if applicable)

Adjust seat tilt so that your hips and the tops of your thighs are at right angles (or slightly greater). Not all chairs have a tilt adjustment - this is OK as long as you can maintain a right angle (or slightly greater) between your thighs and hips. Refer to 4 on diagram above.

This helps to ensure there is no undue pressure on the back of your thighs.

 

 

Arm rest position

Armrests are not recommended for keyboard work but may provide support during other activities (e.g. telephone use, meetings, etc.).

If the chair has armrests and these are interfering with access to the desk you should have them removed.

 

 

Sitting posture

An upright or slightly reclined posture is recommended. Be sure the backrest supports your lower back and keep shoulders relaxed not hunched. Refer to 9 on diagram above.

 

 

Desk, Keyboard & Mouse

Instructions

Acceptable Yes/No

Comments/Further Action

 

 

Desk height

Adjust desk height so arms and forearms are at right angles or slightly greater, and the forearms, wrists and hands are in a straight, neutral posture. Refer to 5 & 6 on diagram above.

If desk is not adjustable increase your chair height (see Chair & Posture section above) and use a footrest.

 

 

Desk corners

Smooth and free of sharp edges

 

 

Leg clearance

Space under the desk should allow free leg movement without obstruction. Refer to 3 on diagram above.

Depth needs to allow a proper sitting position while giving foot/knee clearance.

 

 

Keyboard-to-user distance

Keyboard-to-user distance should allow you to relax your shoulders with elbows close to your body and at approximately right angles

 

 

Keyboard slope

Keep wrists in line with forearm. Avoid supporting your wrists on the hard desk surface while typing.

Generally wrist rests should not be used to support the wrists whilst typing– they should be used to provide support when resting between typing tasks.

 

 

Mouse

Position mouse close and on the same level as the keyboard, keep the elbow close to the body. Do not operate the mouse with the arm stretched out.

 

 

Monitor

Instructions

Acceptable Yes/No

Comments/Further Action

Monitor height

Adjust monitor height so top of screen is at or slightly lower than eye level. Refer to 7 & 8 on diagram above.

 

 

Screen-to-user distance

Viewing distance is approximately an arm’s length away. Refer to 7 & 8 on diagram above.

 

 

Monitor alignment with user

Monitor and keyboard should be placed directly in front of user to avoid twisted postures.

 

 

Visual comfort of screen

Monitor positioned to avoid glare (ideally, at a right angle to the window or strong light source)

Characters on the screen should be clear, have no flicker and be of suitable size.

 

 

Work Layout

Instructions

Acceptable Yes/No

Comments/Further Action

Placement of frequently used items

Keep frequently used items (e.g. telephone, books, and stationery) close at hand so that you can reach the items without stretching. Large or heavy items should not be placed above shoulder height.

 

 

Placement of source documents

Use a document holder if working from other documents extensively – do not place documents on the desk in front of the keyboard or flat on the desk to one side.

Preferably the document holder should be positioned between the keyboard and screen to avoid neck twisting or positioned close to the screen on one side (and alternated if possible).

 

 

Work Practices

Instructions

Acceptable Yes/No

Comments/Further Action

Micro breaks and stretches

When using your mouse/keyboard repetitively remember to take micro breaks. This may be a short pause to relax hand positions, look away from the computer or stand and stretch your legs. Try stretching your body to reverse your posture, allowing muscles to relax.

 

 

Alternate tasks

Break up long periods of continuous computer use by performing tasks with different demands such as photocopying or filing. Avoid ‘batching’ of work and try to rotate tasks regularly.

 

 

Telephone use

If you are right handed it is often better to hold the phone in your left hand so you can take notes with your right. Avoid tilting head and neck to cradle the telephone. Use your hand to hold the receiver

A headset is recommended if you are performing combined telephone and keyboard tasks for extended periods.

 

 

Glasses for computer use

If you require glasses, single strength lenses are recommended. Bifocals or graduated lenses are normally not suitable for computer use. This can be dependent on the user. Glasses for computer use should be discussed with your optometrist.

 

 

Summary of Assessment

Please list any items above where you were unable to adjust the item/equipment to suit your needs.

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