People come in all shapes and sizes and also have varying capacities and limitations. Being able to adjust a workstation to cater for individual differences can assist in reducing the risk of injury.
There are many different types of workstations and equipment that contribute to the overall work environment and therefore the most appropriate choices/adjustments need to take into account the following:
- all tasks an individual performs at the workstation
- the workspace or layout in which the tasks are completed
- any equipment, tools or materials that are used
- the individual’s working posture when completing these tasks
- the number of individuals using the workstation
- task performance requirements or targets
(Comcare 2004; WorkSafe Australia 1994)
Workplace solutions and adjustments
An office workstation generally includes a desk/bench, chair/stool and associated equipment to complete either desk or computer based tasks. Flexibility and adjustability of equipment should be considered to allow individuals to adjust workstations for support and comfort whilst being able to productively complete their required tasks. If only one person is based at a workstation, less flexibility may be required in it’s make up/design than if it is a multi user workspace.
On the job strategies
Basic principles of workstation set up include:
Chairs:
- adjust the seat height to allow the elbows to fall naturally onto the work surface i.e. desk or keyboard (not reaching up or hunching over) – and the feet fully supported on the floor or a footrest
- adjust the seat base to allow the thighs to be approximately parallel or horizontal to the floor with no excess pressure from the chair on the underside of the thighs or back of the calves
- adjust the backrest so the lumbar support is positioned in the lumbar curve (small of the back) and the back is approximately vertical
- if using armrests, ensure adequate desk clearance to minimise the risk of leaning away from the chair to work
- it is recommended to trial a range of office chairs for adjustability and comfort prior to purchase due to individual differences
Footrests:
- footrests can be either fixed or adjustable in height and angle, however should provide support for feet whilst not restricting movement of the chair under the desk
Desks:
- most office based desks are not adjustable – so chair adjustability is crucial in ensuring correct workstation set up
- height adjustable desks can accommodate for multi use or multi user workstations
- for corner based workstations – ensure a 45o bridging section is used if positioning a computer or tasks in the corner section to minimise risk of twisting or reaching whilst working
Computers & accessories:
- monitors should be positioned directly in front of the user, at approximately one arms length from the seated position when keying
- the user’s eyes should be level with the top third of the screen, being able to maintain a neutral position of the neck when viewing the whole screen
- place screen at right angles to the windows to minimise glare and adjust screen controls or angle to minimise glare from overhead lights
- keyboards should be positioned directly in front of the user so they can be operated with the upper arms by the sides of the body, forearms at 90o angle and wrists neutral (in line with arm)
- keyboards should sit flat on the desk (not angled) to maintain correct wrist position
- mouse should be positioned as close to the keyboard as possible to minimise overreaching
- keep hand relaxed when using mouse and remove hand when not operating
- consider swapping mouse use between left and right hands
- if using a notebook or laptop computer for long periods, consideration should be given to use of a docking station at an adjustable workstation, or use of an external mouse and keyboard attachment with screen raised
Document holders:
- if transferring data from hard copy materials to the computer – position these directly between the keyboard and monitor on an angled surface
- when undertaking desk based work i.e. calculating or reading, position the work on a large angleboard as a means of bringing the work surface closer to the user, rather than the user bending forwards towards the work – this can reduce neck, back and eye strain
Other desk based equipment:
- All other equipment used frequently at the workstation should be positioned within easy reach including the telephone and reference materials accessed. If the phone it answered frequently and requires computer input – consideration should be given to use of either hands free/speaker phone or headset options.
Equipment options:
For office or desk based workstations consider the following tips:
- posture should be varied between sitting and standing i.e. place printer away from the desk to encourage standing up and walking
- set up workstations to minimise the requirement for twisting, bending forwards or reaching away from the body by the user
- repetitive tasks should be rotated with tasks that require other muscle actions
- the body should be positioned in as relaxed a posture as possible to reduce muscle fatigue
Workplace assessments provide professional advice about the sorts of adjustments that can be made to a person’s immediate work area to meet their individual needs.
(Comcare 2004; WorkSafe Australia 1994)
Related links
References
ComCare 2004, Officewise Office Safety – A guide to health and safety in the office, Australian Government – ComCare, Canberra, viewed 31 August 2007, <http://www.comcare.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/735/OHS_1_officewise_v2.5_aug04.pdf>.
Worksafe Australia 1994, National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Occupational Overuse Syndrome (NOHSC:2013(1994)), Australian Government National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, Canberra, viewed 31 August 2007, http://www.ascc.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/A7C1F830-9975-436A-8BE2-5E4FEDAA3312/0/OOS_COP_NOHSC2013_1994.pdf.