Ergonomic Standards for a Computer Workstation
Ergonomics are often overlooked, but are one of the most important aspects of the computer workplace. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that poor ergonomics contributed to 29 percent of all work injuries in 2007. Ergonomic standards for computer workstations are more than just proper equipment; they also include better body movement.
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Identification
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Ergonomics is a field of health science that finds ways to conform the local environment to make people more comfortable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ergonomic standards for a computer workstation provide a guideline to reduce the stress on the body that often comes with sitting and staring at a computer for long periods of time.
Types
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Computer workplace ergonomics have standards for the adjustment and placement of computer hardware, and exercises and stretches that one should periodically perform, according to the Division of Occupational Health and Safety. Exercises are free and so are most equipment standards, but to achieve the most ergonomically standard computer workstation special ergonomic hardware may be needed, such as an adjustable height chair.
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Symptoms
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Ergonomic standards prevent many of the repetitive stress injuries caused by an uncomfortable computer working environment and performing the same functions over and over again, according to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Some signs of poor ergonomics are weak or tingling hands, back problems, inflammation in the joints and eye strain.
Equipment Standards
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Monitors should posses no dirt or smudges and sit approximately two feet away, directly in front of the user so he does not have to turn the neck to see the screen, according to the Division of Occupational and Health Safety. Switch between sitting and standing, or try different sitting positions; sitting is actually a stressful action. Most computer workstation stress injuries are from poor position of the keyboard and mouse. The keyboard should lay close enough to the body so the arms can rest and the arms do not have to "reach" for the keyboard or mouse.
Ergonomic Exercises
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Use as much natural sunlight as possible and blink or yawn to produce water for eye lubrication, reports the Division of Occupational and Health Safety. For eye strain, close the eyelids and move the eyes up and down and then left to right. To relieve stress on the hands, sit down, loosen the arms and then shake them downward. Stretch the wrist by pulling the hand backward for 20 seconds, and then then forward for 20 seconds.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Raul Gonzalo
