Large Monitors and Their Ergonomic Impact

Large monitors change the proper viewing angle of the monitor.

Large monitors can have a negative impact on ergonomics because their size may make it too difficult or impossible to adjust their distance from the user or their height. Having extra space around large monitors lets users modify the ergonomics of their workstations.

Monitor Position

Proper ergonomics for a standard--15- to 17-inch--monitor requires the user to sit 20 inches, or an arm's length, away and have a downward viewing angle between 15 and 20 degrees, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Large monitors require adjusted to lengths for comfortable viewing.

Effects

Large monitors may cause eye strain because the user has a harder time focusing on text or images, or neck strain if he has to look too far up or down at the screen.

Tip

Users should sit a few inches further than they would with a standard-size screen, but not so far back as to have to stretch to reach the keyboard. With larger monitor sizes, the screen should tilt down slightly for a more comfortable viewing angle.

References

• GovTech: Imaging Ergonomics
• Occupational Health and Safety Administration: Ergonomics Computer Workstations
• Healthy Computing: Monitor Setup and Usage