Ergonomics Resources
(NOTE: To assist you in finding the best ergonomics resources available, we have researched and developed this
partial list. Though not all-inclusive, it provides information on quality ergonomic seating, furniture, equipment, and
accessories, as well as national standards and online guidelines.)
Ergonomic Task Seating (Chairs)
See the Purchasing Office Seating fact sheet in the Downloadable Resources section of this guide for a detailed list of
features to consider before purchasing. The following chair manufacturers meet all or most of the criteria on that list:
Bodybilt: various models www.ergo4me.com
Haworth: Zody www.haworth.com
Herman Miller: Aeron, Ambi, Ergon3, Mirra www.hermanmiller.com
Humanscale: Freedom task chair www.humanscale.com
Neutral Posture: NP Series and some task chairs with options www.neutralposture.com
Steelcase: Leap, Criterion, Drive www.steelcase.com
Furniture
Quality ergonomic task seating and highly adjustable systems (modular) furniture are probably the two most
important components of an ergonomic computer workstation. Adjustable systems furniture allows you to
accommodate people who vary widely in size and stature by adjusting desk heights without having to purchase
additional add-ons such as keyboard trays and mouse platforms. Systems furniture that can be configured
in multiple layouts will also provide more flexibility to meet the needs of the user and support a wide range of
functions, from traditional seated computer work to standing paperwork and customer service tasks. The following
is a list of systems furniture manufacturers that provide a variety of modular office configurations and layouts:
Allsteel—www.allsteeloffice.com
Details—www.details-worktools.com
Haworth—www.haworth.com
Herman Miller—www.hermanmiller.com
Hon—www.hon.com
Steelcase—www.steelcase.com
Teknion—www.tekus.com
Ergonomics Resources
Desk Add-ons, Accessories, Keyboards, and Input Devices
This section includes desk add-ons such as keyboard arms/trays, alternative keyboards, mice, trackballs, various other
input devices, adjustable chair armrests, armrest padding, lumbar pillows, document holders, monitor rises, laptop
stands, telephone headsets, footrests, automatic staplers, and task lighting.
These retailers sell a variety of add-ons, accessories, and computer hardware, as well as chairs:
AliMed—www.alimed.com
Ask ErgoWorks—www.askergoworks.com
Ergonomic Design Inc. www.ergodesign.com
ErgoDirect—www.ergodirect.com
Ergoware—www.ergoware.com
Office Organix—www.officeorganix.com
OfficeSafe—www.officesafe.net
Computer Software
Voice recognition: For employees with limited use of their hands for keying and mousing you may want to consider a
voice recognition program.
Dragon Naturally Speaking and IBM Viavoice—http://www.nuance.com/
Screen magnification: For employees with impaired vision who have difficulty reading standard size text, there are
software programs that enable the user to magnify the screen.
Izoom—www.issist.com
Zoomtext—www.aisquared.com
Stretching: As a way to remind employees to take recovery breaks and stretch, there are several software programs on
the market with automated reminders with exercise and stretching demonstrations.
Cardinus—www.cardinus.com
Magnitude—www.magnitudetechnology.com
Para Technologies— www.paratec.com
Worksafe BC (free download)— www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/Ergonomics/resources.asp?ReportID=33863#worksafe_sam
Training: If you’re looking for additional office ergonomics training for your employees, there are several vendors that
offer web-based training solutions.
Cardinus—www.cardinus.com
ClickSafety—www.clicksafety.com/pinnacol (special pricing for Pinnacol Assurance policyholders)
CorpMed—www.corpmed.com
Remedy Interactive—www.remedyinteractive.com
Ergonomics Resources
Standards and Guidelines
This section has links to the national standard on office ergonomics, ANSI/HFES 100-2007, Human Factors Engineering
of Computer Workstations, and several useful online resources for guidelines and publications:
ANSI/HFES 100-2007, Human Factors Engineering of Computer Workstations: www.hfes.org
Updated and adopted in 2007, this technical specification document is available for purchase from the Human Factors
and Ergonomics Society, www.hfes.org
OSHA: eTools www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations
This is a self-help training guide that provides tips on how to properly set up your computer workstation. Several photos
help illustrate proper posture and workstation setup. There’s also an evaluation checklist to analyze existing workstations
and a purchasing guide checklist to evaluate new purchases.
Washington State, Department of Labor and Industries: w
ww.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/Ergonomics/ServicesResources/
Pub/default.asp
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has published an excellent document, Office Ergonomics:
Practical Solutions for a Safer Workplace, available as a free download, with information and tools necessary to
analyze jobs, find problems, and develop solutions for them. The document also provides tips on how to set up a
comprehensive office ergonomics program.
Cal–OSHA: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/ComputerErgo.pdf
California OSHA has published a free, downloadable booklet that provides guidance on how to properly set up your
workstation. Each section of the booklet starts with an action goal that tells you what you need to do to work more
safely and comfortably. The booklet makes several suggestions to improve your workstation using existing furniture
and equipment.
Oregon–OSHA: http://www.osha.oregon.gov/pdf/pubs/1863.pdf
Evaluating Your Computer Workstation: How to Make it Work for You is a free, downloadable publication with
information on how to properly evaluate and set up your workstation along with common physical problems and
health issues related to computer use. It also has a workstation evaluation checklist and workstation component
purchasing checklist.
(JANUARY 2009)