General Office Ergonomics
VDT’s
Chairs
Workstation
What is neutral positioning?
• Non-stressed postures
• Relaxed, right angles at
– Knees, hips and elbows
– Wrists straight rather than flexed (down) or extended
(up)
– Lower and upper back supported
Good Working Postures
•Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and
roughly parallel to the floor.
•Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and
balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
•Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at
the side of the body.
•Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90
and 120 degrees.
•Feet are fully supported by floor or footrest.
•Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support
when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
•Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and
generally parallel to the floor.
•Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet
slightly forward.
Monitors
• Viewing Distance:
• Viewing Angle:
• Viewing Time
• Viewing Clarity
20”-40”
15-20 degrees
below horizontal
Desks
• Work Surface Depth
• Location of Frequently Used Devices Should be Located
in Repetitive Access Zone
Recommended Zones for Workplace Components
Chairs
Chairs should contain:
• 5-pronged swivel base with castors;
• Padded, height-adjustable seat pan with a rounded
front edge, preferably adjustable from the seated
position;
• Height- and tilt-adjustable back rest;
• Height-adjustable lumbar support;
• Height- and width-adjustable arm rests.
Chair Adjustment
• Pull chair away from workstation;
• Adjust height of seat pan so thighs are parallel with
the floor and feet are flat on the floor;
• Use foot rest if necessary;
• Adjust the height of the back rest so that it supports
the lower portion of the back;
Chair Adjustment
• Adjust back rest to enable a 5-10 degree backward
tilt;
• While seated comfortably, arm rests should gently
support the arms, and should be adjusted for width
so leaning to the side is not required.
Keyboard Adjustment
• With fingers on the home row of the keyboard, adjust
keyboard height so forearms are parallel with the
floor.
• Use a wrist rest to support the hands and wrists in a
neutral position during rest periods while keying.
Keyboard Accessories
• Ensure that the keyboard tray is wide enough to
accommodate a mouse to enable a neutral posture
during mouse use.
General Workstation
Requirements
• Ensure adequate leg room.
• Ensure adequate space for documents, holders, and
supplies.
• Place frequently-used items nearest the operator.
General Recommendations
• Properly adjust workstation
• Alternate work activities.
• Take micro-breaks lasting 2-5 seconds every twenty
minutes: looking at a distant object.
• Take mini-breaks lasting a few minutes every 30-60
minutes: getting a drink, making a phone call, filing
Citation
• Slides 2-7 come from: Burkett, Guy,
“Office Ergonomics 2005” Powerpoint
presentation. College of the Mainland.
2005