Last Revised: August 07, 2023

Appropriate seated positions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following are common problems we see when evaluating workstations, and possible solutions.

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Placement of Documents

Twisting and leaning forward to view documents while working on the computer causing awkward neck, back and shoulder postures.

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Solution:

Use an in-line copy holder when working from documents.

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Wrist Support

Resting wrists on desktop when working on the keyboard or mouse causing awkward wrist postures.

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Solution:

Lower feet on the keyboard and use a soft wrist rest for the keyboard and mouse.

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Placement of Frequently Used Items

Reaching for frequently used items causing awkward arm and shoulder postures.

Placement of frequently used items

Solution:

Keep frequently used items within an easy reach.

Placement of frequently used items solution

Placement of Pointing Device

Reaching for the mouse causing awkward shoulder and arm postures.

Pointing device placement

Solution:

Position the mouse close to the keyboard. Place the mouse directly in front of you when performing mouse intensive tasks (i.e. web browsing.)

Solution

Retrieving Items from Shelves

Reaching for items located on overhead shelves causing awkward arm and shoulder postures.

Retrieving items

Solution:

Stand to retrieve items off a shelf.

Solution

Seat Height

Sitting too low causing awkward wrist postures when typing and mousing.

Seat height

Solution:

Raise the chair and use a footrest to position yourself at the proper typing height or purchase a keyboard tray.

solution

Laptop Use

Laptop computers do not allow the keyboard and monitor to be at the correct height causing awkward shoulder, neck and back postures.

Laptop use

Solution:

Add a separate keyboard and mouse and raise the laptop monitor to the proper viewing height.

solution

Keyboard Angle

Positive slope of keyboard tray causes awkward wrist postures.

keyboard angle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solution:

Position keyboard tray flat or slightly negative.

solution

Placement of Keyboard and Pointing Device

Placing the keyboard on a keyboard tray and the mouse on the desk causes awkward arm and shoulder postures.

placement of keyboard and pointing device

Solution:

Place keyboard and mouse on the same surface and close to each other.

solution

Telephone Use

Cradling the telephone handset on your shoulder causes awkward shoulder and neck postures.

telephone use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solution:

Use the “hands free” option on your telephone or use a headset when speaking on the telephone while accessing the computer.

solution

"L" Shaped Workstations

Working in an “L-shaped” corner causes awkward shoulder and arm postures.

"L" shaped desk

Solution:

Use a corner extension to position the keyboard and mouse within an easier reach.

solution

Lumbar Support

Sitting forward in the chair while working, providing no lumbar support.

Lumbar leaning forward in chair

Solution:

Sit fully back in the chair when working. Adjust the depth of the seat pan, the angle of the back or use a lumbar cushion.

Lumbar Support Solution