| The definition of ergonomic is: the applied science | | | | 2. Top of monitor screen should be 2-3" above |
| of equipment design, as for the workplace, | | | | eye level |
| intended to maximize productivity by reducing | | | | 3. No glare on screen; use an optical glass |
| operator fatigue and discomfort. | | | | anti-glare filter where needed |
| So if you are trying to create an ergonomic work | | | | 4. Sit at arms length from monitor; further if |
| environment for yourself, computer furniture is on | | | | distance is comfortable and screen's readable. |
| eof the most important things to consider. | | | | 5. Rest feet on floor or on a stable foot rest |
| One of the leading researchers on ergonomics is | | | | (move feet frequently for circulation) |
| Cornell University. Cornell has a created a very | | | | 6. Use a document holder, preferably in-line with |
| simple and realistic guide to improve your work | | | | the computer screen |
| environment and to protect your health while | | | | 7. Wrists flat and straight in relation to forearms |
| sitting at a computer workstation. The following is | | | | to use keyboard/mouse/input device |
| a 12-step guideline for computer ergonomics were | | | | 8. Keeps arms and elbows relaxed close to body |
| adapted from the DEA651 class of 2000 - | | | | 9. Center monitor and keyboard in front of you |
| Bethany Johnson; Emily Kuperstein; Mari Mitchell; | | | | 10. Use a negative tilt keyboard tray with an |
| Heidi Tinnes; with Garrick Goh (TA) and Professor | | | | upper mouse platform or downward tilt-able |
| Alan Hedge. | | | | platform adjacent to keyboard |
| Injuries related to working on computers for long | | | | 11. Use a stable work surface and stable (no |
| hours are currently increasing exponentially. | | | | bounce) keyboard tray |
| Computer related injuries are increasing with the | | | | 12. Take frequent short breaks (micro breaks) |
| explosion of computer technology in the | | | | and stretch. |
| workplace. Discomfort, muscle aches, and other | | | | In the computer furniture industry, "ergonomic" is |
| work-related injuries are a risk of prolonged and | | | | a hot buzz word. While so many pieces of |
| repetitive work at your computer furniture can | | | | computer furniture are advertised and promoted |
| create discomfort, muscle aches, and be the | | | | as ergonomic, there is no verification of these |
| cause of work related injuries. Exaggerating the | | | | claims. The truth is, furniture may be properly |
| problems are a proliferation of Improper posture | | | | ergonomic for one person and not for another. So |
| and improper body positioning at your desk. | | | | use the 12 guidelines to pick out furniture that will |
| However, the good news is that injuries can be | | | | create a healthy work environment for you as an |
| avoided by implementing the 12 ergonomic | | | | individual. A little research and effort will help when |
| guidelines outlined by Cornell University | | | | picking out ergonomic furniture and can have |
| researchers. | | | | long-term health benefits such as the prevention |
| 1. Use a good chair with a dynamic chair back that | | | | of arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other |
| is angled slightly to the rear. | | | | potential work-related injuries. |