GOING BEYOND COMPUTERS

Why the interest in computers?

Office workers spend one-third of the workday on the computer.

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are associated with computer tasks and workstations.

Good business sense to improve the environment for morale and efficiency.

Looking beyond the computer

Look at the whole workstation, not just the computer or chair.

Create a positive work environment that includes working with an adjustable workstation and places the worker into a neutral position utilizing good posture.

Posture and neutral position gets the first look

Look at the seating

The seating should have the following features: Adjustable seat (height and tilt) Adjustable backrest (height, angle, and

depth) Adjustable arms (height, width, and angle) Comfortable lumbar support Waterfall front edge Swivel Five legs for stability Casters designed for the floor surface (soft,

hard, locking, etc.) Fabric that breathes

Additional comments on seating

Different sizes and styles Fitting the individual worker,

not one size fits all Weight load testing on the

chair (250-275 lb. range) Fitting the task/work

including the fabric selection

Working surfaces

Standard desks from the fifties Straight, sharp edges on the

wrists and forearms Non-adjustable heights Rounded edges Non-glare producing surfaces

Lighting

Slightly dimmer than general office lighting by 30 to 50%

Task lighting Overhead lighting and

avoiding shadowing Window effects (blinds,

curtains, glass treatments)

Glare

Can be produced by shiny paint surfaces, mirrors, glass, metals, and overhead lighting in the work area

Position work away from windows and direct lights

Temperature and air quality

68 to 72 degrees Avoid air blowing

directly on employees Employee-built vent-

deflecting systems Plants and chemicals

Noise

Noise from equipment, radios-CDs, co-workers, and other work areas

Relocate printers and copiers Partition use

“Traffic”

Interruption to work Coffeepots and copiers at the central area of

work Open work areas encourage “flocking” at

individual work areas Employee lounges

Cord Management

Cords can be a trip hazard and an electrical nightmare

Cords should be secured and away from the feet, walk spaces, drawers, and sharp edges.

Good idea to color code or label cords for easy identification

Shut down electrical equipment at the end of the workday.

Files

Organize work at the desk File cabinets organized to

have frequent work at waist-chest level

Infrequent, heavy file loads in the bottom levels

Lighter loads in the top drawers

No storage on the top

Work habits

Organize equipment to fit the work process and needs

Keep frequently used items close at hand Schedule short tasks such as filing between

in-depth computing tasks Take breaks & move about Do desk exercises

Desk exercises Blink!!! and exercise eye muscles frequently to avoid eye

strain Head rolls side to side and front to back Shoulder shrugs Arms over the head stretching side to side Arms over the head stretching backwards Stretching legs outward off the floor Ankle rolls Seated knee raises

Odds and ends

Carpet cuts down on noise, but can contribute to trip and allergy hazards.

Enclosed darkened work areas away from windows can be bad.

Store sharp items such as pens, scissors, and tacks when not in use. Always carry scissors pointing downwards.

Keep trashcans, briefcases, backpacks, and boxes out of walk spaces.

More odds and ends

Plants and personal items can be good.

Office camaraderie is good. Management support is great.