Originally posted on July 12, 2010
Consider these factors when making your work environment injury-free. Alignment and posture are important considerations to decrease work-related stress and strain and ergonomic seating can help.
Work Station Checklist:
- Head and neck approximately upright (not bent down/back).
- Head, neck, and trunk facing forward (not twisted).
- Trunk perpendicular to the floor.
- Shoulders and upper arms close to perpendicular to the floor and relaxed.
- Upper arms and elbows close to the body.
- Forearms, wrists and hands straight and parallel to the floor.
- Wrists and hands straight (not bent up/down or bent sideways towards your little finger.)
- Thighs parallel to the floor and lower legs perpendicular to the floor. Feet flat on the floor.
Monitor:
- When seated, looking straight ahead, your gaze lands on the top two inches of the screen.
- Monitor position allows you to look straight ahead when viewing it (not twisted).
- Lighting does not cause a glare on the screen.
Seat:
- Backrest supports the curve of the lower back.
- Seat width and depth accommodate specific employee dimensions.
- Seat pan (the part you sit on) is not so long that it presses into the back of the knees.
- Seat is cushioned with rounded front edge.
For more information on work stations check out Osha.
