Designing a Ergonomic Workstation Engineering Ergonomics Safety Training Office of Engineering Safety Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) & The Dwight Look College of Engineering “A safe, healthful, and secure environment for scholarship and research.”

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Key Concepts Components & accessories for an ergonomic workstation Designing an ergonomic workstation Ergonomic products

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Ergonomics OSHA defines ergonomics as: “the science of designing the job to fit the worker, instead of forcing the worker to fit the job.” The relationship of people to their tools, tasks, and environment Tools are designed to fit the employee

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Workstation Components Adjustable Chair Monitor Keyboard Mouse Desk Source:

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Adjustable Chair Choose a quality ergonomic chair with maximum adjustments and simple controls –Height –Seat depth –Seat angle –Lumbar support –Arm rests –Tilt

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Adjustable Chair Read the manual, & learn how to properly adjust the chair Adjust so: –Feet rest comfortably on the floor or are supported by foot rest –Lumbar region of the spine receives support (don’t sit on the front edge of chair) –Backs of legs are supported –Armrests support shoulders and arms –You are comfortable

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Monitor Position the monitor: Directly in front of body About inches away from body (arm’s length) Top of monitor about eye level, or slightly below

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Mouse Should be at the same level and distance as the keyboard New mouse designs (e.g., vertical, trackball) require less index finger work

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Keyboard Several new styles of keyboards Designed to promote neutral posture Don’t just accept the keyboard that came with your computer - shop around!

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Keyboard Tray Adjustable –swivels left and right, tilts forward and back, allows for mouse, extends to different heights and positions Positioned so wrists are in the neutral posture: StraightNot bent or twisted

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Desk The least flexible component Obtain accessories to accommodate and adjust existing furnishings If able to purchase new, look for designs that will allow correct monitor, keyboard, and mouse positioning Some new designs have adjustable height surfaces

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Accessories: Foot Rest If you have trouble keeping your feet on the floor, try a foot rest.

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Accessories: Document holder Should be: Adjustable Mounted to monitor or at same height

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Accessories: Wrist rest Should be: Used only during pauses, not during typing Gel material should be resistant to permanent indentations

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Accessories: Phone Telephone Head Set –Prevents neck extension while cradling telephone with shoulder Speaker Phone Place telephone within reach

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n “Could Be Better” Designs Excessive clutter and glare

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n “Could Be Better” Designs Overcrowded, Excessive clutter, Keyboard & Mouse too high

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n “Could Be Better” Designs Overcrowded, Excessive clutter, Keyboard & Mouse too high

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n Prepared by:

D e s i g n i n g a n E r g o n o m i c W o r k s t a t i o n

Engineering Ergonomics Safety Training Office of Engineering Safety Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) & The Dwight Look College of Engineering “A safe, healthful, and secure environment for scholarship and research.” Designing a Ergonomic Workstation