GOING BEYOND COMPUTERS

Why the interest in computers? n Office workers spend one-third of the workday on the computer. n Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are associated with computer tasks and workstations. n Good business sense to improve the environment for morale and efficiency.

Looking beyond the computer n Look at the whole workstation, not just the computer or chair. n 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: n Adjustable seat (height and tilt) n Adjustable backrest (height, angle, and depth) n Adjustable arms (height, width, and angle) n Comfortable lumbar support n Waterfall front edge n Swivel n Five legs for stability n Casters designed for the floor surface (soft, hard, locking, etc.) n Fabric that breathes

Additional comments on seating n Different sizes and styles n Fitting the individual worker, not one size fits all n Weight load testing on the chair ( lb. range) n Fitting the task/work including the fabric selection

Working surfaces n Standard desks from the fifties n Straight, sharp edges on the wrists and forearms n Non-adjustable heights n Rounded edges n Non-glare producing surfaces

Lighting n Slightly dimmer than general office lighting by 30 to 50% n Task lighting n Overhead lighting and avoiding shadowing n Window effects (blinds, curtains, glass treatments)

Glare n Can be produced by shiny paint surfaces, mirrors, glass, metals, and overhead lighting in the work area n Position work away from windows and direct lights

Temperature and air quality n 68 to 72 degrees n Avoid air blowing directly on employees n Employee-built vent-deflecting systems n Plants and chemicals

Noise n Noise from equipment, radios-CDs, co- workers, and other work areas n Relocate printers and copiers n Partition use

“Traffic” n Interruption to work n Coffeepots and copiers at the central area of work n Open work areas encourage “flocking” at individual work areas n Employee lounges

Cord Management n Cords can be a trip hazard and an electrical nightmare n Cords should be secured and away from the feet, walk spaces, drawers, and sharp edges. n Good idea to color code or label cords for easy identification n Shut down electrical equipment at the end of the workday.

Files n Organize work at the desk n File cabinets organized to have frequent work at waist-chest level n Infrequent, heavy file loads in the bottom levels n Lighter loads in the top drawers n No storage on the top

Work habits n Organize equipment to fit the work process and needs n Keep frequently used items close at hand n Schedule short tasks such as filing between in-depth computing tasks n Take breaks & move about n Do desk exercises

Desk exercises n Blink!!! and exercise eye muscles frequently to avoid eye strain n Head rolls side to side and front to back n Shoulder shrugs n Arms over the head stretching side to side n Arms over the head stretching backwards n Stretching legs outward off the floor n Ankle rolls n Seated knee raises

Odds and ends n Carpet cuts down on noise, but can contribute to trip and allergy hazards. n Enclosed darkened work areas away from windows can be bad. n Store sharp items such as pens, scissors, and tacks when not in use. Always carry scissors pointing downwards. n Keep trashcans, briefcases, backpacks, and boxes out of walk spaces.

More odds and ends n Plants and personal items can be good. n Office camaraderie is good. n Management support is great.