Computer workstation designing

Computer workstation designing - Self assessment

Question and possible corrective actions for checklist

1.   Can the height, seat and back of the chair be adjusted to achieve the posture outlined below?

ü  Obtain a fully adjustable chair.

2.   Are your feet fully supported by the floor when you are seated?

ü  Lower the chair

ü  Use a footrest

3.   Does your chair provide support for your lower back?

ü  Adjust chair back

ü  Obtain proper chair

ü  Obtain lumbar roll

4.   When your back is supported, you able to sit without feeling pressure from the chair seat on the back of your knees?

ü  Adjust seat pan

ü  Add a back support

5.   Do your armrests allow you to get close to your workstation?

ü  Adjust armrests

ü  Remove armrests

6.   Are your keyboard, mouse and work surface at your elbow height?

ü  Raise / lower workstation

ü  Raise or lower keyboard

ü  Raise or lower chair

7.   Are frequently used items within easy reach?

ü  Rearrange workstation

8.   Is the keyboard close to the front edge of the desk allowing space for the wrist to rest on the desk surface?

ü  Move keyboard to correct position

9.   When using your keyboard and mouse, are your wrists straight and your upper arms relaxed? The keyboard should be flat and not propped up on keyboard legs as an angled keyboard may place the wrist in an awkward posture when keying.

ü  Re-check chair, raise or lower as needed

ü  Check posture

ü  Check keyboard and mouse height

10.Is your mouse at the same level and as close as possible to your keyboard?

ü  Move mouse closer to keyboard

ü  Obtain larger keyboard tray if necessary

11.Is the mouse comfortable to use?

ü  Rest your dominant hand by using the mouse with your non-dominant hand for brief periods (mouse buttons can be changed within the computer control panel)

ü  Investigate alternate mouse options.

12.Is your monitor positioned directly in front of you?

ü  Reposition monitor

13.Is your monitor positioned at least an arm’s length away? Note: the monitor’s location is dependent on the size of the monitor, the font, screen resolution and the individual user e.g. vision/use of bifocal spectacles etc.

ü  Reposition monitor

ü  Seek an alternative monitor if necessary e.g. flat screen that uses less space

14.Is your monitor height slightly below eye level?

ü  Add or remove monitor stand

ü  Adjust monitor height

15.Is your monitor and work surface free from glare?

ü  Windows at side of monitor

ü  Adjust overhead lighting

ü  Cover windows

ü  Obtain antiglare screen

16.Do you have appropriate light for reading or writing documents?

ü  Obtain desk lamp

ü  Place on left if righthanded – place on right if left handed

17.Are frequently used items located within the usual work area and items which are only used occasionally in the occasional work area?

ü  Rearrange workstation

18.In the event of using a laptop computer for prolonged periods of time use of;

ü  A full sized external keyboard and mouse;

ü  Docking station with full sized monitor or a laptop stand

ü  Obtain appropriate laptop accessories