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COMPUTER PAIN? – GIVE YOUR WORKERS RELIEF!

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as carpal tunnel can create serious health problems for employees who work all day on a computer. Risk factors include repetition (the daily, lengthy use of a keyboard and mouse or trackpad) and awkward postures (extending arms to type, hunching shoulders, and/or sitting for long periods). A properly designed and arranged computer workstation can go a long way toward preventing MSD.

To help evaluate the safety and comfort of your workstations, OSHA has developed this checklist:

Working Postures. Are your workstations designed or arranged so that they allow the user's:

  • head and neck to be upright, or in-line with the torso
  • head, neck, and trunk to face forward
  • trunk to be perpendicular to floor (might lean back into backrest. but not forward)?
  • shoulders and upper arms to be in line with the torso, about perpendicular to the floor and relaxed
  • upper arms and elbows to be close to the body
  • Forearms, wrists, and hands to be straight and in line (forearm at about 90o to the upper arm)?
  • wrists and hands to be straight
  • highs to be parallel to the floor and the lower legs to be perpendicular to floor (thighs may be slightly elevated above knees)
  • feet rest flat on the floor or are supported by a stable footrest?

Seating. Is the chair designed so that the:

  • backrest provides support for the lower back (lumbar area)
  • seat width and depth accommodate the specific user
  • seat front does not press against the back of knees and lower legs
  • seat has cushioning and is rounded with a "waterfall" front
  • Armrests support both forearms and do not interfere with movement?

Keyboard/Input Device. Is the keyboard/input device designed or arranged so that:

  • the device platform is stable and large enough to hold a keyboard and an input device
  • the input device (mouse or trackball) is next to keyboard so it can be operated without reaching
  • the input device is easy to activate and the shape/size fits hand
  • wrists and hands do not rest on sharp or hard edges?

Monitor. Is the monitor designed or arranged so that:

  • the top of the screen is at or below eye level so users can read it without bending the head or neck down/back?
  • users with bifocals/trifocals can read the screen without bending the head or neck backward?
  • the monitor distance allows user to read the screen without leaning head, neck or trunk forward or backward
  • the monitor is directly in front of user, so that he or she doesn't have to twist their head or neck
  • the screen does not reflect glare from windows or lights, which can cause the user to assume an awkward posture so they can see information on the screen clearly?
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