What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. – Wikipedia

The study of the ‘fit’ between human operators and their workplace, which can be used to design working environments that maximize user efficiency. -Tuition.com

The science of obtaining a correct match between the human body, work-related tasks, and work tools. -Arnot Health

Computer Desk Ergonomics

The main goal of the ergonomic computer desk is to provide proper adjustments for the placement of the elements in order to provide maximum comfort to the user. The ergonomic computer desk should be able to adjust the height and angle of the keyboard tray, monitor shelf, and other elements.

The ergonomic computer desk should provide adequate clearance for the user’s legs, allow proper placement of computer accessories and awkward postures. There are two types of ergonomic computer desks i.e. the Sitting type of ergonomic computer desk and standing type of ergonomic computer desk.

When you purchase an Ergonomics Computer Desk with a fixed height, ensure that you have a keyboard tray to provide enough height adjustment to suit multiple users.

The leading edge of the work surface should be wide enough to accommodate the arms of your chair, usually about 24 inches to 27 inches. If space is lesser than this, it will interfere with armrests and restrict your movement. This is to be kept in mind especially while working in four-corner work units.

Ergonomic Computer Desk Tips:

1. Avoid storing items, such as a CPU, under desks.
2. Desks should be able to accommodate a variety of working postures.
3. Desk surface should allow you to place the monitor directly in front of you, at least 20 inches away.
4. Use a headset or speakerphone to avoid neck and shoulder discomfort if you use a phone frequently throughout the day.
5. Support your document on either side of the monitor.

Chair Ergonomics

The Ergonomic Chair should be highly adjustable, including not just a knob for lowering and raising the chair but adjustability in the back tilt and the height of the armrests. An Ergonomic Chair should also have a sturdy frame (avoid plastic), a great deal of support, especially in the lumbar region, and padding that has some give and supports your body without losing shape.

The advantages of using an Ergonomic Chair with increased adjustability include ensuring a better fit for the user, providing sufficient support in a variety of sitting postures, and allowing a variety of convenient sitting positions throughout the workday.

If more than one person is using the Chair per day, these points have more relevance. Before selecting a particular Chair, try out different Ergonomic Chair and finalize on the one that gives the best support. To ensure that the Ergonomic Chair will provide adequate support, it is important that you try out different chairs before purchasing one.

To create a safe and dynamic workstation, the following parts of the Ergonomic Chair have to be observed in detail before selection.

• Backrest
• Seat
• Armrest
• Base

The Ergonomic Chair should be adjusted while placing the monitor, keyboard and desk in your workstation.

Ergonomic Chair Guidelines:

• Ensure that the backrest of your Ergonomics Chair corresponds to the natural curvature of your spine providing enough support to the lumbar region.
• Ensure that the seats of your Ergonomic Chairs are comfortable enough to allow your feet to rest flat on the floor or footrest.
• Ensure that the armrests of your Ergonomic Chair are soft allowing your shoulders to relax and elbows to stay close to your body.
• Ensure that your Ergonomic Chair has a five-leg base with rollers that allow it to move easily on the floor.