Essential tips on office ergonomics for home or office

Why has office ergonomics become a hot topic? Probably because we are becoming more and more aware of how important proper posture and health is to the individual as well as the workplace. With many of us being in a technological world, office ergonomics plays a big part in our day to day lives.

We need to position ourselves correctly, especially in front of a computer if we spend a fair bit of time sitting at one. Positioning and using the computer in the right way may be one of the single easiest way to prevent injuries. Learning more about office ergonomics will help you figure out how this may apply to you and your workplace.

The ultimate goal in this is to keep you safe and away from injury. You may also find that through learning more about office ergonomics, you may feel that there are even more benefits.

You will want to ensure that there are a few things you have set up properly. Starting with the computer station, as generally that is where most of the time is spent in the office for many of us.

Check the setup of:

• Keyboard
• Monitor
• Documents
• Mouse
• Chair
• Desk
• Phone
• Lighting

Lets look at the keyboard first. Even if you are not currently feeling pain in the position you use your keyboard, in order to avoid future problems like sore wrists or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you will want to take preventative measures. You will want to choose a system that is height adjustable and lets you tilt the keyboard away from you in a negative tilt. This allows you to use the mouse with your upper arms relaxed and as close to the body as possible.

For office ergonomics and the monitor, it is best to position it directly in front of you, unless you only look at the screen occasionally. It should be about an arm’s length away from you when you are sitting back in your chair.

If you consistently look at documents, it may be a good idea to have them propped up, rather than flat on the desk or work surface while working with them. This will cause your neck to tilt or twist and become very uncomfortable and cause pain.

The most common problematic area is the back. The office ergonomics chairs are a great investment. They may cost a few more dollars than regular computer chairs, but well worth the money.

Experts tips on how to set up your chair properly:

• Adjust the chair height
• Sit back in the chair
• Adjust the recline
• Adjust the seat pan
• Adjust the armrest
• Clear obstacles

For adjusting the chair height, the back of the knees should be at an open angle 90 degrees or slightly greater and not compressed. Then sit back and adjust the height and or depth of lumbar support to provide comfortable lower back support. Then adjust the recline, seat pan and armrest to a comfortable position. Clear anything out of the way that may interfere with the casters or may prevent you from sitting at the right length away from the desk.

These are just a few ideas of how you can help office ergonomics easily right from your own home of office desk. There are some excellent products you can buy to aid the this support as well.