Realizing the importance of a safe work environment, KIC HSE department urges to conduct workstation assessment following the below guidelines.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), ‘Most of the world’s population (58%) spend one-third of their adult life at work contributing actively to the development and well-being of themselves, their families and of society.’ Needless to say, an unsafe work environment, more specifically the computer workstation, may have a hazardous impact on health and well-being if not set properly.
Following the below guidelines, which focus on the proper adjustment of the chair, monitor, mouse, posture, desk, work regime, document holder, and keyboard, will ensure a safe work environment.
Chair:
Adjust the chair so that your elbow is at the same level as the top desk. This may mean adjusting the desk down or using a footrest
The thighs should be almost horizontal and the lower legs almost vertical.
Both feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest.
The chair backrest should support the lower back; not too high or low.
The backrest should support the back in a comfortable vertical position. A slight recline is recommended
Monitor:
Position the monitor directly in front of you with the top of the screen slightly below eye level.
Adjust the monitor stand to get the correct level.
The monitor should be approximately at arm’s length from your seated position.
Place the monitor to avoid reflections, for example at right angles to windows.
Slightly tilt the screen to allow your eyes to focus without bending you neck.
For continuous data entry place the screen slightly to one side, and put the document holder slightly to the other side.
Mouse:
Place the mouse mat on your dominant side.
Keep your mouse in good working order.
If you use the mouse predominantly for some work, move it to the middle, replacing the keyboard.
Posture:
Hold head and spine straight but not rigid.
If practical, find 2 or 3 positions where you are comfortable and alternate at intervals.
Desk:
Armrests should not obstruct the desk
If possible adjust desk height so feet are comfortably flat on the floor. Otherwise use a footrest.
Organize your desktop so that the most used items are close to you.
Work Regime:
Stretch, switch tasks, or change positions regularly to avoid excessive stress or fatigue.
As a minimum, take a 10-minute break every hour, away from the keyboard.
If possible, regularly do some simple exercises.
Document Holder:
Arrange document holder at the same level as the screen if possible.
Keyboard:
Place the keyboard so arms hang naturally at the sides and elbows close to body.
Place the keyboard so that you don’t need to stretch to use it.
The keyboard should be around 5 cm from the front edge of the desk.