Working in an sedentary job all day can leave your with multiple aches and pains at the end of the day. Fortunately, by making a few easy adjustments to your workspace, you can greatly improve your comfort.
Office ergonomics is a popular topic of discussion, especially with increases the past few years in repetitive motion injuries and chronic pain conditions. However, ergonomics actually refers to the relationship between a worker and the various furniture, equipment, or materials used in a job. For an office worker, this means items like desk layout, chair positioning, equipment settings, and so forth are considered.
Key Ergonomic Terms
The following terms are often used in reference to workplace ergonomics:
• Primary Work Zone, which is the distance from elbow to hand. This is the distance in which items are comfortable to use.
• Secondary Work Zone includes the remainder of the area within arm's reach.
• Reference Zone is the area outside the two zones above.
Tips for Office Arrangement
Arrange your desk with the above three zones in mind to help with office ergonomics and reduce physical strain. Placing constantly used items such as keyboard and telephones within the primary work zone means you do not have to stretch and reach as far. Placing commonly used items within the secondary work zone also further helps lessen physical strain. Using the reference zone for those items seldom used allows you to keep them in the vicinity but not take up valuable primary or secondary work zone space.
Some other things to consider when it comes to designing your office environment include:
• Place computer monitors or screens at an angle away from windows to reduce glare from sunlight.
• Keep the area under and around your desk clear of boxes and other materials.
• If it helps, use a wrist support for the keyboard and mouse to reduce strain on the joints.
• Keep the monitor or screen approximately 18 to 30 inches from your eyes.
• Remove any sources of reflective light such as shiny posters.
• Adjust the height of the monitor or screen so the top is at eye level, or slightly lower if you wear bi-focals.
• If you spend a lot of time on the telephone, use a hands-free headset.
A properly designed work environment is vital to your overall health. Spending the time to arrange your office ergonomically will payoff in a much more comfortable time at your desk.
To learn more about the importance of ergonomics in the workplace and to find the best ergonomic office chair visit our office chair review site.
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