Computer health and safety at work
Workstation health and safety: desks, chairs and posture
Guide
A user's workstation furniture should minimise the risk of injuries. Posture also plays a vital role in preventing upper limb disorders.
Desk health and safety
The work desk or work surface should:
- be big enough to allow the user to arrange the screen, keyboard, documents, etc in a flexible way
- have a matt surface
- be big enough to let the user work comfortably and to change position
- be stable and positioned so that it's comfortable and easy to use where an employee uses a document holder
Office chair health and safety
Workstation chairs should:
- be stable and allow the user to work comfortably
- be adjustable in height
- have a seatback adjustable in height and tilt
Other workstation considerations
Other features of the workstation you should consider include:
- arm supports must not interfere with movement, eg by stopping the user getting the chair under the work surface
- seat width should be wider than the hip width of the person using it
- the back rest should provide support for the back in all sitting positions, particularly the lumbar region.
- a foot rest may be needed if users are unable to rest their feet flat on the floor
- the importance of correct and comfortable seating should be emphasised to employees in a risk assessment
Posture when using a computer
Adopting the right posture when working at a computer is very important in order to prevent health problems. You must ensure that employees are aware of good posture and technique, including the importance of:
- avoiding sitting in the same position for long periods
- keeping their forearms roughly horizontal, and their eyes at the same height as the top of the display screen equipment
- ensuring items that are regularly used are within easy reach
- positioning a mouse or other pointing device close by so they can use it with a relaxed arm and a straight wrist
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