When people think of workplace safety hazards, chances are computers don’t pop into their heads immediately as a threat to health and safety. However, spending long periods in front of the computer, whether you’re surfing the Internet, playing games, or working, can begin to take a toll on the body.
Some of the ways using a computer often affects the body includes strained eyes and headaches, back and neck problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and poor posture, which leads to other problems.
One of the best ways to keep the computer from damaging your health is through computer ergonomics. Computer ergonomics consists of placing your computer, desk, chair, and other components of your workstation in certain ways in order to best minimize the risks of those who are on their computer a lot.
The following are the ideal computer ergonomics for those who are on their computer a lot:
Your workstation typically will consist of your desk or the table you keep your computer and other things on. Your desk should be high or low enough that you don’t have to hunch over or reach up uncomfortably to reach your keyboard or other things on your desk. In addition, it should have enough space for your legs to fit underneath without having to turn to avoid knocking into drawers or other parts of the desk.
Your workstation should also have adequate space for your phone, papers, documents, and other things without crowding you.
Your chair will have a big impact on your overall computer ergonomics if you are on your computer a lot. Your back should be supported sufficiently and the height of the chair should be adjustable. You don’t necessarily need arm rests, as your desk should allow you to rest your forearms comfortably. The chair should also have wheels.
Ideally, your computer monitor should be situated in a way that it is not in the direct path of light, such as by a lamp or window, to reduce glare on the computer. The monitor should be placed or tilted at eye level or slightly below; you shouldn’t have to strain your neck to look at it.
In addition, make sure the brightness and contrast are set and adjusted so that the screen does not flicker, which can also contribute to eye strain and even lead to headaches.
Keyboard and Mouse
The ideal computer ergonomics for people who are on their computer a lot include a keyboard that is detached from the monitor, but this is not always possible when working on a laptop. Ideally, your keyboard will have a wrist support rest on the bottom, to keep your wrist comfortably rested as you type. The keyboard should be angled, but not too sharply up.
The computer’s mouse, on many computers, are wireless, so the use of a mouse pad is often not necessary. However, it is a good idea to have a mouse pad that has a wrist support if you use your mouse often, or more than your keyboard.
These are the ideal computer ergonomics for people who are on their computer a lot. The suggestions are not always possible, but if you have a computer or workstation that doesn’t necessarily conform to the standards of computer ergonomics, you may want to consider making a few adjustments in order to make your use of the computer as safe as possible.