Computer comfort checklist
What is it?
This is particularly important for intensive computer users (more than 5 hours per day at the computer) as well as moderate computer users (3-5 hours per day at the computer).
Checklist
Below are several questions that can help determine if you should have a work station assessment to minimise your risk of discomfort or injury. The more questions you answer ‘Yes’, the better. If you answer ‘No’ to several questions you should consider having a work station assessment.
- Are your shoulders relaxed, elbows close to the sides (i.e. arms are not reaching), forearms roughly horizontal and wrists straight while using the keyboard?
- Is there some space in front of the keyboard to allow you to rest your wrists when not actively keyboarding?
- Do your wrists remain “free” and not resting on the desk surface or wrist rest while keyboarding?
- When seated, is your lower back well supported and remaining in contact with the backrest of the chair while performing computer work?
- While sitting, are your knees bent (about 900) and the thighs roughly horizontal?
- When seated, can your feet rest comfortably on the floor?
- While seated at your workstation are ears, shoulders and hips lined up vertically?
- Is your mouse located close to, and at about the same height as the keyboard?
- Is a document holder available for frequently used documents or reference materials?
- Are frequently used items such as files, telephone, etc. placed within easy reach?
- Do you take frequent vision breaks for refreshing the eyes?
- Do you take physical breaks and move about frequently during the day?