Basics
- Ensure that light from windows and light fittings does not create glare or reflection. If so, turn screen or block path of light
- The task chair should have a fully adjustable chair height, back rest position and seat tilt
- Ensure there is adequate leg clearance under the desk
- Take short rest breaks at least every half-hour to stretch and perform eye exercises
- Intersperse keying and mouse tasks with a variety of other work tasks
- Move frequently used items within easy reach
- Keep the workspace free from clutter
Chair
- Move your hips as far back in the chair as they can go - there should be space between the back of your knee and the front of the seat
- Position the maximum padding on the back rest in the small of your back, at waist level
- Move your chair in to the desk so that you are sitting flush to the desk edge and directly in front of the screen and keyboard
- Adjust the seat pan height so that the work surface is just below elbow height, with your navel in line with the spacebar
- Obtain a footrest if your feet are dangling
- Lower the chair for reading/writing tasks and raise it again when keying
Keyboard and mouse
- Relax your arms and elbows by the side of your body and then position the keyboard approximately 8 to 10cm from the desk edge, so that you do not need to over-reach
- Position the mouse close to the side of the keyboard
- Hold the mouse loosely with all fingers and follow each movement with the arm and shoulder
- Alternate mouse use between the right and left hand from time to time
- Learn to use keyboard shortcut commands to reduce mouse use
Computer screen
- Position the screen at approximately arms distance away when you are sitting flush to the desk edge
- Position the top of the screen at eye level
- If your glasses have more than one prescription, lower the screen until your chin is not protruding or retracting
- Position source documents in line between the keyboard and the screen on a book lift style copy holder