Frequently, when a customer purchases a chair from us and I go to their home or office to set it up for them, most of the time their workstation is wrong.
Often, their desk height is too high or too low, their monitor is at the wrong height, the keyboard is incorrectly positioned and so forth. Customers seem to really appreciate the service of having someone with over 12 years of experience in ergonomic evaluations come to their home or office and not only set up the chair they just purchased for them, but also, make some recommendations on how they might want to alter their work environment to better suit their shape, size and postural requirements.
I have included some basic, but very important workstation guidelines. If you have any further questions or would like me to come by your office and help evaluate your needs, please do not hesitate to call.
In the Zone — To find your optimal work zone:
Pull your chair up to the edge of your desk and look straight ahead. What you see in your range of vision is your best “viewing zone.” Position the things you need to see most frequently (monitor, documents, etc.) in this area. Place your elbows at your side, and move your forearms from side to side (like windshield wipers). Position your keyboard and mouse in this area. Reach each arm out to the side, and then move them forward to meet in front of you. This semicircle is the “normal reach” zone, and the things you use most frequently should be positioned there. This might include the telephone, reference binders, note pads, and other items.
Monitor — The computer monitor should be centered directly in front of you. The top of the screen should be at eye level, and roughly an arm’s length away. If you wear bifocals, you may have to position the monitor a few inches lower for comfort. If you have a large monitor, 20” or more, the top of the screen should be about 3” above eye level.
Seating — Height: Your thighs should be roughly parallel with the floor, with your hips slightly higher than your knees.
Back support: Sit back in the chair so your spine is properly supported. The lumbar support should fit comfortably in the curve of your lower back — the “lumbar spine.”
Seat: There should be an inch or two of space between the front of the seat and the back of your legs. You should not feel pressure on the back of your knees, but you should have support under your thighs. If the seat is too deep, consider an add-on lumbar support to fill the gap.
Armrests – Elbows should be comfortably supported, with your arms at an angle of 90° or more.
Motion – It is important to have some movement when sitting for long periods. True ergonomic chairs have a “forward tilt” function to give continuous support even when you lean forward to work at the desk.
For more information please contact us at Relax The Back, Gateway Village Shopping Center, 661-294-2225.