The following checklist aims to assist computer workstation user to properly evaluate and adjust his/her work station to the need of Assessment rocedu

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1 Sedentary Workers Safety and Health Bulletin Introduction A brief discussion on computer workstation (II) In the last issue of this bulletin, we discussed the selection and proper adjustment of office chairs to suit the need of the growing range of tasks performed. In this issue, we focus on the discussion of work desk. The following recommendation is based on the premises that the user should be able to work in a relaxed and comfortable position. Computer Workstation Key Features Work Surfaces for Computer Task Descriptions L Corner workstations (Curve and L-shaped). The desk is extended along two sides of the partition. Two types: 1. Curved work surface: the bridging section is curved. Advantage: An efficient and economical use of space; The monitor can be placed at the corner section to take the advantage of the increased depth formed by the connection. 2. L a. b. L-shaped: work surface forms by two rectangle work surfaces. The corner space should not be used to support keyboards unless: a. Both surfaces are at correct keying height; b. The depth is sufficient for the monitor, keyboard, pointing devices and wrist comfortably resting on the work surface.

2 The following checklist aims to assist computer workstation user to properly evaluate and adjust his/her work station to the need of Assessment rocedures Is the arrangement of the desktop accessories (e.g. stapler, calculator, documents, telephone) within easy reach and according to the frequency of usage? No Yes next question Is there adequate space for the arrangement of monitor, keyboard and mouse pointing devices? A o No Yes next question / Are fingers/hands rest comfortably on the keyboard and wrist and forearm well supported on the worksurface? No Yes next question When sitting upright, is there adequate space for the movement of knees and legs underneath the work surface? No Yes I r U t L p Keyboard Is the placement of the keyboard enable the wrists work in neutral position and forearms supported and approximately parallel with the floor? No Yes During keyboard entry, are the upper arms and elbow close to the sides of the body, and shoulder in relaxed positions? No Yes K U L U m H

3 the task and the comfort: ossible roblems Area of Discomfort ossible risk: awkward postures and repeated movements Neck, Shoulder, and Elbow wkward postures together with repetitive movement might cause muscle fatigue and increase loading f the muscle. ossible risk: awkward postures Neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand mproper placement of monitor, keyboard and pointing devices might cause frequent twisting and eaching. ossible risk: awkward posture and contact stress Wrist, hand and forearm nsupported body region increases muscle loading and desk edges might increase pressure on the endons and nerve structures of the palm and wrist. ossible risk: awkward and restricted postures Knee, leg and foot ack of space under the worksurface does not allow free movements of knee and legs static osture muscle tension muscle soreness ossible risk: awkward postures and static loading Elbow, forearm, wrist and hand eyboard entry with bent wrists increase chance of tendinitis of hand and wrist. nsupported forearm increase static muscle work muscle soreness ifting forearm up reduce circulation muscle soreness ossible risk: static loading and awkward postures Neck and shoulder pper arms up and to the sides of the body increase work load of the upper arms and shoulder uscles unched shoulders (elevated shoulder) increase tension of shoulder and neck muscles

4 ossible Solutions Illustration 1. Locate the frequently used items within the optimum reach position. 2. Locate the telephone on the left side if notes taking is needed such that notes could be taken on the right side. 1. / If there is constraint in space and/or improper desk height, consider: a. Install keyboard tray to allow proper placement of keyboard and pointing devices. b. osition monitor on the monitor risers. 1. Move keyboard away from the edge of work surface. 2. Use wrist rest for support. 3. Install keyboard tray. 1. Clear the storage underneath the desk. 2. Raise the desktop or lower the chair if knees keep bumping into the desk edges. 1. Adjust seat height such that the elbows are approximately same height of keyboard. 2. Adjust and tilt the keyboard tray such that the wrists are working in neutral position. 1. Lower keyboard height. 2. Check if the armrests prevent the user sits close to the worksurface. 3. Lower or remove armrests if necessary. 4. Raise chair height and provide footrest if feet are not well supported on the floor. Text by: Mr Simon Yeung, Assistant rofessor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong olytechnic University

5 Computer Workstation Key Features Dimensions: Workstation Depth Workstation Height Desk Leg Room Desk Surface and Construction Descriptions L Should allow the keyboard and monitor to be placed in a straight line with the user. L-shaped rectangular work surface - at least 750 mm for monitors up to 17 inches. Curved corner work surface mm from front edge to corner If possible, the work surface height should be adjustable from 560 to 760mm The space below the desktop and return should allow free access to both sides of the workstations and movement of the lower legs. At least 800 mm deep and 800 mm wide. 100 All edges of the desktop and return should be rounded. Stable when bumped. Can withstand the weight of a person or similar load at any corner with tipping (normally 100kg at any corner without tipping). Desk surface should be non-reflective with light neutral color. Keyboard Tray This is an essential accessory item if the desktop height is not adjustable. Key Features Height and Width Descriptions Adjustable: mm measure from floor level. If nonadjustable: 670mm. The tray should be 65cm inside wide to accommodate keyboard and pointing devices. Otherwise, use a mouse pad overlay such that the pointing devices can be used at the same height as the keyboard. Mouse pad overlay - a platform that rests over the number keys of the keyboard. This allows the user s arm close to the body while using the pointing device. This can relieve muscle fatigue caused by working with an extended arm. Tilting referably adjustable to a range of 15 to 20 degree tilt.

6 rize Quiz $500 3 The Sedentary Workers Safety & Health Committee has included a prize quiz to this bulletin to help raise awareness of work safety. We look forward to your participation. If you can answer the following three questions correctly, you can enter the lucky draw and have an opportunity to receive one of a total of 3 shopping vouchers to the value of $500. If the work surface height of the desk is adjustable, the range should be within (a) 240 (mm) to 360 (mm) (b) 560 (mm) to 760 (mm) (c) 600 (mm) to 800 (mm) The space below the desktop should allow free access to both sides of workstations and movement of the lower legs. The area of the space is preferably (a) at least 800mm deep and 800mm wide (b) at most 800mm deep and 800mm wide (c) at least 600mm deep and 800mm wide Which of the following features should the surface and construction of a recommended desk include? (a) All edges of the desktop and return should be rounded (b) Desk surface should be non-reflective with light neutral colour (c) The above two features should be included lease circle the correct answers and fill in the following form and send it or fax it to the Council. lease write Sedentary Workers Safety & Health Bulletin rize Quiz on the envelope. Closing date: 31 March, 2002 Name Identity card number Address Daytime contact tel number Occupational Safety & Health Council Sedentary Workers Safety & Health Committee Address: 19/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North oint, Hong Kong Telephone: Facsimile: /2002(1) oshc@oshc.org.hk Homepage: Occupational Safety & Health Council 1/2002(1) Rules for participation 1. ersonal Data Statement We will keep your personal data for promotion of safety and health at work, including related research and statistical purposes. We may need to transfer such data to service providers, event co-organizers and partner institutions. If you do not wish to receive information and news relating to safety and health at work from us, please mark the box at the end of this Statement. I do not wish to receive the aforesaid information and news. 2. Each participant may only enter once. 3. The employees and direct family members of the organising body are not eligible to enter. 4. The decision of the organising body regarding the prize results is final. 5. The organising body reserves the right to make changes to any matters related to the competition and will not provide further notice. 6. In the event of any dispute, all decisions by the organising body are final.

17030_Sedentary.indd

17030_Sedentary.indd Introduction Musculoskeletal disorders are very common occupational health problems. Most of the work-related musculoskeletal disorders are upper limb problems, in which hand or forearm tenosynovitis and