GOING BEYOND COMPUTERS Why the interest in computers? n Office workers spend one-third of the...
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Transcript of GOING BEYOND COMPUTERS Why the interest in computers? n Office workers spend one-third of the...
Why the interest in computers?
Office workers spend one-third of the workday on the computer.
Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are associated with computer tasks and workstations.
Good business sense to improve the environment for morale and efficiency.
Looking beyond the computer
Look at the whole workstation, not just the computer or chair.
Create a positive work environment that includes working with an adjustable workstation and places the worker into a neutral position utilizing good posture.
Look at the seating
The seating should have the following features: Adjustable seat (height and tilt) Adjustable backrest (height, angle, and
depth) Adjustable arms (height, width, and angle) Comfortable lumbar support Waterfall front edge Swivel Five legs for stability Casters designed for the floor surface (soft,
hard, locking, etc.) Fabric that breathes
Additional comments on seating
Different sizes and styles Fitting the individual worker,
not one size fits all Weight load testing on the
chair (250-275 lb. range) Fitting the task/work
including the fabric selection
Working surfaces
Standard desks from the fifties Straight, sharp edges on the
wrists and forearms Non-adjustable heights Rounded edges Non-glare producing surfaces
Lighting
Slightly dimmer than general office lighting by 30 to 50%
Task lighting Overhead lighting and
avoiding shadowing Window effects (blinds,
curtains, glass treatments)
Glare
Can be produced by shiny paint surfaces, mirrors, glass, metals, and overhead lighting in the work area
Position work away from windows and direct lights
Temperature and air quality
68 to 72 degrees Avoid air blowing
directly on employees Employee-built vent-
deflecting systems Plants and chemicals
Noise
Noise from equipment, radios-CDs, co-workers, and other work areas
Relocate printers and copiers Partition use
“Traffic”
Interruption to work Coffeepots and copiers at the central area of
work Open work areas encourage “flocking” at
individual work areas Employee lounges
Cord Management
Cords can be a trip hazard and an electrical nightmare
Cords should be secured and away from the feet, walk spaces, drawers, and sharp edges.
Good idea to color code or label cords for easy identification
Shut down electrical equipment at the end of the workday.
Files
Organize work at the desk File cabinets organized to
have frequent work at waist-chest level
Infrequent, heavy file loads in the bottom levels
Lighter loads in the top drawers
No storage on the top
Work habits
Organize equipment to fit the work process and needs
Keep frequently used items close at hand Schedule short tasks such as filing between
in-depth computing tasks Take breaks & move about Do desk exercises
Desk exercises Blink!!! and exercise eye muscles frequently to avoid eye
strain Head rolls side to side and front to back Shoulder shrugs Arms over the head stretching side to side Arms over the head stretching backwards Stretching legs outward off the floor Ankle rolls Seated knee raises
Odds and ends
Carpet cuts down on noise, but can contribute to trip and allergy hazards.
Enclosed darkened work areas away from windows can be bad.
Store sharp items such as pens, scissors, and tacks when not in use. Always carry scissors pointing downwards.
Keep trashcans, briefcases, backpacks, and boxes out of walk spaces.