Table 1 Guidelines for workplace ergonomics and body posture used in the RSI@Work study
Topic | Advice |
|---|---|
Workplace ergonomics | |
Seat height | Feet flat on the floor, upper leg completely supported |
Seat depth | Lower and upper back completely supported, about 10 cm between back of the knee and front of the seat |
Arm rests | Support the elbows (and forearms) |
Height of back support | Thickening of back support at belt height |
Table height | At same height as armrest while typing, 5 cm above arm rest while reading. |
Position of computer screen | Straight in front of worker. Rotation of screen less than 10°. Place screen perpendicularly on window. Distance between screen and eyes dependent on screen dimensions but at least 50 cm. |
Computer screen height | Top of the screen at eye height level |
Keyboard | Plat on desk, straight in front of screen. |
Mouse(pad) | Close to keyboard. Try to alternate the position of the mouse(pad) between right and left of keyboard. |
Body posture | |
Back | Straight. Completely supported by backrest. |
Neck | Head rotation less than 20°. Minimal neck flexion/extension (see position of computer screen). |
Shoulders | Relaxed (not raised) |
Arms | Close to upper body |
Hand, wrist, forearm | In straight line. Ulnar deviation between -5° and 20°. |
General | Workers were advised to change their posture during the workday. |