Defining Your Workspace: Ergonomic Basics
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2009
by Steven Jones
Steven R. Jones, D.C.
Setting up your office space correctly definitely requires some expert input. That being said, many aspects of setting up your office space are based on common sense. Improperly designed work stations are sure to lead to many painful conditions including neck pain, back pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and a host of other disorders.
We all have specific items at work that we handle more frequently than others. In my work environment for instance, I use the mouse and keyboard more than any other object on my desk. At this point I will inject a shameless plug for my Ergo Nav. Since I use my mouse most frequently, I have it perched right at the end of my chairs' armrest. My Ergo Nav positions my mouse close enough to my body to avoid any reaching for the mouse at all. From an ergonomic standpoint, this positioning is ideal.
My keyboard is also within my immediate reach as are my writing instruments such as pens and pencils. All of the items that I have discussed so far are within my immediate reach area, which is also known as the "usual work space".
Most people only have a handful of objects that truly belong in their "usual work space". The actual dimensions of this space vary with the size of the worker, therefore, you have to keep the principals of good ergonomics in mind when determining the actual size of your "usual work space". As far as placement of mice, keyboards, pens, phones etc., within your "usual work space" you have to position these items in a way that avoids or limits hunching of the shoulders, flaring out of the elbows, excessive reaching, reaching across your body or forward flexion of the shoulders.
The area beyond the "usual work space" is considered the "occasional work space" and should contain objects that are only occasionally used. In my circumstances, the "occasional work space" contains my cpu, monitor, printer and my phone. Most of the time I have an assistant to answer my phone and I may only make a handful of calls each day. My monitor only requires that I turn it on and off once a day the same being the case with my printer and the computer itself. My desk space is limited so the items that I have covered are the only items in my space. Staplers, files and paper are needed infrequently enough to not deserve the chance to clutter my work area.
You also want to make sure that your monitor is positioned properly. I mentioned in the previous paragraph that my monitor is beyond my "usual work space". There are few things to remember that are specific to your monitor placement. To begin with, your monitor should be close enough so that you can see it clearly. If it is too far away you will lean forward to improve your vision at the expense of your posture. Secondly, the monitor should be placed directly in front of you. Last but not least, the monitor should be placed at a height that allows your eyes to focus on the top third of the monitor with your eyes on a level plane.
I hope that you find this information helpful applying just a few of these ergonomic principals can make a big difference!
Author Information:
Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He recieved his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice. Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs. Click the following links to find out how we can help you start feeling better today! " Jones Chiropractic Clinic ". ergonomic device, the "Ergo Nav" ,
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