Are Computers Hazardous to your Health?
Nov 21, 2001 11:45 AM
Furniture
Q: I try to work with good posture but I get tired.
A: Good posture does not mean holding the "ideal" position rigidly for hours on end. Any position maintained without breaks or stretches can cause injury. Move your body frequently and readjust your chair as needed.
Having furniture which can support your body in an appropriate but relaxed position is essential. If your office can’t afford to purchase ergonomically designed, adjustable chairs and desks (see next question), follow the suggestions included below for inexpensive or homemade remedies that will make it easier for you to work without straining your body.
Q: What does "ergonomically" mean?
A: Ergonomics is the science of adjusting the work environment (including tasks, equipment and schedule) to fit the human body. Ergonomic equipment should enable the user to work in a manner that does not injure the body.
Just because a manufacturer states that its office furniture is ergonomic, however, doesn’t mean it will fit your body. Whenever possible, order equipment and furniture that is adjustable and try it out before purchase to determine if it is appropriate for you.
Also, remember that no furniture can prevent injury if you work without breaks and persistently place your body in awkward positions.
Give your feet a boost. If your feet don't touch the floor when you properly adjust your chair's seat so that you're comfortable at the keyboard, use a box, phone book or commercial footrest to keep your knees level. When using the computer, your feet should be flat.
Q: Tell me about appropriate chairs for computer work.
A: The ideal chair allows you to adjust the height and position or tilt of both the back rest and the seat so you can maximize your comfort and shift positions throughout the day. An easily adjustable chair also enables people of different heights to comfortably share the same workstation.
The back support should extend at least to the middle of your back to provide support for leaning back. The seat should extend forward past the middle of your thighs. Some experts recommend buying a chair with padded, adjustable armrests, but other experts warn that the rests should never be used while actively typing. Critics of armrests maintain that injuries can occur when typing motion is confined to the hands and fingers instead of involving the whole arm. It may be better to rest your arms by placing your hands in your lap.
If you are ordering a new chair, look at Have a Seat! A Consumer’s Guide to Buying an Office Chair, published by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, the September 1996 Consumer Reports also evaluated ergonomic chairs (although models may have changed, the basic information is still valid). To try out chairs before ordering, visit office furniture stores or office supply stores.
Prescription for neck ache. The Board of Education often bolts monitors to the side of the desk, making it necessary to twist the neck to see the screen. Secretaries may compound the strain on their necks by cradling the telephone between ear and hunched-up shoulder. Consider moving the monitor to the center of the desk or to a freestanding workstation and ordering a lightweight and inexpensive telephone headset
Q: Our school can’t afford to purchase new, adjustable chairs right now. What can we do?
A: If your feet don’t touch the floor, use a footrest.
Several phone books or a sturdy box can work just as well as a commercial footrest.
If your chair doesn’t adequately support your lower back, a rolled-up towel positioned just above the belt line can help. An inexpensive lumbar pillow may be even better. You may be surprised how much easier it is to maintain good posture with appropriate lumbar support.
Q: What about desks?
A: Standard office desks are too high for computer work. The best work surface is one that can be adjusted for height and includes a separately adjustable arm or tray for the keyboard. There should be adequate room under the table for your legs and sufficient space on the work surface for any necessary supplies.
If your desk is too high and you can’t replace it, use your school’s office supply funds to purchase an adjustable keyboard tray that can be attached below the desk. Adjust it so you don’t have to bend your wrists up to reach the keys. (Keyboards and trays are discussed below.) Alternatively, you can raise your chair and use a footrest if your feet don’t touch the floor.
