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Office Ergonomics

What’s Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging workplaces, products, and systems to fit the people who use them, optimizing their well-being and overall performance.

Ergonomic Risk Factors

  1. Awkward Postures:

    • Reaching, bending, twisting, or holding body parts in unnatural positions for extended periods

    • Examples include bending over to pick up objects, reaching for items on high shelves, or twisting to access equipment.

    • Poor posture while sitting or standing can also be a risk factor. 

  2. Force and vibration:

    • Applying excessive force to perform tasks, such as lifting heavy objects, pushing or pulling carts, or gripping tools tightly.

    • Heavy lifting, especially with improper technique, is a significant risk factor.

    • Exposure to vibration from tools or equipment.

    • Examples include using power tools, operating machinery, or driving vehicles. 

  3. Repetition:

    • Performing the same motions repeatedly, like typing, using a mouse, or assembling parts.

  4. Contact Stress:

    • Direct pressure on the body from hard surfaces or edges, such as resting the wrist on the edge of a desk.

  5. Static Postures: 

    • Maintaining the same position for extended periods, such as sitting at a desk without breaks.

Reducing Office Ergonomics Risk Factors

  • Awkward Posture:

    Adjust chair height, monitor position, keyboard & mouse placement and desk height

  • Force and vibration:

    Use appropriate size equipment and tools. Apply proper lifting techniques.

  • Repetition motions:

    Take frequent breaks and alter tasks.

  • Contact stress:

    Use wrist and arm support

  • Static postures:

    Take breaks and alter position to reduce duration in static/fixed position

Ergonomic Office Workstation Setup

Feet to the Floor

  • Feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest if necessary

  • Chair height should allow your legs to be in a neutral posture with knees level with hips or slightly below

Body to chair

  • The seat pan should be adjusted correctly to allow for the space of two fingers between the back of your legs and the chair

Desk and input devices

  • Desk height should allow for elbows to rest at bellybutton height

  • Input devices should be placed next to each other

  • Use a mouse that promotes a neutral or handshake wrist posture

  • Wrists should rest in either a neutral or slight negative tilt position

  • Wrist support should be used to reduce contact stress

Monitor(s)

  • Eyes should rest comfortably at the top 1/3 of the screen, promoting the neck to be in a neutral posture

  • Monitors should be an arm’s length distance away

  • If using two monitors equally center yourself. If using one monitor more often center yourself on the main monitor.

Office Resources

Departments