Research shows little proof that there are substantial health benefits to using a sit-stand workstation. Prolonged standing can put added pressure on the circulatory system, can decrease fine motor skills and requires more energy than sitting; within 1 hour an individual begins to fatigue and slouch. Many people think that standing all day will simply be ‘better’ than sitting, allowing for a different position and not feeling so ‘stuck’ sitting. [Read more…]
What’s in your hands all day?
With the average employee on a computer more than half the day, it’s important to consider if you’re putting your hands and arms at unnecessary risk for injury. The main things to consider are what type of keyboard and mouse you’re using, where they’re located in relation to you, how much of your day is spent using them and what type of tasks you’re using them for.
Ergonomics for the Office
With the increased demand for today’s professional to spend longer hours behind a computer screen, office-related discomfort and injuries are on the rise. Avoiding awkward positions and maintaining a neutral spine can help to reduce this long-term discomfort, but how? Through the use of proper ergonomics in your workstation setup and correct posture, a natural ‘S’ curve spine can be achieved, leading to a healthy and pain-free work environment.
Task Chair Vs. The Ball in an Office Setting
The use of a physioball is common at your local gym or physical therapy clinic for rehabilitation and strengthening/wellness. But over the last few years people have been using them as their main chair/seating at their desk as a replacement for an office ‘task’ chair.
Monitor Set-up and Multiple Monitors
Let’s review the basic principles of setting up your monitor ergonomically. Ensure it’s no more than an arm’s length from the body and that it is at an appropriate height. When looking straight ahead the monitor should be directly in front of you and majority of the information being viewed does not cause you to look up or down and that the monitor itself is not tilted up or down. If a person is wearing bifocal, progressive or blended lenses, be aware of what portion of the lens you look through and adjust your monitor height accordingly; if looking up or down to view the screen, then the monitor is not at the correct height. The use of ‘computer specific’ lenses can eliminate the need for these special instructions, allowing the user to look through the center portion of the lens to view the screen. The monitor should be centered with the center of the keyboard and the body.
