Ergonomic Workstation Evaluation Share Follow these workstation tips to ensure all employees have the best ergonomic workstation possible. Also see Safe Workstations and Purchasing Guide Checklists – PDF Safe Workstations and Purchasing Guide Checklists – Word Buying Tips When possible, test all equipment before making a purchase. Ask for equipment that meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards. Computer Terminals A detachable keyboard; Easy to use brightness and control knobs; Tilting screen; Character size of at least 3/16″; No perceptible screen flicker; and Reduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) emissions. Chairs Seat and back easily adjustable for height and tilt from seated position without use of tools; Back provides firm lower and mid-back support; Seat upholstered and padded, curves down at front edge; Five casters, for stability; and Adjustable armrests to prevent shoulder fatigue. Table Standards Bi-level to allow independent adjustment of screen and keyboard; Adjusts easily from a seated position without use of tools; Adequate table top space for required tasks; and Adequate leg room Potential Accessories Document holder adjustable to screen height; Wrist rest that is padded, movable, and same height as keyboard home now; Foot rest for users whose feet don’t rest flat on the floor; Task lighting; Adjustable keyboard tray, if table is too high; Lumbar support cushion, if chair doesn’t support lower back; Glare screen with grounding wire; and Telephone headset. Health Tips Reduce glare to avoid eyestrain: Avoid light shining directly into your eyes or onto your screen; Hold a mirror in front of your screen to identify sources of glare; Avoid placing your computer directly under a bank of lights; Lower lighting level to about half of normal office lighting; Use task lighting if necessary; Position screen at right angle to window; and Use window curtains or blinds if necessary. Take a stretch/exercise break: Take a 15-minute break from the computer at least every two hours to get up and move around; Rotate job tasks when possible to avoid constant keyboard work; Take mini-breaks as needed to stretch your body or rest your eyes. Frequent short breaks are desirable if your work situation allows; Blink often to keep your eyes moist; Refocus your eyes by looking away from your screen and focusing on a distant object at least 20 fee away every 10 minutes or so; Release tension in the neck by looking back over the shoulder while sitting up straight; Relax shoulders by rotating them backwards several times and then forwards; Spread your fingers as far apart as you can. Hold for five seconds, and then make a fist. Repeat this action several times; and Keep moving throughout the day by taking mini-breaks for your favorite stretches. Tags Nonprofit & Human Service Religious Organization Small Business Education Nonprofit © 2023 GuideOne Insurance. GuideOne® is the registered trademark of the GuideOne Insurance Company. All rights reserved. This material is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to give specific legal or risk management advice, nor are any suggested checklists or action plans intended to include or address all possible risk management exposures or solutions. You are encouraged to retain your own expert consultants and legal advisors in order to develop a risk management plan specific to your own activities.