Setting Up Your VDT Workstation for Comfort and Productivity

1. Setting Up Your VDT Workstation for Comfort and Productivity

2. Understanding the Goals of Workstation Arrangement • Comfort • Productivity • Neutral But Changing Postures

3. Head/Neck: Neutral Postures • Downward Line of Sight Angle • 15 - 30 Degrees From Horizontal • Avoid Head Upright - Looking Straight Ahead

4. Seated Posture • For Operators Who Alternate Keying With Other Tasks: Reclining Posture • For Operators Who Perform Intensive Keying: Non-Reclining Posture

5. Seated Posture • Reclining Posture: Similar to the Posture One Assumes While Driving a Car • Non-Reclining Posture: More Upright With Leg-Thigh Angle at > 90 Degrees • To Accomplish This, Tilt the Seatpan Forward a Few Degrees

6. Wrist/Arm/Shoulder Posture • Hand/Wrist Should Align With Forearm During Keying • Elbows Should Rest Comfortably at the Sides • Shoulders Should Be Relaxed

7. Arranging Your Workstation • Changing One Workstation Setting May Affect the Requirements of Other Workstation Settings • Start With a Good Quality Adjustable Chair • Adjust the Seatpan Height to Your Dimensions • Feet Should Reach the Floor Comfortably • Select a Comfortable Recline • Adjust Arm Rests (if any)

8. Chairs • Chairs Should Have Separate Seat and Backrest Tilt Mechanisms • Lock the Backrest Tilt to Your Preferred Recline • Adjust the Lumbar Support for the Lower Back • Chair Arm-Rests are Not Necessary But May Be Preferred

9. Monitor Location • Position So That the Top of Monitor is Several Inches Below Eye Level • If Necessary, Remove Monitor From Atop CPU (set directly on top of desk or table) • Adjust the Desk or Table Height to Lower or Raise Monitor • Position Monitor Close Enough for Easy Reading, Usually 20-40 Inches Distance

10. Monitor • Use Monitor Tilt Feature to Reduce Direct or Reflected Glare • If Necessary, Modify the Work Station Location in Relation to Light Sources or Windows • Place Monitor Facing 90 Degrees to Windows or Light Sources

11. Keyboard Arrangement • Place Keyboard in Adjustable Keyboard Tray • Adjust Keyboard Height to Your Dimensions • Tilt Keyboard Tray Forward or Backward to Encourage Neutral Hand/Wrist Posture • Check for Thigh Clearance Under Tray • Modify Settings Until Comfortable

12. Keyboard Arrangement • Negative Angle Keyboard Trays Have Improved Hand/Wrist Postures of Test Subjects • Using a Negative Angle Tray Places Keyboard Lower, Closer to One’s Lap • Operators Using a Negative Angle Tray May Prefer Their Mouse Pad Higher

13. Mouse Pads • Mouse Pad Can Be Attached to Keyboard Tray on Right or Left Side • Mouse Pad Should Be At Same General Height As Keyboard - But Need Not Exactly Match • Select Mouse Style for Comfort and Productivity

14. Complete Your Workstation • Use a Headset If You Talk on Phone While Keying • Provide Adequate Space for Other Tasks (Writing, Reading, Dialing Telephone, etc.) • Position Frequently Used Materials Within Easy Reach

15. Complete Your Workstation • Very Short Operators May Need a Footrest • Adjustable Footrests Are Preferred • Use a Copy Holder to Create Additional Desk-Top Space or Improve Head/Neck Posture • Avoid Clutter Which May Conflict With Needed Body Space

16. VDT Operators • Take Frequent Breaks and Move About • Re-Adjust Aspects of Your Workstation Periodically • Stretching and/or Exercise Can Make You Feel Better • Bifocal or Trifocal Lens Wearers May Need Separate Glasses for Computer Work

17. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS