Ergonomics Explained

Use our expert staff to suggest a range of products to address ergonomic problems. With 23 years experience the Team here know the value of a comfortable office, and have in-depth knowledge of the product range. Our catalogue has clear labeling to keep things simple.

You will be pleased to know that some of the solutions don’t actually cost that much. Chairs designed on sound ergonomic principles cost as little as £80. These kinds of chairs are not just a place to sit but a functional work tool, that properly support your body in a functional position – the correct position that facilitates optimal physical functioning and encourages dynamic sitting with free float and reclining mechanisms.

Adjustable desks are available from as little as £320. These ensure that the desk height is suited to your individual measurements, your chair, and the task you are doing. Some are even adjustable at the touch of a button.

 

Zone One: Eyes

Position your monitor so eyes are level with the top of your monitor frame. Adjust the height of your monitor by using a monitor riser.

Avoid leaning forward toward the monitor.

Your viewing distance should be between 45 and 91 cm away from the screen.

Reduce screen glare, brightness and minimise light reflection by using a screen protector.

Your eyes can suffer from fatigue. Poor lighting forcing you to strain to see your work, light sources improperly positioned can cause glare in your work space. Visual ergonomics suggests the use of anti glare filters on computers and the proper design of lighting to eliminate glare.

Click HERE to download your Zone One: Eyes pdf.

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Zone Two: Head / Neck / Shoulders

Avoid awkward neck movements and leaning forward towards the monitor.

Select correct monitor height, (the top of the monitor should always be at eye level). Always use a monitor or laptop riser.

Maintain correct body posture by keeping you ears, shoulders and hips in a straight line.

Select the correct work surface height. Tip: If you can't select the work surface height then change your chair height.

Position documents vertically at the same height as the screen. This can be easily achieved with a copy holder.

Click HERE to download your Zone Two: Head / Neck / Shoulders pdf.

Zone Three: Back

Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

Utilise a well positioned lumbar / back support.

Maintain correct body posture by keeping thighs parallel to the floor.

Do you know you and a lot of your colleagues are ‘Dedicated computer users'? If you sit at your desk for more than 2 hours a day using your computer you are officially dedicated computer user and twice as likely to suffer increased back and neck pain. Sitting at a static 90 degree angle all day, your spine works hard to keep you erect against gravity. Working all day without proper support or positioning increases the work your body has to do adding to fatigue and decreased productivity.

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Static positioning, especially sitting in a slumped posture, causing a C shaped spine, stresses muscles, bones and ligaments, reduces blood flow to the spine, and increases probability of discs bulging (a ’slipped disc’) with resulting, sometimes chronic, back pain.

Click HERE to download your Zone Three: Back pdf.

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Zone Four: Wrists / Hands

Avoid bending hands up at the wrist when typing (wrists should remain at a similar height to the keyboard and mouse).

Forearms should always be parallel to the floor.

The bottom of the elbow should also be level with the home row of the keyboard.

Always use a gel keyboard wrist rest and mouse pad wrist rest for comfortable use.

Always use a seperate keyboard with a laptop.

If your job requires doing repetitive tasks like typing or performing any task continuously for more than a few uninterrupted hours, you can easily identify the fatigue that results from not changing position or resting. Continuing this pattern without taking consideration of ergonomic principles can lead to repetitive stress injuries (RSI) or more serious conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Click HERE to download your Zone Four: Wrists / Hands pdf.

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Zone Five: Legs / Feet

Ensure adequate space from the back of the knee to the seat pan (minimum of 50mm)

Support legs and feet using a foot rest.

Enhance circulation in the legs. Wherever possible avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

Use correct seat height. Thighs should be parallel with the floor, feet flat and knees level with the hips.

Our bodies wisely making an incredible number of dynamic postural adjustments. If modern working practices force static positions, then you have to have equipment or reminders to keep you in less stressful positions, or that allow you easily to change position easily.

Click HERE to download your Zone Five: Legs / Feet pdf.

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Zone Six: Environment

Regular cleaning of all office equipment kills germs, eliminate static, improves screen clarity and keeps workstations dust and dirt free.

Ensure that the temperature is at a comfortable level.

Workstations should be well lit without glare or reflections.

Click HERE to download your Zone Six: Environment pdf.

Here are some tips you can start with straight away:

Promote more functional positions that put less strain on the body:
Adapt existing chairs using quality seat wedges, back supports, adjustable footrests and rockers.

Use products to avoid eyestrain and promote functional working positions: such as anti-glare filters, copy holders, notebook risers and gel wrist rests.

Make sure operators take regular breaks - just even short stretch breaks to improve blood flow and focus the eyes beyond the screen.

Call us on 0151 649 6030 for our free advice to help you protect your health and the health of your colleagues. Out catalogue also has some helpful guidelines.