Workplace Postures

With the extended time spent working, correct workplace postures are critical for preventing injury, maintaining health, and improving productivity.

1. Seated Posture

In order to achieve a good proportional weight distribution of the body, proper seat height and seat angle must be accomplished. The feet must rest flat on the floor with the knees lower than the hips and not touching the front of the seat. Lumbar support should fit into the small of the back that is resting against the chair’s backrest.  Other adjustments should include arm height and width.

2. Keyboarding Posture

The keyboard and mouse surfaces must be within a comfortable reaching distance. The keyboard should be close and low to the body, about 1-2 inches above the thighs and at a flat or slightly tilted-away angle. The forearms should be lower than the elbows.

3. Mousing Posture

The mouse should be placed as close to the keyboard as possible, preferably with the surface pad being above the keyboard’s numeric pad. It is important to keep the hand, wrist, and forearm straight while working, with the hands below the level of the elbows. Use a palm support to protect the wrist from unnecessary problems.

4. Visual Posture

The monitor should be located in a way to avoid eye or body strain. The top of the monitor should be just below eye level or 3-4 inches lower than that if bifocals or progressive lenses are used. If there are multiple monitors, they should all be level to each other.

5. Writing/Paperwork Posture

Any document holder should be below the monitors and easily readable, not either to the left or to the right; the monitor and the holder should be close to each other. The best desk layout is to keep everything easily accessible and in straight positioning with each other.

All of the above information can help to ergonomically organize a workspace to decrease or eliminate any risk factors that could lead to any possible health issues resulting from improperly designed and positioned seating in the workplace.