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ergonomic Chairs and Features
warranted in some situations (Monitor Setup and
Usage, 2001).
Tilting the head back can occur when end users
wear bifocals. These end users need to take care
not to strain neck muscles. Therefore, single vision
glasses may be necessary for computer work (U.
S. Department of Labor, 2004).
Some of the suggestions for dealing with com-
puter related vision problems include seeing an eye
doctor, taking breaks, using artificial tears, getting
appropriate glasses, correcting posture, cleaning
the screen, and so forth (Anshel, 2001). The solu-
tion depends of course on the actual symptoms
experienced by the user. However, many of the
solutions are not time consuming or costly. But
communication regarding the symptoms by the
end user and the precautions or solutions to the
end user is important.
Having a good ergonomically designed chair is
also commonly suggested. An end user needs
to have a chair that fits correctly. For example,
lumbar support, seat and back height adjustability,
tilt ability and tilt lock are important features to
have in an ergonomically sound chair (Kanarek,
2005).
According to ergonomic specialists, a neu-
tral posture should be maintained when using
the computer. “Ergonomics research shows that
computer users often adopt poor wrist postures,
and working in deviated postures is thought to
increase the risks of injury” (Hedge, 2003a). Good
posture plays an important role in preventing
musculoskeletal disorders.
monitor related Concerns
Mouse Use Modifications
The height of the monitor on the workstation
should be addressed. The end user view towards
the monitor should be slightly downward, accord-
ing to Brian Weir of the CSA (Beharie, 2003).
A similar suggestion made by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is
that the monitor should be positioned so that the
middle of the screen is 15 to 20 degrees below the
end user's horizontal eye level. This prevents the
end user from having to tilt his or her head back
which can cause muscle fatigue (U. S. Department
of Labor, 2004).
If the monitor cannot be lowered, the user chair
height may be adjusted, which could lead to the
need to use a footrest or to raise the keyboard or
both (U. S. Department of Labor, 2004). Another
source recommends a similar monitor setup that
prevents tilting the head forward or backward. It
suggests positioning the monitor so that the eyes
are level with a line about 2 to 3 inches below the
top of the monitor (Healthy Computing, 2001).
Positioning the monitor, taking into consid-
eration the previous suggestions, can decrease
glare. However, an anti-glare screen may be
To address “mouse shoulder,” shorter keyboards
can be used. The user would not have to reach
for the mouse (Goodwin, 2004). An independent
number pad can also be used with a shorter key-
board. (Hanson, 2004)
Another suggestion is to use two mouse de-
vices simultaneously, one by the dominant hand
and the other by the non-dominant hand when
interacting with the computer. This, according
to the source, would provide a safer ergonomic
solution (Golden, 2004).
Using a mouse for interacting with a computer,
is likely here to stay, at least for quite awhile.
Professional suggestions for use can help to pre-
vent muscle strain. If posture is being negatively
impacted by mouse use, assess the workstation
layout and modify it.
general ergonomic support
Resources are available that cover a variety of
topics from computer workstation design to pos-
ture issues. The following sites provide detailed
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