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Computer Ergonomics for the Therapy Professional: Summary
Appropriate Observations to Consider • Chair • Monitor/computer level • Keyboard Measurements to Consider • Height/depth of desk • Neutral postures • Mouse/keyboard height (sitting and standing) • Monitor height (sitting and standing) • Seat height • Bins in the way • Thickness of desk (i.e., keyboard trays) • Occasional occurrences SECTION 4: DECISION MAKING PROCESS How to Make Recommendations • Recognize Ergonomic Problems : Consider all ergonomic risk factors • Determine Range of Possible Solutions : Consider options to improve ergonomic positioning • Choose Best Recommendations : Make decisions based on the best options for the individual client Clinicians must recognize that user preference is the priority. Employees should sample various products to determine which ones best fit their needs. Adjustable furniture alone will not lower MSD risk. However, adjustable products with proper training were shown to significantly lower MSDs. Product Recommendations Chair SECTION 5: ENVIRONMENTAL/ PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS • Allows User to : Support back and legs and adjust to contribute to neutral posture; adjusting body so eyes are level with the monitor • Consider : ○ Adjustability: helps decrease shoulder/wrist/hand discomfort ○ Arm rests ○ Often the most important item Lumbar Supports • Allows User to : Increase lumbar support • Consider : ○ Density ○ Type (mesh, memory foam) ○ Sampling Keyboard Trays • Allows User to : Position elbow in a neutral posture and place forearm and wrist/palm at the same level • Consider : ○ Fit of mouse/keyboards ○ Installation underneath desk ○ Adjustability ○ Wrist position without deviation ○ Keyboard height/legs
○ Wrist and fingers should be pointed straight ahead (not turning to the pinky or the thumb) • Neck/Shoulders: ○ Shoulders should be relaxed (not raised) and perpendicular to the floor ○ Neck, head, and shoulders should be directly opposite the computer, not twisted or rotated ○ Head and neck should not be excessively bent forward or backward: ■ Adjust the monitor higher or lower depending on posture • Back/Thighs/Elbow: ○ Back and thighs should be upright ○ Not bending forward to see the monitor ○ Wrist, forearm, and fingers should be parallel to the floor Other Considerations for Good Posture • The monitor should be a little more than an arms’ length away from the user • The monitor should be directly in front of the user to avoid rotating the neck and head • The top of the monitor should be about eye level or slightly below • Do not tuck the phone between the neck and shoulder • Ensure clearance under the desk so that the user can get close enough to type and use the mouse without having to reach • Avoiding sharp edges on the desk and wrist rest • Continue to use a preferred hand for the mouse to get stronger if the client does not wish to change mouses or try alternating sides SECTION 3: ASSESSMENTS The Onsite Assessment An onsite assessment involves the therapist being at the work site during the actual assessment. The workspace does not always need a new product and many times adjustments can be made to currently used products. Clinicians should bring the following to an onsite assessment: an onsite assessment template or OSHA E-tool, pen/clipboard, sample products (such as an ergonomic mouse/keyboard), and a measuring tape. Home Office vs Office Space Home Office considerations • Flexibility in workspace • Less pain on average reported: ○ Greater control over work environment less pain perception Office Space considerations • Just a workstation • More pain on average: ○ Less control more pain at work
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