Creating a safe workspace
In addition to keeping your computer healthy, it's important to think about your own health. Using a computer involves a lot of repetitive motions such as typing and using the mouse. Over time, these motions can begin to negatively impact your body, especially your wrists, neck, and back. Staring at a monitor for long periods of time can also cause eye strain. To minimize these risks, you should take a few moments to make sure your workspace is arranged in a comfortable and healthy way.
Avoiding strain and injury
Computer ergonomics is the science of equipment design and how specific equipment usage and placement can reduce a user's discomfort and increase productivity. Some equipment is designed with special attention to ergonomics, like ergonomic keyboards and ergonomic chairs.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid injury in your
workspace.
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Adjust your chair: Make sure your chair is adjusted to allow you to
sit in a natural, comfortable position. Many office chairs are specially
designed to support the lower back and promote good posture.
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Keep the keyboard at a comfortable height: Try to place the
keyboard in a position that allows you to keep your wrists straight and relaxed
to avoid wrist strain. Many desks have a keyboard tray that can keep the
keyboard at a better height. You can also buy an ergonomic keyboard that
is designed to minimize wrist strain.
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Keep the mouse close to the keyboard: If possible, place the mouse
right next to the keyboard. If the mouse is too far away, it may be
uncomfortable or awkward to reach for it.
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Place the monitor at a comfortable distance: The ideal position
for a monitor is 20 to 40 inches away from your eyes. It
should also be at eye level or slightly lower.
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Avoid clutter: The computer area can quickly become cluttered with
paper, computer accessories, and other items. By keeping this area as
uncluttered as possible, you can improve your productivity and prevent strain
and injury.
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Take frequent breaks: It's important to take breaks while you're
working at your computer. To avoid eye strain, you should look away
from the monitor every once in a while. You can also stand up
and walk around to avoid sitting in the same position for long periods
of time. Programs such as Workrave can automatically remind
you to take breaks.
