What exactly is “Ergonomically Correct”

Here are some general guidelines to adjust your workspace to your body and help prevent hazards such as repetitive stress injuries, which need to be protected against both in the workplace and in the home office.

• Your desk should be situated so that your forearms are parallel to the floor and your wrists straight when you’re entering information of a computer keyboard, and you should have enough space in front of the keyboard to rest the heels of your hands on while keying in data.

• Common height recommended for computing surface is 26 inches from the floor with a desk depth of 24 inches. Common height recommended for desk surface is 29 inches.

• The center of your computer monitor should be about two feet from your face and about eight inches below eye level.

• Your chair should be adjustable (seat and back) and should provide solid support. It should allow you sit comfortably erect with your thighs parallel to the floor or slightly up at the knees so you don’t have to slump. The height of the seat’s top surface should be 15 to 21 inches from the floor.

• In terms of natural light, northern daylight is the best light for your office. Lamps or overhead lights should be directed toward the side of or behind your line of vision.

SOURCE: CCH Incorporated, Riverwoods, IL, January 2000.